THE FAVORITE
Eastside Blazers
Eastside girls basketball enters the new season with a strong foundation of experience and confidence following last year’s impressive 27-2 campaign. Junior standouts Taylor Mack (guard/forward) and Lucy Kitchen (guard) return to lead the starting lineup, while seniors Adelaide Elden and Addison Moughler, along with junior Rylan Moughler, provide steady depth and leadership. The roster also welcomes players they hope to be impactful in senior forward Paige Kriescher and junior guards Payton Reycasa and Carly Carnahan, who are expected to step into meaningful roles. The Blazers will look to replace heavy scoring losses after the graduation of Sydnee Kessler (859 career points), Lily Kriescher (805), and Paige Traxler (905), but their defensive identity, athleticism, and togetherness as a program remain their greatest strengths.
“Coming off of a 27-2 season, with a final four appearance in 2A we look to continue that success. We are very excited to get things going with this group of young ladies. We may look a little different, but everyone will see that we can adjust and maintain the willingness to play for each other that has been the staple of our program for the last few years with “Drive, Determination, and Discipline,” said coach Mike Lortie.
THE CONTENDER
Fairfield Falcons
With a strong mix of experience and fresh talent, returning a core of starters led by seniors Eva Herbert, Mykayla Mast, and forward Macy Worthman, who looks to make an impact after being sidelined by injury last year. Junior guard Madison Jones had a great year last season and adds another reliable presence, while sophomore forward Paige Park brings versatility after averaging 5 points and 4 rebounds a game as a freshman. The Falcons will also benefit from the addition of senior forward Gisel Lopez, junior forward Maddie Treat, and sophomore guard Jenna Fought, who are expected to contribute immediately.
“We’re excited to see what this season will hold. We should be very experienced. We have a lot of girls that have played varsity basketball for a long time now. But I am more interested in their mindset this year. What are they going to bring to the table day in and day out,” said coach Kyle Hartman.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Angola Hornets
Like many other programs on the girls side, Angola will start fresh not only with a brand new head coach, but one new to the program. Caela Walker takes over after spending the last eight seasons leading the team at Edon High School in Ohio. With seniors Aspen Sutton and Isabella Robertson returning in the backcourt to provide leadership and experience, this year’s team will lean on a strong mix of veterans and emerging talent. Sophomores Kendall Holman, Stella Stockamp, Ella Savick, and Hadleigh Pocock bring valuable depth and familiarity, while a promising group of newcomers—including sophomores Kendall Vanderwal and Riley Duran along with freshmen Brynlee Knox, Avery Judson, and Jalynn Quaderer—will look to carve out impact roles quickly. Growth will focus on tightening up the defensive end, improving perimeter shooting, and sharpening shot selection.
“I am extremely excited for our group this season, we have a great group of young women
that are going to compete night in and night out,” Walker said.
Central Noble Cougars
The Cougars will return three starts including three-time All-NECC performer Grace Swank (9.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg), who was one of the biggest double double threats in Northeast Indiana last season with six total. The Cougars will also bring back leading scorer Abby Pliett (10.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Kaydintz Bales (7.2 ppg). Those three represent three of Central Noble’s top four scorers from a season ago. Back too will be senior Austen McGlothlin and sophomore Jaylee Stone. Another sophomore guard, Suryha Steele, will move up from the JV this season to help the Cougars lean on developing depth
“The Lady Cougars will be a blend of seasoned veterans and first-time significant varsity-minutes players. Our goal is to compete in every game and be in a position to win a championship this winter,” said coach Sam Malcolm.
Churubusco Eagles
Churubusco enters the 2024–25 season with a coupe of experienced leaders back, headlined by returning senior guard Patty Wiggs, who averaged 7.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 1.9 assists per game last year. Fellow senior Kailin Foote returns to the lineup after missing part of last season due to injury, adding another steady presence in the backcourt. Juniors Phoenix Smith, Nola Bianski, and Aleasia Johnson, along with sophomore guard Brynn Lortie, give the Eagles a strong core of versatile returners. Senior newcomer Lydia Parker is expected to make an impact as well. Despite graduating key scorers Brooklyn Sinclair (11.5 ppg) and Bridget Timbrook (8.5 ppg), Busco’s goals remain ambitious — to stay connected as a team, compete in every game, reach double-digit wins, and contend for both the NECC Tournament and sectional titles, with hopes of returning to the sectional final once again.
Fremont Eagles
Fremont enters the new season with confidence thanks to three experienced returning starters and a fast-paced style of play. Junior guards Grace Scharlach (15 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Mya Turner (12 ppg, 5.5 rpg) give the Eagles a dynamic backcourt capable of scoring and rebounding at a high level, while senior forward Hailey Heller (4 ppg, 2.6 rpg) adds toughness in the paint. Key contributors such as juniors Mallorie Huffnagle and Chloe Verdin bring additional depth and guard play, while newcomers sophomore Karson Shrewsburg and seniors Willow Whittaker and Rylee Hays could provide fresh energy and size. Fremont’s speed and varsity experience set the stage for another competitive campaign. To reach their goals of contending for a sectional championship and finishing in the top four of their conference, the Eagles will look to sharpen their outside shooting and improve in handling defensive pressure.
“We hope to continue to build on the season we had last year to keep our program heading in the right direction. We have experience back this year and look to be a top contender in our conference and sectional,” said coach Shae Thomas.
Garrett Railroaders
Senior Sarah DePew returns as the centerpiece after averaging 12.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year, earning First Team All-Conference and KPC First Team All-Area honors. She’ll be joined by sophomore guard Emma Coffman, who impressed as a freshman with 11.7 points and 3.5 assists per game, garnering Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition as well as being OTH All-Freshman. Junior Charlotte Lemen adds stability to the lineup. Freshman wing Avery Leech joins the team at forward; Garrett also adds junior guard Avery Traylor.
“We want to be a team that other teams despise playing. Our motto for this season is “TOUGH” (together, outwork, unselfish, grit, and humble). We feel that if we can emphasize and do each of these at a high level every day, we will be that team that nobody wants to play. We have some key returners as well as some new faces that are looking to make an impact. We are excited for the direction of Garrett Girls Basketball,” said new coach Wade Hantz.
Lakeland Lakers
With four starters returning who bring multiple years of varsity experience, this group enters the season with confidence and high expectations. Senior guard Dulce Canedo (11.7 ppg, 2x NECC) will once again be a go-to scorer and playmaker, while fellow senior Katelyn Ryan adds toughness in the frontcourt. Juniors McKenzie Carlson (5.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Zoey Bowman (9.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg) provide balance on both ends, with Bowman emerging as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc at 40%. Sophomores Ella Huppenthal, Chloe Yoder, and Carmen Rettig return to strengthen the rotation, and freshmen Madilyn Aumsbaugh and Olivia Howard add new energy and depth. To reach their goals of posting a winning season, finishing in the top half of the NECC, and competing for a sectional crown, the focus will be on cutting down turnovers, staying aggressive offensively, limiting opponents to one shot, and sustaining intensity for a full 32 minutes.
“We have a team that I truly believe can contend with some of the upper-echelon NECC teams. We return 7 of our top 10 players, including 4 girls who have started for us the last three years,” said coach James Benson. “Dulce Canedo continues to be one of the most underrated players in the area, and I believe she will be primed for a big Senior season. If we are able to put together a full 32 minutes this year and take care.”
Prairie Heights Panthers
This year’s team returns a strong core of experienced players, led by sophomore forward Avery Certain, who averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game and junior point guard Bailee Godsey, who contributed 5.3 points and 2.4 assists per game. Seniors Avery Wagler (4.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Maddison Certain (3.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg) also return as steady contributors in the lineup, giving the team valuable leadership and varsity experience. Other key veterans include seniors Jenna Park and Peyton Gibson. A promising group of newcomers—sophomores Addison Taylor and Baylee Rasler, along with freshmen Isobel Wolheter and Allie Hardy—are expected to add depth and energy to the roster.
“This new Prairie Heights girls basketball program is making ‘strides’ and this season we will be fun to watch,” said coach Daniel Barnett.
West Noble Chargers
With no seniors lost to graduation, this group returns a strong core of experience led by junior Marley Mast (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.3 apg), sophomores Elyse Mead (4.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.6 apg) and Ava Delong (3.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg), and juniors Allison Recendiz (4.8 ppg) and Addison Burns. They are supported by key returners such as sharpshooter Ella Limerick, versatile posts Reagan Eash and Leah Pruitt, and senior Kayle Jordan, who can score inside and out. Cloie Ulrey and Madilyn Sitts bring scoring threats from the perimeter, giving the team a nice balance of inside presence and outside shooting. Newcomers Kaylin Slone (wing) and freshman point guard Brooklyn Barden add depth and potential immediate impact. With a solid summer under their belts, the team has shown strong work ethic and a willingness to learn, but must improve scoring consistency, reduce turnovers, and establish a stronger inside game according to their coach.
“We will be a young team with the potential to improve a lot and hopefully be more competitive overall. The girls are learning a much different system and so they will need time to develop into it and gain more experience,” said new West Noble coach Steve Wiktorowski. “They all have good attitudes, are coachable, and are good overall athletes making us optimistic about the future.”
Westview Warriors
With four returning starters, this group brings back plenty of experience and leadership as it looks to remain competitive in the NECC. Seniors Bre Cory (8 ppg, 5 rpg), Janissa Lehman (7.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.6 spg), and JJ Whetstone (5.7 ppg, 3 rpg) join junior Olivia Bontrager (5.7 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2.3 spg, NECC All-Conference Honorable Mention) to form a balanced core that can produce on both ends of the floor. Adding to that experience are key returners Madison Grossman, a 6’2 senior center, and sophomore Morgan Grossman, giving depth in the post and on the wing. The emphasis this season will be on sharpening their defense and finding consistency in team scoring, with goals set on contending for both the NECC conference and Sectional titles.
“We have the a lot of experience coming back next season. We had a good summer to get the girls used to their new roles on the team,” said coach Ryan Yoder. “With this much experience we should be further along at the start of the season then in past years.”
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Eastside
2. Fairfield
3. Fremont
4. Angola
5. Central Noble
6. Westview
7. Lakeland
8. Garrett
9. Prairie Heights
10. West Noble
11. Churubusco
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