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 tip off the countdown on the girls hoops side with positions No. 25-21
No. 25 – Miley Wareing
Wareing is as a formidable presence for Northrop as anyone. She originally made her mark at Bishop Luers, helping them to a state title, but was still highly impactful last season when she moved to Northrop once she go going. She averaged 9.8 points per game, shot 45% from the field, and grabbed 8.7 rebounds per game, ranking first on the team in boards last season. Her rim-protection and physicality are key with her combination of size inside, rebounding strength and steady scoring. In just her second game back from injury last season, she posted a 12 point, 13 rebound double double against East Noble; one of three on the season. Wareing blocked a season best 6 shots in a win over Tippecanoe Valley.
Coach’s Quote on Wareing
“Miley had a strong season last year, after returning from injury. She controls the paint and is a guaranteed double-double. She has an extremely high ceiling and will help Northrop as we hope to make a push in the post-season.” – Northrop coach Katie Jackson
No. 24 – Lily George, Carroll
George has quietly become a foundational force in the Chargers’ frontcourt. In her junior season, she averaged 10.2 points per game, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks, while shooting an impressive 59 % from the field—the team’s best mark in 2024–25. She had four double doubles last season with Carroll winning all of the games; the Chargers were 5-0 when George had 8 or more rebounds; her top performance coming with 14 points and 15 rebounds against Bishop Luers. Her combination of high efficiency, steady rebounding, and inside presence gives Carroll a dependable anchor in the paint as they head into the upcoming season.
Coach’s Quote on George
“Lily is an excellent passer against a double team and she is improving on reading defensive double teams. Lily is a strong and powerful post player with the understanding on how to maneuver around her defensive players to receive the ball. Lily as a senior has a great upswing due to her work ethic off and on the court so she can become a dominate post player and an all-around player in the future. Lily’s leadership ability makes her a valuable asset to any team. This is why, she is considered one of the best players in the area.” – Carroll coach Mark Redding
No. 23 – Sarah DePew, Garrett
During the 2023–24 season, she led the team in multiple categories, averaging 12.8 points per game, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.4 steals. She also displayed range, knocking down 30 % from three-point distance and contributing on the boards despite her perimeter position. She had 20 points in a win over North Side and 18 as the Railroaders beat Heritage last season. Known for an unrelenting work ethic, DePew is a major part for Garrett’s rebuilding squad.
Coach’s Quote on DePew
“Sarah is the ultimate competitor on both ends of the floor. She will do whatever it takes to win and to help the team. Offensively she is turning herself into a three level scorer who can score the ball at a high level. Defensively, she will be a key piece for us, especially rebounding the basketball.” – Garrett coach Wade Hantz
No. 22 – Averi Amstutz, East Noble
Amstutz has emerged as a cornerstone of East Noble. She lead the Knights in scoring at 11.3 points per game and also topped the team in assists (3.5 per game) and steals (2.0 per game). She was recognized among the top players in her conference, earning a spot on the NE8 All-Conference First Team last season. Amstutz has really become a tough two-way guard that is capable of generating offense in a lot of ways for herself and her team. That court vision is improving, something she was able to showcase well as the Knights captured a Sectional title and then throughout the season.
Coach’s Quote on Amstutz
“Averi is someone who seems to make big jumps every year. She had a very strong offseason and worked on her weaknesses. I believe she may have a huge season for us and herself. She is one of the hardest workers in the area. She’s someone that also has shown elite defense, we are hoping she can expand in that realm this year.” – East Noble coach Britain Isaacs
No. 21 – Madison Jones, Fairfield
Madison Jones emerged as Fairfield’s go-to scorer, leading the team with 15 points per game while also contributing 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals a night. Her ability to consistently put points on the board set the tone for the Falcons’ offense, while her all-around contributions on the glass, in distribution, and defensively made her a complete player. Jones’ leadership and production were central to Fairfield’s rise to the top of the Northeast Corner Conference
Coach’s Quote on Jones
“Madison has picked up a lot of attention this off season. It was her first year playing AAU for OPS and she had a great summer. She’s gotten better every year, so we are all excited for her Junior year. Her confidence n leadership is growing everyday.” – Fairfield coach Kyle Hartman
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