THE FAVORITE
Bluffton Tigers
This season, the team will be led by senior guard Konley Ault, who averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last year while earning ACAC First Team and HM Small School All-State honors. Sophomore guard Khloe Dick, who started part of the season and contributed 8.9 points per game, returns as another key scoring option, while junior center Sophie Eisenhut adds strength as a reliable post defender.
The roster also gets a boost from newcomers, including Norwell transfers Carlee Strunk (G) and Eden Nash (F), along with sophomore forward Kam Ault moving up from JV. Despite losing two standout four-year starters—Isabella Stout (20 ppg, All-State, All-Conference) and Maryn Schreiber (10.7 ppg, All-Conference)—the team expects to remain highly competitive. Built on defensive quickness and aggression, they will continue to rely on Ault and Dick to pace the offense while developing depth and improving perimeter shooting.
“I expect us to be very good again from what I saw this summer meshing the new people together. We should be a high scoring team on offense and we will again get after people on the defensive end,” coach Doug Curtis said.
THE CONTENDER
Woodlan Warriors
Led by dominant senior center Alyssa Anderson, who averaged 17.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game last season while earning First Team All-ACAC, OTH All-Area, and IBCA Small School Underclass All-State honors, this team enters the year with a proven star and experience around her. Anderson will be joined by a strong senior core of Emma McDaniel, Mariah Thullner, and Kyra Elwood, along with key underclass contributors like junior guard Layla Hodson and sophomore forward Savannah Scheumann. The program also welcomes a deep group of newcomers, including Lexie Peoples, Kaitlyn Sterling, Brianna Noble, Scarlett Gillingham, and Olivia Trygg, who will all look to step into meaningful varsity minutes. The biggest question mark will be how quickly the new faces adapt to varsity competition, but with a focus on defensive pressure, quick ball movement, and a relentless work ethic, the goal is to compete every night and position themselves as one of the hardest working teams in the area.
“We are excited to see girls step into new roles and look forward to being a fun team to watch and a hard team to play against,” said coach David Randall.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Adams Central
With five players back who logged significant varsity minutes a season ago, this team has a strong foundation to build on as it looks to climb in the ACAC standings. Senior guards Ava Stafford (12.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg) and Kate Fisher (11.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg) bring scoring punch and leadership, while junior forward Izzy Isch, sophomore guard Tenley Hendricks (4.4 ppg, 2.1 apg), and sophomore guard Lila Ringger add balance and depth. Newcomers Demi Landis and Jillian Brotherton will look to provide an additional spark as the team develops. With experienced guards capable of big scoring nights and a hunger to improve, the team has set goals of surpassing last year’s five-win campaign and finishing in the top half of the ACAC.
Heritage
Heritage will look to build a tough, fast-paced identity this season says new head coach Jason Miller. Junior forward Audra Bickel returns as the team’s leading rebounder after averaging 6 points and an impressive 7.9 boards per game, while junior guard Olivia Lybarger (4.0 ppg) and senior center Addison Meyer (2.2 ppg, 4 rpg) bring a stability to the lineup. A strong supporting cast that includes juniors Audrey Meyer, Elise Hissong, and Anessa Spieth, along with sophomores Molly Krey, Riley Roy, and Savannah Weigmann, adds depth and versatility. Freshman guard Elaine Bickel and freshman combo guard Kierstyn Hess headline a talented newcomer group. With an increased focus on full-court pressure and mixing up defensive looks to disrupt opponents, the Patriots aim to play together, create a positive culture, and set a new standard.
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard,” noted Miller.
Jay County
Jay County enters the season with a strong returning core led by junior point guard Hallie Schwieterman, who proved herself as one of the area’s top playmakers last year with averages of 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. She is joined by senior shooting guard Raylah Newton (3.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and sophomore guard Liz Brunswick (7.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.2 apg), giving the group a balanced mix of scoring, rebounding, and floor vision. Sophomore forward Natalie May (1.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg) also returns to provide depth in the frontcourt, while freshman guard Karsyn Schwieterman is expected to make an immediate impact. With speed and quickness at nearly every position, especially from their dynamic guards, the team looks to create offense from its defense and thrive in transition.
“Our team is built on grit, athleticism and relentless energy on both ends of the floor. We pride ourselves on turning tough defense into offense. Speed and quickness across the roster, especially from some of the top underclassman guards in the area, we hope to create constant pressure. Creating offense out of our defense and pushing the ball up the floor should make us a fun and exciting team to watch,” said coach Sherri McIntire.
South Adams
This team enters the season with experience and balance across the floor. Senior forward Laney Trausch will anchor the lineup after averaging 9.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while a trio of sophomores—Shay Sprunger (4.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Charlee Bollenbacher (5.8 rpg), and Ana Lehman (9.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg)—add youthful energy and versatility. The guard depth is further strengthened by returners Lucy Schwartz (3.3 ppg), Addy Smith, Mariana Tenorio, and forward Kenley Geels, with freshman guard Kennedy Bollenbacher expected to make an immediate impact. After a productive summer of league play and shootouts, the group has shown growth in competing with top programs and is embracing a more physical style.
“Last season we were able to gain a lot of important experience for the freshmen. We bring back most of our group from last season. Their shouldn’t be anymore learning under fire,” said coach Brett Freeman. “The girls now know what it looks like at the varsity level. Now it’ll be key that we see what it takes to compete with the better programs. Girls learn how to adjust as the game flows. It’s a great group of girls that work hard and work well together; very coachable. I’m excited to see them continue growing.
Southern Wells
Despite a major graduation, Southern Wells is looking to replicate what they did last year when they pulled off some big wins and had the second most victories (16) overall amongst ACAC teams. Sophomore Kaylee Davis returns to take the reigns of the team after averaging 7.6 points and 3.6 steals a season ago. While she is the only returning starter, the Raiders have other experience in seniors Gracie Reeves (4.5 ppg) and Kyah Thomas, as well as juniors Kaylea Coffel and Aubree Meyer. Joining Southern Wells will be juniors Remi Holmes and Lillia Paxson, as well as sophomores Cadence Watkins and Ellie DeWeese. There will be a focus for the Raiders defending the paint and rebounding as they look to eliminate any size discrepencies.
“The Lady Raiders look to continue the success they had last season,” said coach Kyle Penrod. “[We] lost a great senior class, but still have a deep roster with lots of talented guards.”
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Bluffton
2. Woodlan
3. Jay County
4. Adams Central
5. South Adams
6. Southern Wells
7. Heritage
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