THE FAVORITE
Westview Warriors
With a talented backcourt and returning experience, this team enters the season with high expectations behind seniors Kaden Grau (15 ppg, 4 rpg, 3 apg) and Brett Springer, and juniors Austin Schlabach (16 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg), Daniel Yoder (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg), and Kaine Reinhold (3 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg). Their guard-heavy lineup gives them the ability to play fast and share the ball efficiently, while mostly newcomers like Pierce Yoder, Austin Troyer, Bryce Yoder, Cooper Schwartz, and Hudson Yoder will add depth and energy. Replacing graduates will require quick development from the younger players, but with their skilled guards, balance, and chemistry, the group is poised to contend for both conference and sectional titles if they can adjust to the varsity pace early and maintain their high-tempo style of play.
“We will have a strong returning varsity core. If we want to be as good or better than last year, we will need our new-to-varsity players to defend and shoot well. I think they will be able to do that and this should be an exciting year,” said coach Chandler Prible.
THE CONTENDERS
Fairfield Falcons
The returning core features Parker Smith, a 6’3″ sophomore guard who averaged 9 points per game and was part of the OTH All-Freshman team a year ago. Senior guards Brant Garber (8 ppg) and Grady Garber (7 ppg), and senior forward Cole Knight (7 ppg), give the lineup a dependable combination of scoring and leadership. Supporting that group is a deep and versatile rotation that includes Matthew Holsopple (6 ppg), Ben Kio (4 ppg), and Drew Beachy (4 ppg), as well as senior big man Brady Park and guards Caleb Shearer, Isaac Mast, and sophomore Koltyn Frye. With six players standing 6’3″ or taller, this group has one of the better frontcourt profiles in recent years. The key challenge—and opportunity—will be learning how to fully leverage that size while maintaining their perimeter efficiency and ball movement.
“I feel like defensively we will be solid, but we need to take a step forward on offense and finds ways to put more points on the board. One way is more points in transition and play off of mismatches that occur,” said coach Brodie Garber.
Garrett Railroaders
With four returning starters, including All-State juniors Isaiah King (15.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg)and Carter Coffman (14.8 ppg, 3.1 apg), this team enters the season with high expectations and championship aspirations after falling short in multiple title games last year. Joined by fellow junior Dawson Hedges and seniors Gabe Armstrong and Jake Gonya, the group’s experience and chemistry provide a strong foundation. Ari Hippensteel and Aiden Reed add depth and versatility as the team after some varsity minutes last year; Ayden O’Neal joins after a transfer from DeKalb. Garrett looks to improve its shooting consistency and composure in big moments. The program’s defensive intensity, rebounding strength, and transition play remain core strengths, with Coffman expected to lead a focused push toward Sectional, NECC, and East Noble Tournament championships.
“Expectations are high for all of us. We are excited to continue to build a program that our Garrett community takes pride in and is proud of along with bringing back a championship back to Garrett and adding on to the tradition of our program,” said coach Logan Traylor.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Angola Hornets
Angola returns a talented and battle-tested roster with several All-Conference performers leading the way. Niles Knox and Ryan Stuckey both earned All-Conference honors last season and figure to be central contributors once again as Stuckey (9.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg) heads into his senior season and Knox (13.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg) into his sophomore campaign. Seniors Tommy Caswell (6.3 ppg), Landon Leach (5.9 ppg), and Tyler Ruple also return with All-Conference or honorable mention credentials, bringing experience and consistency to the wing and backcourt. Sophomore Cru Weber provides youth and upside, while veteran bench pieces Ben Thomas and Haven Stockcamp add depth. Among newcomers, Reed Lantz and Jacob Fraley could inject new energy into the rotation. Angola enters the season boasting senior leadership, experience, and balance across its lineup as they look to once again be right in the heart of the NECC title race.
Central Noble Cougars
The Cougars lost several key players to graduation, but bring back a veteran core of five seniors and three juniors. At the head of that is Nick Freeman, the senior who has spent time in the past two seasons as part of Central Noble’s starting five. Fellow seniors Kyle Knafel and Keegan Knight also return after getting some valuable experience a season ago, as forwards Ryan Bailey and Landen Burkhart make up the rest of the senior class. Juniors Zack Chenoweth, Jerrick Deter and Colten McGlothin and sophomore returner Merek Malcolm make up the Cougar lineup this season.
Churubusco Eagles
The Eagles will take the floor this season with a pretty new-look lineup, blending a few returning contributors with several fresh faces ready to make their mark. Senior Carson Tonkel (3.5 points, 2.5 rebounds) steps into a larger role as a versatile guard/forward, while classmates Manny Serrano and juniors Miles Pommer and Lucas Hartsock return to provide stability and leadership. The team adds key newcomers in Josiah Morales, a senior transfer from Carroll expected to bring scoring and athleticism to the backcourt, and Christian Behling, another senior guard who adds quickness and depth to the perimeter. The Eagles will look to replace the production and leadership of graduates by focusing on their quick, aggressive guard play and three-point shooting to stay competitive. While lacking varsity experience and size, this group aims to improve rapidly through hard work and daily commitment, emphasizing goals of competing with great attitude, “getting 1% better every day.”
“Busco will lack varsity experience and size. Players will need to learn and adjust to the speed and physicality of the game quickly. However, Busco Boys Basketball will stay true to our core values and identity and will display great work ethic, have great attitudes, and be a great teammate,” said coach Gabe Garman.
Eastside Blazers
Senior Nolan Baker will provide leadership and physicality in the post, while juniors Bryce Strong and Evan Elden anchor the backcourt with growing confidence and skill. Micah Miller adds strength in the middle as another key returner, helping form a balanced and adaptable lineup. The freshman class—highlighted by Leroy Ruckman, Quentin Dickerhoff, and Jaxson Dale—brings depth, energy, and an exciting future of potential across multiple positions. After graduating veterans Ryan Strong and Konner Johnson, the team’s focus has shifted toward improving conditioning, defense, ball handling, and communication.
“We are focused on putting a product on the floor that the community can be proud of. We want all of our young men to represent themselves, their school, and their community in a first class manner on and off the floor,” said new Eastside coach Austen Brow. “If we attack everyday with the mindset that “rent is due” we will accomplish this and the wins will follow.”
Fremont Eagles
This season marks a fresh start for a program looking to rebuild after graduating a senior class that accounted for 87% of its scoring production, including key contributors Ethan Grimm, Colten Guthrie, Cayden Hufnagle, and Landon Jaeger. While the roster features plenty of new faces, returning players like junior Brant Bressler, who brought energy and toughness off the bench last year, and sophomore Braxton Beeman, a skilled passer who gained late-season varsity experience, are expected to step into larger roles. Senior Devlin Smith also returns to the fold after taking last season off, providing leadership and backcourt experience as he looks to make an immediate impact. Though youth and inexperience may present early challenges, with continued development and chemistry, the ultimate goal is clear—be ready to compete for a sectional championship when March arrives, their coach says.
“We have a lot of guys this year who will be getting their first significant varsity minutes. Some of those guys are going to step up and go from followers to leaders, and I’m really looking forward to seeing which of our guys wants to take on the challenge,” said coach Josh Stuckey.
Lakeland Lakers
Lakeland returns nearly their entire starting core from a group who challenged at the top of the NECC year ago, including a win over eventual conference champion Westview. Keyan Arroyo returns to lead the charge after averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 assists as an All-NECC performer. He will be joined by fellow senior Kyle Hartsough (8.4 ppg, 64% two-point) in the backcourt and a solid front court of Levi Cook (6.8 ppg/4.9 rpg) and Keegan Merrifield (6.1 ppg). The foursome have logged some major varsity experience and all started as juniors; part-time starter Cole Riehl (5.1 ppg/4.3 rpg) is also back for his junior season. Sam Keil will join the lineup as a sophomore and senior Brayden Holbrook is expected back after not playing last season. The Lakers look to focus on defense after having the second best defensive points per game average in school history last season.
“We have a lot of multi-sport athletes who know how to compete. We can’t wait to see how good we can be come March,” said coach TJ Schneider.
Prairie Heights Panthers
The Panthers return a battle-tested core led by senior scorer Cade Bachelor, who dropped 12 points a night while pulling down five boards, giving this group a steady leader. Fellow seniors Caston Day (9 points, 4 rebounds per game), Keegan German, and Leo Hare bring all return, while junior guard Jake Stoy adds balance after averaging 6 points, three rebounds and three assists per game last season. Senior Brady Strater provides perimeter punch, rounding out a group that leans heavily on experience. New faces like junior wing Reed Dempsey, forward Connor Sizemore, and sophomore point guard Callen Helmuth should strengthen the rotation and push the tempo. The team turns its focus to rebounding and defending with more bite. With depth, maturity, and a clear identity, the Panthers aim to control possessions, protect the ball, and compete with toughness on the defensive end all season long.
“[The] Panthers will be tough nosed gritty team for 32 minutes on both ends of the floor,” said coach Delmar Bontrager.
West Noble Chargers
Senior guard Nolan Kelly returns as an All-NECC and KPC All-Area selection after averaging 11.3 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 37% from three. He’s joined by fellow senior Trevor Steele (8.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 1 spg) and junior sharpshooter Aiden Replogle (9.6 ppg, 39% 3FG), giving the team a trio of proven scorers and playmakers. Key returners Caleb Saggars and Cameron Eash add depth and energy, while newcomers Ryan Glick, Trevor Martin, Xy’Mire Barnes-Bridges, Mason Taylor, and freshman Brody Mast bring additional quickness and versatility. The team’s depth at guard and strong chemistry remain defining strengths. Focused on improving their offensive pace and shooting consistency, the group looks to maximize its speed and spacing.
“We are excited to watch this group continue to develop this season. We bring back four players with a good amount of experience, three of those being starters last year. With what we are adding from our JV, this has a chance to be our deepest team in a few years, which will allow us to play a faster style on both ends,” said coach Ethan Marsh.
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Westview
2. Garrett
3. Fairfield
4. Angola
5. Lakeland
6. West Noble
7. Prairie Heights
8. Eastside
9. Churubusco
10. Central Noble
11. Fremont
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