THE FAVORITE
Homestead Spartans
The Homestead Spartans enter the new season loaded with experience, depth, and star power, returning nearly all major contributors from a campaign that saw them average 66.9 points per game. Leading the way are senior standouts Myah Epps (15.0 ppg, 4.4 apg, 43% FG, Louisville commit) and Gabby Helsom (18.9 ppg, 51% FG, 85% FT, Toledo commit), both All-State and Junior All-Star selections. They’re joined by fellow seniors Whitney Ankenbruck (10.5 ppg, 84% FT) and Carley Moellering (7.9 ppg), both Indiana Wesleyan commits, forming one of the state’s most experienced lineups. Sophomore Delaney Noll (6.2 ppg, 56% FG) and senior Kendall McLaughlin (3.1 ppg, 55% FG) add depth to a rotation that remains one of Indiana’s most balanced and dangerous. Despite the graduation of captain Liv Fry, Homestead’s focus is on continued defensive improvement, daily growth, and building toward another deep postseason run behind one of the state’s most complete rosters
“I believe we will be fun to watch as we have several talented and dynamic players on both ends of the court. I expect us to compete at a high level every game and be one of the area’s best teams,” said coach Rod Parker.
THE CONTENDER
Northrop Bruins
With seven returning seniors and a wealth of experience, this team enters the season poised for a memorable run. Led by standout guard Swynn Jackson (14.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 5 apg) and explosive scorer Khala Williams-Thomas (18.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.6 apg), the group boasts both firepower and leadership. Seniors Marion Wyss and Brilee Day add perimeter balance with 8.5 points apiece, while forwards Miley Wareing (9.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg) and Alivia Rice (6 ppg, 7.3 rpg) anchor a strong frontcourt alongside Niamyah Anderson. Newcomers Saniyah Kimbrough, Kamiah Morris, and Mariana Mitchell are expected to provide valuable depth and athletic energy. Fast, physical, and battle-tested, the team’s strength lies in its ability to pressure defensively and run the floor. Coaches hope this senior-heavy group can overcome adversity, peak at the right time, and close their careers by creating lasting memories and adding another proud chapter to the program’s history.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Bishop Dwenger Saints
The Saints will pivot now under first year head coach Kyle Bond, who has most recently been part of boys coaching staffs at Northrop and North Side. They will do so with just returning senior in guard Grace Barfield (3.6 ppg) and a heavy load of underclassmen. Returning alongside Barfield is top returning scorer Annie O’Brien (7.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg); who will play alongside fellow sophomore Reagan Furnas. The Saints will have three junior returnees in Maitlyn Johannsen (6.4 ppg), Katie Keefer (4.5 ppg) and Charlotte Sweigert. From there, Bishop Dwenger will look to grow with their current sophomore class. Bond expects varsity contributions from up to five new to varsity faces from the 2028 class in Molly Tippmann, Claire Schortgen, Jillian Gustafson, Allison Henry and Leah Salazar.
Bishop Luers Knights
With a senior-led backcourt, this year’s team will be anchored by point guard Karianne Gilman (5.5 ppg, 3 apg, 36% from three), who serves as the floor general and steadying presence against pressure while also being a capable shooter. She is joined by fellow seniors Addie Warner (5.6 ppg, 5 rpg) and Brooklynn Gray (5.6 ppg, 2.5 apg). Junior Trinitee Brown adds a new dynamic after sitting out last year due to transfer rules, bringing quickness, rim-attacking ability, perimeter shooting, and lockdown defense. Freshman Harvest Green impressed over the summer and is expected to contribute right away with her shot creation and finishing ability. Their focus this season will be on rebounding, taking care of the basketball, and playing with more pace, with key goals centered on reducing turnovers, winning the battle on the glass, and using their experience to close out tight games that slipped away a year ago. Also of note, the Knights have an impressive staff this season, including former Homestead standout Sylare Starks and former Luers standout Dori Javins.
“I am excited for this upcoming year. We have a great group of experienced returning girls, with the addition of young players that can get after it. We are going to compete defensively and have a well-balanced attack offensively,” said coach Mary Hathaway.
Carroll Chargers
Carroll enters the season with a strong foundation of experience and production. Seniors Lily George (6’2” post), Ava Myers (5’10” SG), Kylie Gibbs (5’10” guard), Megan Lanning (5’9” guard), and Olivia Hoch (5’10” post) bring continuity to their lineup. Haffner (15.3 ppg) is the leading returning scorer, while George chipped in 10.2 ppg. Haffner also led in rebounds (7.5 per game) and assists (3.5 per game), and George posted a team-best field goal percentage (59%). Into this core, Carroll adds impactful juniors Brynna Riczo and Emme Bonnarens at the post positions to boost frontcourt depth. Gone from Carroll this season is sophomore Cala Haffner, who was a breakout performer as a freshman but will focus on volleyball and not play this season.
“This team is returning our top scorers and adding quality athletic and lengthy players which will give us the depth to play fast as well as full court presser like the teams in the past. This team will be more balance on the offensive side. Also, this team will be able to put presser on teams for 32 minutes on the defensive side of the ball,” said coach Mark Redding.
Concordia Lutheran Cadets
Concordia will be senior laden with four of their five key returners being part of the Class of 2026. At the forefront of that is All-SAC selection Aliva Bolinger, who last season averaged 17.6 points per game. Also back to the starting lineup is junior Jenna Akey. Concordia also will bring back three seniors with varsity experience in Jen Dressler, Stase Pietrowski and Joy Hedtke. The Cadets will look to play both big and small lineups with their leadership and better transition play on both ends of the court. Junior Christa Linnemeier, sophomore Naomi Desta and freshman Khloe Vanderford will join the lineup to try and make up for losses to graduation.
“We have some new faces on the varsity roster, but they are playing aggressively and fighting for spots,” said coach Nicole Bolinger. “This group has been really coachable and it will be fun to see who settles in around from what we get from Alivia. We know teams will be keyed in on her, so it definitely gives the opportunity for other girls to step up.”
North Side Legends
Jayonna Flotow was part of the OTH All-Defensive team a season ago, averaging 3.3 blocks and 2.2 steals per game to help pace the Legends, along with 7.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, The Legends will be full on newcomers after losing two players to graduation and three regular contributors to transfer; Flotow is the only listed returner who had substantial time a season ago. Five freshmen are listed on the North Side roster with Flotow as the lone senior.
Snider Panthers
Snider returns a strong and versatile core, headlined by sophomore Janaya Cooper, who averaged 14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season while earning First Team All-SAC and All-State Underclassman honors. Key returners include junior Gracie Smith (G), sophomore Mackenzie Carter (G/F), and junior Mylee Hurse (PG). Adding fresh talent to the rotation are freshman Makenzie White (F) and junior Bishop Dwenger transfer Izzie Eke. The Panthers will look to overcome the loss of key graduates by leaning on their experience and positional flexibility. The season goals remain ambitious: compete for the SAC and Sectional titles, with the unifying motto “addicted to discipline” guiding this group toward growth and success.
“The Snider Lady Panthers will be ‘addicted to the process’ also discipline,” said coach Reggie Tharp.
South Side Archers
South Side enters the 2025-26 season with a mix of returning experience and promising young talent, ready to build on last year’s competitive foundation. Leading the way are key returners BriTanya Diedrich-Williams, who averaged 8.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, Bry’Lee Diedrich-Williams with 6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, and Reneasha Autry, who contributed 10.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per contest. Senior Amaiya Shetler adds size and experience in the paint, providing balance to the guard-heavy lineup. Newcomers Naomi Mante and Macey Newsome, both freshmen guards, will bring energy and depth to the roster. The Archers expect to play fast and aggressive, using their speed and defensive pressure to create scoring opportunities.
Wayne Generals
New coach Lawyer Smith takes over the Generals as they will look to replace a lot of production lost to graduation. Luckily at the top of the returnee list sits last year’s leading scorer Davianna Irons, who averaged 12.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest. Braleah King is expected back too for her junior season after leading the Generals with 1.9 steals per game; her 2.6 assists per contest is also the top returning number in that category while she added 6 points per game. They are the only two substantial returners for Wayne, who lost five players to graduation that played in 16 or more games.
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Homestead
2. Northrop
3. Snider
4. Carroll
5. Concordia Lutheran
6. Bishop Luers
7. Wayne
8. Bishop Dwenger
9. South Side
10. North Side
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