THE FAVORITE
Norwell Knights
With five returning starters and a wealth of experience from last year’s Class 3A state champions, this team enters the season loaded with talent, leadership, and firepower. Senior point guard Vanessa Rosswurm headlines the group after a dominant junior campaign where she averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and knocked down 53 three-pointers, while fellow senior guard Macie Saalfrank adds another major scoring threat with 14.1 points per game and 77 threes of her own. Seniors Addison Norris (7.0 ppg, 38 threes) and Jada Dale (5.6 ppg, 1.7 spg) round out a backcourt that thrives on shooting and defense, while junior forward Alivia Green provides toughness inside. Key returners Ashley Waldman (6.9 ppg, 46 threes), Haley Williamson, Bella Swineford, and Larkin Smith add valuable depth and versatility alongside sophomore Mia Kurtz.
“We return an incredible group of young ladies who love to compete together,” said coach Eric Thornton. “Our team has the right mentality that’s required to face a very difficult regular season schedule that we believe will prepare us to battle in the 4A state tournament. We are excited for the challenge ahead of us.”
THE CONTENDER
Bellmont Braves
Bellmont enters the 2025 season riding the momentum of last year’s 21-3 campaign and NE8 championship, firmly established as one of the region’s programs to beat. Bellmont has four starters back, including standout sophomore Ashley Bleke, who averaged 13.1 points and shot 37.4 percent from deep as a freshman, and Mary Bleke, who added 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. The Blekes are joined by juniors Lanie French (4.9 ppg) and Kate Kitson (4.6 ppg), giving the Braves balance across multiple positions, while senior Bri Converset provides veteran presence. A sophomore core of Oni Krueckeberg (2.8 ppg), Kaitlyn Barton, and Hadley Caffee also bolsters the depth.
“While losing Emily [Bleke] and Gwen [Laurent] is difficult, I am really excited for our returning players,” coach Andy Heim said. “On top of being great basketball players, I think our unity is something not all teams have; they truly love each other. That, on top of being hard workers, is what makes practices so productive and full of energy.”
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Columbia City Eagles
It is no surprise that Columbia City’s program will undergo some changes after graduating the top scorer in the history of the school. That said, the Eagles’ cupboard is not bare from those with high level experience. Seniors Anisa Tonkel (10 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Torah Holler (10 ppg, 4 rpg) both return after starting last season and seeing many big games in their careers, which gives the Eagles an advantage as they revamp their lineup. Junior Claudia Strack returns in the post, as does sophomore Izzy Knitter, who will take over lead guard duties for Columbia City. From there, the Eagles will have to turn to the youth of their high school program with freshmen Karrington Amber, Kennedy Tucker and Sola Holler, as well as sophomores Isabel Miller and Addison Gowen contributing to make the scoring load balanced as well as looking to to be a strong rebounding squad.
“We will continue to focus on our program slogan ‘we over me,’ and work to do what benefits our team and program,” said coach Amy Shearer.
DeKalb Barons
DeKalb heads into the new season with a mix of experienced juniors and promising underclassmen looking to make an impact under new coach Mark Pixley, formerly of Bishop Luers. The Barons return three starters in Abbie Harris, an junior point guard who averaged 10 points per game, forward Reese Schmidt (4 ppg), and versatile scorer Grace Pfister (7 ppg). They are supported by key contributors like Ellington Sparkman (5.2 ppg), Kyla Kjendalen (3 ppg), and Mollee Sonnenberg (1 ppg), along with junior Ella Nixon, giving the team a solid returning core. A talented group of newcomers will also push for playing time, including freshmen guards Rain Freed and Riley Hartsough, guard/forward Kolbie Oliphant, freshman point guard Mac Rice, and sophomore forward Tiegan Jordan. With goals centered around developing mental toughness, improving rebounding and defensive identity, and helping their younger players adapt to the varsity level, DeKalb is aiming to compete by blending experience with youthful energy.
“A young team with all the pieces in place. This team will grow over the season with highs and lows but come sectional time we will be playing our best ball. I guess I would use the old saying about this year ‘You better get us now because we are coming,'” said Pixley.
East Noble Knights
With a strong core intact, this team returns all five starters from a Sectional title a year ago, led by senior forward Addison Deming (9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4 spg), am All-Conference Second Team selection, and senior guard Kate David. Junior guard Averi Amstutz (11.3 ppg, 3.5 apg) earned All-Conference First Team honors, while versatile junior Rian David (10.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and junior post Elli Will (8.8 ppg) also return after All-Conference Second Team seasons. The supporting cast is deep, featuring senior guard Makenna Strohm, junior forward Shaye Ritchie, and sophomores Brook Arnold and Avalynn Schache, with Arnold and freshman forward Sydnee Hillier expected to provide additional impact. With no graduation losses, the group’s chemistry and experience are clear strengths, complemented by their shooting ability and up-tempo style of play.
“We are excited for the upcoming season as we return our entire roster and look to build on the momentum we created last year,” said East Noble coach Britain Issacs 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.
Huntington North Vikings
Former state champion coach Gary Andrews has moved back to the girls side after a stint with boys at North Side. Now he takes over a Huntington North program looking to replace some key pieces, but with a positive, youthful future. the team will look to build around returning starter Luci Reich, a sophomore guard who averaged 8.9 points per game. Key returners Riley Wilson and Harper Bailey, both juniors, provide additional depth at guard, though Bailey is sidelined until at least December. The program welcomes several newcomers who could make an immediate impact, including freshmen forwards Ruby Grogg and Kendal DeHaven, sophomore forward Addison Richardson, and junior guard Claire Shafer.
“Our kids have worked really hard since the summer. It is supposed to be a rebuilding year but we are going to try and speed up the growing process. We will need to be a great defensive team to do that. We have some good young kids,” said Andrews.
Leo Lions
With a strong mix of veteran leadership and developing talent, this year’s team will lean on senior forward Leah Shappell, a First Team All-Conference and All-State Honorable Mention selection who nearly averaged a double-double last season with 14.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game. She is joined by junior guard Mackenzie Collins (9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg), who brings balance as a scorer and playmaker, along with returning guards Taylor Davis (3.2 ppg) and Emma Connally (2.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg) to add depth and defensive toughness on the perimeter. Sophomores Stella Schelm and Luci Schott also return to bolster the frontcourt. After focusing heavily on becoming more offensive-minded during the offseason, the team’s goals this winter are to push the tempo defensively, play smart and composed on both ends.
“This team has worked hard in the off-season to learn new roles, while working in some new defensive and offensive strategies. We are looking forward to seeing how well this all comes together for an exciting season of Lady Lions Basketball,” said coach Carrie Shappell.
New Haven Bulldogs
Last season, Alanah Webb led the way for the Bulldogs as the team finished 4-20, but with wins against the SAC (South Side) and the ACAC (twice over Heritage). Webb averaged 15.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. The Bulldogs saw three freshmen get substantial playing time as they try and rebuild the program back up under coach Adria King. Monty Sk is also back for her senior season after averaging 3.3 points and 5.7 rebounds last season.
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Norwell
2. Bellmont
3. East Noble
4. Columbia City
5. Leo
6. Huntington North
7. DeKalb
8. New Haven
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