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. 15-11
No. 15 – Ashley Bleke, Bellmont
Bleke has already made her mark at Bellmont High School as a freshman, showing up in big games and leading the Braves in scoring on multiple occasions. In a tight conference game against Huntington North, she scored 16 points; Bleke contributed 10 points in a dominant 53-22 win over Leo, sparking a 12-0 run early. Bleke was named OTH All-Freshman team last season, she was 1st Team All-Conference and shot 40% from three point range as she averaged a team second best 13.1 points to go with 4.6 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
Coach’s Quote on Bleke
“Ashley’s freshman season was on par with any freshman in the history of Bellmont. She nearly shot 40% from 3 but could also take people off the dribble. Her ability to finish on both sides of the rim makes her really dangerous. With all this being said, one main reason that Ashley is awesome is that she shy’s away from her greatness. Because her class is so tight, she does not care about individual awards or accolades and wants to focus on others. And of course, she carries on the Bleke name with great defense and an ability to rebound.” – Bellmont coach Andy Heim
No. 14 – Grace Scharlach, Fremont
Last season, she delivered strong all-around production, putting up averages of 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3 steals per game — numbers that reflect her ability to score, distribute, defend, and impact the game from the backcourt. One of her most standout games from a season ago saw her score 21 points with six assists and five steals in a win over Fairview (OH). College interest for Scharlach has been rising and that is no surprise after leading the Eagles to a second straight Sectional title.
Coach’s Quote on Scharlach
“Grace’s work ethic is the reason she has had the success she has had. Her speed and ability to find ways to score in a variety of ways is what sets her apart from others.” – Fremont coach Shae Thomas
No. 13 – Leah Shappell, Leo
Shappell emerged as one of Northeast Indiana’s most impactful two-way players, nearly averaging a double-double at 14.6 points and 9.9 rebounds while adding elite rim protection (3.1 blocks) and disruptive perimeter hands (2.5 steals). That blend of efficiency and defense powered Leo and earned her spots on Outside the Huddle’s 2024–25 All-Area team as well as its All-Defensive team, underscoring how she controlled games on both ends.
Coach’s Quote on Shappell
“With the consistent goal of making everyone around her better, Leah has done a great job the last three years of playing a different role every year. While she has led us in scoring the past two years, she has also focused on rebounds and her defense in order to help the team find as much success as possible. Leah has had the best teammates over the course of her career here, and I am truly looking forward to seeing how much energy and leadership she can bring in her last season as a Lady Lion! It has been a blessing to be her coach and her mom!” – Leo coach Carrie Shappell
No. 12 – Reese Stonebraker, Whitko
Stonebraker emerged as even more of a breakout performer: she increased her scoring average from about 8.1 PPG as a sophomore to 13.8 PPG last season. Stonebraker also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and an astounding 3.1 steals per game. Her defensive play stood out all season, with multiple games featuring 5 or more steals, including a season-high 8 in one contest against Southwood. She had three double doubles on the season and scored a season best 25 points against Bishop Luers.
Coach’s Quote on Stonebraker
“Reese will be my only senior this year having transferred in her sophomore year. She’s been a huge part of why our program has turned around so quickly. She’s an amazing basketball player but an even better person. She’s super unselfish and will have a big senior season.” – Whitko coach Justin Jordan
No. 11 – Hallie Schwieterman, Jay County
Schwieterman enters her junior season as the clear leader of the pack in the ACAC, carrying the mantle for Jay County after a dominant sophomore campaign. She led the Patriots in all four major statistical categories, averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.8 steals, and 2.4 assists per game, a testament to her all-around impact. Schwieterman’s consistency was remarkable, scoring in double figures in all but one game, with a season-high 32 points coming against Bluffton. She also recorded six double-doubles, four with rebounds, one with assists, and one in spectacular fashion with 10 steals against Muncie Central.
Coach’s Quote on Schwieterman
“A true competitor, Hallie leads with effort, toughness, and heart. Whether running the offense at point guard or knocking down shots as a wing, she rises to every challenge. Her defense sets the tone, playing with grit and determination to shut down opponents. On offense, few can attack downhill with the same force and confidence, making her a constant threat and a dependable teammate.” – Jay County coach Sherri McIntire
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
Awesome!!!!