The Warsaw girls basketball team enters the new season with one of the most experienced and talented rosters in the area, led by a senior class that has already etched its names into the program’s record books. At the forefront are returning starters Joslyn Bricker, Brooke Zartman, and Alexis Neely, a trio of veterans who bring scoring, leadership, and championship-level experience. Bricker, a three-time All-Conference pick and Indiana Junior All-Star, comes into the year averaging 19 points per game and already sitting third all-time in Warsaw girls basketball history with 1,190 career points.
Zartman, another three-time All-Conference player and Junior All-Star, adds 17.8 points per game and sits just behind Bricker on the scoring list with 1,153 career points, ranking fourth all-time. Neely gives the Tigers another steady hand in the backcourt after an All-Conference junior campaign in which she posted 9.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest.
The senior leadership doesn’t stop there. Kyra Kiser returns as the team’s defensive anchor and most physical player, tasked with shutting down opposing scorers. Erin McManus provides length and perimeter shooting, while Kelsey Wrenn returns from an ACL injury to add toughness and outside scoring. The Tigers also count on junior Cayleigh Goheen, who will play a key role in the paint after the graduation of standout post player Brooke Winchester, and sophomore Raegan Robinson, an athletic defender expected to bring energy off the bench. Together, these players form a deep, versatile group that can impact games in multiple ways.
One of the most intriguing additions to this year’s roster is Reagan Huss, a junior transfer from Northridge that averaged 4.7 points per game for the Raiders. At 6-foot, she adds size and shooting ability to Warsaw’s lineup and has been working to expand her game to score from all three levels. Her presence should help fill the void left by Winchester while also giving the Tigers another scoring option to complement Bricker and Zartman.
Replacing Winchester remains one of Warsaw’s biggest challenges. The former Senior All-Star and current Ball State player was a 1,000-point scorer whose rebounding, inside scoring, and outlet passing fueled Warsaw’s transition game. Along with Winchester, the Tigers also lost starters Braylie Chastain, Abbey Peterson, and Leila Knepp, each of whom brought valuable shooting, defense, and team-first mentality to the program. Filling their roles will require multiple players stepping up with toughness, consistency, and leadership.
Despite the departures, this year’s Warsaw team boasts impressive strengths. The Tigers have proven scorers at nearly every position, multiple three-point threats, and the ability to play fast and apply defensive pressure. Perhaps just as important, the program prides itself on its culture — a group of players who are hardworking, coachable, and hungry to build on last year’s success. With a strong basketball IQ and a commitment to improving defensively, Warsaw believes it has the tools to compete with the state’s elite programs.
Still, there are clear areas for growth if you ask coach Lenny Krebs. Rebounding on both ends of the floor will be critical after losing Winchester’s presence inside. Coaches are also emphasizing improved team defense and chemistry as new faces step into bigger roles. Developing depth and ensuring players are ready to perform at a high level will be key as the Tigers face a rigorous schedule loaded with tough opponents.
The season begins with a gauntlet of early games against nider, Norwell, Northrop, and Valparaiso, followed by tests later in the year against Penn, Carroll, Northridge, Homestead, and Bellmont. Warsaw will also participate in marquee events, including the Brownsburg Sneakers 4 Santa showcase and the Hall of Fame Classic.
WHY #2?
In many ways, this year represents both a continuation and a turning point for Warsaw girls basketball. The Tigers’ seniors have carried the torch for several years, building a culture of toughness and excellence, but now face the challenge of cementing their legacy with championships. If Warsaw can find the right balance of scoring, defense, rebounding, and chemistry, this group has the potential to deliver another memorable season — and perhaps write the next chapter in the storied history of the program.
Their depth plays a key role too in why they aren’t at the top of the OTH rankings just yet. While Homestead has a very clear path in their depth, Warsaw will look to fill some voids that we just aren’t sure about yet. One thing is clear, adding Huss as a transfer is a key component.
KEY GAME
November 8 vs. Norwell
This one is a no brainer as game two on the schedule and a home game for the Tigers. The defending Class 4A runner up and the defending Class 3A champion battling and should two squads ever be closer than the second best in the top class and the best in the next class?
A year ago, this was a fun one and alot of the same piece are back again for this one. Both teams have a little bit of a test before this one, but nothing like what eachother are going to provide.
A year ago, Warsaw ran away with this game but Norwell won the war collecting a state title. Expect this game to have fireworks, but if it does get lopsided like last year it is a major launching point for the Tigers with a super tough schedule.
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