The East Noble girls basketball program enters the 2024–25 season with a blend of continuity, chemistry, and ambition. Under third-year head coach Britain Isaacs, the Knights return their entire roster from a year ago, setting the stage for a campaign built on experience and momentum. Competing in the demanding Northeast 8 Conference, Isaacs and his staff have made it clear that the Knights’ goals extend beyond regular-season wins—they intend to be in the mix for both sectional and regional championships.
A major strength for East Noble lies in its returning starters, each of whom has carved out an important role. Senior forward Addison Deming provides scoring and versatility after averaging 9.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while also earning KPC All-Area and All-Conference Second Team recognition. Fellow senior guard Kate David has been steady in the backcourt, contributing 4.9 points per game with efficiency from both two-point and three-point range.
The junior class is perhaps more impactful. Guard Averi Amstutz leads the team in scoring at 11.3 points per game and is also its most consistent playmaker, averaging 3.5 assists while earning KPC All-Area and All-Conference First Team honors. Her classmate, Rian David, has proven to be a reliable two-way player, posting 10.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while hitting 40% from beyond the arc. In the post, junior forward/center Elli Will anchors the interior, averaging 8.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and an impressive 1.3 blocks per game, making her a defensive cornerstone.
Depth is another factor setting East Noble apart. Senior guard Makenna Strohm (3.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.1 apg) and junior forward Shaye Ritchie (4.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg) add balance to the rotation, while younger players like sophomore guard Brook Arnold and freshman forward Sydnee Hillier are expected to provide energy and growth as they acclimate to varsity competition. The Knights also benefit from role players such as Avalynn Schache, who contributes on the glass and defensively.
Statistically, East Noble has found success by playing fast and efficient basketball. The Knights averaged 51.5 points per game while holding opponents to just 46.0, with strong percentages inside the arc (48.7% on twos) and a respectable 34.9% from three-point range. Their pace and shooting ability give them the firepower to compete against elite opponents, but the coaching staff has emphasized that improvements on defense and consistency will be crucial for reaching their ceiling.
A hallmark of the Knights’ identity has been their ability to spread contributions across the roster. While Amstutz and Rian David often led the scoring charge, Deming, Will, and Kate David provided steady production to complement the stars. The Knights also demonstrated unselfishness, averaging 14.0 assists per game, a figure that underscores their emphasis on ball movement and team-oriented offense.
“We are excited for the upcoming season as we return our entire roster and look to build on the momentum we created last year. To continue pushing ourselves, we’ve added stronger opponents to our schedule, giving us the preparation we need for the challenges of our conference and the state tournament,” Issacs said.
WHY #9?
Isaacs believes the combination of returning talent, team chemistry, and a challenging schedule will position East Noble to thrive in the postseason. The Knights’ clear goals—finishing in the top three of the NE8 and capturing sectional and regional titles—reflect both confidence and high expectations. With experienced seniors, skilled juniors, and developing underclassmen, East Noble has the depth and drive to be one of Northeast Indiana’s most dangerous 3A programs if they can keep consistency.
KEY GAME
November 18 vs. Concordia Lutheran
This will be East Noble’s second game of the season but it is important to note that they will take on ACAC favorites Bluffton the game before this. So while Concordia is not a conference opponent, they are a fairly solid SAC team with a high end scorer. That combined with coming off a somewhat important Bluffton game, this one could a chance for East Noble to really show where they are at early in this season.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier as East Noble plays some powers before their first NE8 game on December 6, so what they do for the first nine games of the season is important for momentum and welcoming the Cadets is among the most important games.
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