The upcoming season is set to be a special one for this program as they look to defend their Class 3A state title from a season ago and return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the third straight season behind coach Eric Thornton in his 29th year leading the Knights.
Thornton, who sits at 475-198 all time, will be flirting with 500 career wins all season long.
The roster is packed with experience, depth, and proven production. The foundation is built on a group of returning starters who have already established themselves among the best in the NE8. Leading the charge is senior point guard Vanessa Rosswurm, a dynamic scorer and playmaker who averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last year while also hitting 53 three-pointers. Her ability to control the game with both her scoring and distribution makes her the centerpiece of the offense.
Rosswurm isn’t alone, though. Senior guard Macie Saalfrank brings another elite scoring option to the backcourt. After averaging 14.1 points per game and draining a team-high 77 three-pointers last season, Saalfrank has proven herself as one of the most dangerous shooters in the area. Together, Rosswurm and Saalfrank form a backcourt duo that can take over games on their own, but when paired with the team’s overall balance, they make this squad a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The senior class doesn’t stop there. Guards Addison Norris and Jada Dale provide valuable contributions on both ends of the floor, giving the team defensive grit and scoring balance. Norris added 7.0 points per game with 38 made threes last season, while Dale chipped in 5.6 points per game along with nearly two steals per contest. Their presence rounds out one of the most experienced and versatile backcourts in the conference. Inside, junior forward Alivia Green will look to take another step after averaging 4.8 rebounds a year ago, providing toughness and rebounding presence in the paint.
Depth will once again be a strength, with several key returners ready to make an impact. Senior guard Ashley Waldman is another three-point specialist after hitting 46 shots from deep last season and averaging nearly seven points per game. Junior guard Haley Williamson has made her mark as the team’s defensive spark, leading the squad in charges taken and setting the tone with her toughness. Bella Swineford, a junior center, gives size and presence in the paint, while senior guard Larkin Smith provides leadership and steady minutes off the bench.
One name to watch this season is sophomore guard Mia Kurtz, who steps up to varsity after leading the team’s 21-1 JV squad in scoring. Her ability to create offense will be a welcome addition to a team already stacked with scoring options.
The graduation of Ryland Graft and Mykenzi Beck does leave some shoes to fill, but the reality is this team returns nearly all of its key production from last season. With so many seniors and experienced players back, the loss of a couple role players won’t slow the momentum. Instead, it opens opportunities for underclassmen like Kurtz to grow into new roles. The strengths of this group are clear: experience, leadership, production, and depth. Few teams in the area can match the number of veteran players with proven varsity success, and that combination will allow this squad to compete with anyone on their schedule. Add in the three-point shooting ability across the roster—five players with 38 or more threes last season—and this team has the offensive firepower to score in bunches.
Still, the coaching staff knows there’s work to do. Physicality and rebounding remain areas for improvement, particularly against the bigger and more aggressive teams in the NE8. To reach their full potential, the team will need to consistently control the glass and impose themselves physically, ensuring that they aren’t giving opponents second chances.
The goals for the season are ambitious but realistic: win the highly competitive NE8 conference and make a deep run in the state tournament. With a loaded senior class, high-level shooters, and a star like Rosswurm leading the way, the ingredients are in place for this group to leave a lasting legacy. The blend of talent and experience makes this one of the most exciting squads to watch, and if they can continue to grow in the areas of toughness and rebounding, they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the state.
“We return an incredible group of young ladies who love to compete together,” Thornton said. “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.”
WHY #3?
They are high for obvious reasons. This team has fallen in love with March in Indianapolis and that is something that is hard to replicate. With so much back from last season, including an Indiana Junior All-Star, Norwell has every chance to be the class of Northeast Indiana.
So will they stay #3? Or could they soar to #1? The top 3 spots in the area this preseason are interchangeable in so many ways. Norwell continues to be one of the most consistent top level programs in the area and there is a very good chance that they are the best overall.
KEY GAME
November 8 at Warsaw
This could go a lot of ways. November 18 versus Homestead, January 17 versus Bellmont, tournament at Noblesville, or even the Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle.
But being that it game three of the season, so many sparks could fly when the Knights take the trip to visit the Tigers. Three of the very best guards in the state collide in this game and it will likely be a can’t miss experience.
Last season, Warsaw was dominant in a 74-50 win, so there is certainly some get back on the line. Even better though? Circle December 22 because the two teams could realistically meet again in the finals of the Hall of Fame Classic.
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