For the seventh season in a row, Bounce and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2025-2026 season.
Want to know how we come up with our rankings? Click here.
Today, we continue the countdown on the girls hoops side with positions No. 30-26
No. 30 – Anisa Tonkel, Columbia City
Tonkel is a tough, hard-nosed player who can be a tone setter. Tonkel is a versatile offensive threat — able to attack the rim with strength and finish, while also knocking down shots from beyond the arc — and she’s just as impactful on the other end of the floor as a strong, disciplined defender. Averaging 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, she brings really solid production and competitiveness, and will be crucial pushing her teammates to match her energy and toughness every time they step on the court.
Coach’s Quote on Tonkel
“Anisa is a very hard nosed player who has a great work ethic. She has taken over the leadership role in our program that Addison Baxter has left behind. She can get to the rim and shoot the three ball and is a strong defender. She is a touch competitor and expects her teammates to play the same way.” – Columbia City coach Amy Shearer
No. 29 – Eva Herbert, Fairfield
Herbert continued to be Fairfield’s do-everything leader, averaging 12 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game while setting the tone with her composure and steady presence. Though she didn’t receive the same all-area recognition she earned as a sophomore, her leadership was no less impactful, as she guided younger teammates and made plays in every facet of the game. Herbert’s ability to control tempo, create opportunities, and spark the defense kept her invaluable to a Falcon squad that remained on the cusp of leading the Northeast Corner Conference.
Coach’s Quote on Herbert
“Eva just signed with Huntington. Eva has been a leader of this team for three years now. She’s been very steady for us and now we are excited for it all to come together in her senior year.” – Fairfield coach Kyle Hartman
No. 28 – Emma Walker, Manchester
Walker steps into her junior year as the lead returner for the Manchester Squires after a standout sophomore season in which she led the team with 12.2 points per game. She proved to be more than just a scorer, also topping the roster with 6.6 rebounds and 2.9 steals per contest, showcasing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Walker had several breakout performances, highlighted by a 28-point effort against Triton and a 29-point night against Eastern, both of which also featured six steals as part of her disruptive defensive presence. Walker had three double doubles, including 19 rebounds against Southwood.
Coach’s Quote on Walker
“Emma is a versatile player who not only plays multiple positions, but she contributes to both ends of the floor. She can score in multiple ways, and she led our team in rebounds and steals last year. She not only is a talented player, but she also brings the energy and leads vocally. She is a fantastic teammate and looks for ways to make others around her better.” – Manchester coach Allison Kauffman
No. 27 – Taylor Mack, Eastside
A 5′10″ small forward in the class of 2027 at Eastside, Mack has quietly become a key two-way threat for the Blazers. Last season she averaged 10.1 points per game, 4.5 rebound, along with a combined 5.7 steals and deflections — numbers that try to underline her activity and impact beyond just scoring. With that kind of stat line, she has shown she can contribute in all phases: making plays, disrupting opponent offenses, crashing the boards, and finishing when needed. As she continues to grow and take on even more responsibility, Mack is becoming one of Eastside’s most versatile and dependable players.
Coach’s Quote on Mack
“Mack is a versatile player that can shoot from the outside along with going inside to post up and rebound to score. Her length can create a lot of headaches for opponents on the defensive end. Really looking for to really take off this year to be one of the top players in the NECC Conference.” – Eastside coach Mike Lortie
No. 26 – Grace Swank, Central Noble
Swank was a dominant interior presence all season, consistently flirting with a double-double as she averaged 9.5 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Her impact went well beyond scoring and rebounding, though, as she anchored the defense with an impressive 2.7 blocks per contest. That ability to alter shots in the paint made opponents think twice about driving inside; she had five games of four or more blocked shots. Swank posted a season high 15 rebounds twice and had her marquee night with 20 points and 11 rebounds against Angola.
Coach’s Quote on Swank
“Grace is a resilient worker that is known for her defense and rebounding. She has worked hard to improve her mid-range shooting and increase her accuracy to the arc. Grace is a leader by example and will set the tone for the team in practice. Her focus and determination will drive her team toward reaching its goals.” – Central Noble coach Sam Malcolm
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