THE FAVORITE
Bluffton Tigers
Bluffton enters the season looking to build on a competitive foundation under veteran head coach Craig Teagle, who is entering his third year at the helm and 40th overall in coaching. The Tigers return key contributors led by senior forward Declan Grieser, who averaged 18.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and senior point guard Marshall Gerber, who added 3.6 points and 4.2 assists. Fellow senior Griffin Morgan also returns after contributing 3.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. A promising group of newcomers—Max White (junior guard), Gavin Grieser (sophomore forward), and Maddox White (freshman guard)—will look to make an impact early. Bluffton must replace several steady graduates, while focusing on cutting down turnovers, improving free-throw shooting, and tightening on-ball defense. Teagle’s group prides itself on effort and chemistry, aiming for a winning season and to contend in both the ACAC and sectional races
“We hope to be better offensively by limiting turnovers and shooting high percentage shots. On the defensive end we must do a better job guarding the ball and contesting shots,” said coach Craig Teagle.
THE CONTENDER
Heritage Patriots
Heritage enters the new season with a strong returning core and a clear sense of identity built around tempo, toughness, and defensive intensity. Leading the way is junior guard Taurean Brown, a First Team All-ACAC selection who averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, setting the tone as both a scorer and floor general. Fellow junior Lantae Cassel (6′4″) adds size and balance with 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, giving the Patriots an inside-out scoring duo that anchors their attack. Sophomore guard Lucas Taylor and underclassmen Kingston Galentine and Myles Harris bring depth, energy, and growing experience to the roster. The addition of Jaxon Feasby, Nolan Bowers, and Garrett Oliver provides even more athleticism and versatility as they replace their leading scorer. The program’s focus on improving in transition and sustaining its up-tempo pressure could make conference and sectional championships well within reach.
“We’ve got a great mix of veteran and younger guys who’ve been putting in the work every day
— this group is hungry, and we’ve got our sights set on cutting down some nets this year,” said coach Kyle Sovine.
THE OTHERS (Alphabetical Order)
Adams Central
Adams Central will have more of an interesting start than many area teams with the naming of a new head coach less than a week before opening practices began. Casey Adams takes over at AC after longtime coach Aaron McClure moved on to become the school’s superintendent. The team will feature a strong core of returning starters led by 6’4” senior forward Braylend Reber, a four-year starter and one of the top players in the conference after averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game last season. Joining him as key returners will be 5’11” senior guard Lawson Deathe, a two-year starter at point guard known for his toughness and leadership, who averaged 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Senior guards Drew Johnson and Mavrick Becher will look to stretch defenses and relieve interior pressure on Reber. Alex Alana, a promising 6’2” sophomore wing, is expected to make a major impact after a solid JV season as a freshman. Other key returners competing for minutes include Cooper Steele, Damien Saalfrank, and Kolten Combs, all of whom will provide depth in the backcourt. With defense expected to remain a team strength, the focus this season will be on building leadership, boosting confidence, and taking care of the basketball to limit turnovers.
“We want to continue to build an atmosphere that our fans get excited to watch, and we show everyone that we have pride in the school and community,” said Adams.
Jay County Patriots
Senior forward Gradin Swoveland, who averaged 10.7 points and 4.7 rebounds while logging 1.4 blocks per game in 2024-25, returns as the offensive engine. Senior center Cole Forthofer brings a strong inside presence with 9.1 points and 5.8 rebounds on 62 percent shooting last year. Junior guard Jayden Comer steps further into the lead guard role, coming off a season in which he ranked among the team’s assist and steal leaders. Meanwhile, juniors Eli Petro and Benson Barnett and senior Aiden Phillips offer key depth and positional balance. The squad also welcomes a newcomer in promising junior guard Gabe Overton, who adds fresh energy and playmaking ability. With versatility and depth highlighted as team strengths, the focus this year is squarely on tightening up defense under new coach Tyler Rigby.
South Adams
With nearly all of their scoring returning, this team enters the season with momentum, balance, and a clear sense of identity built around speed and depth. Senior guard Tytus Lehman leads the way after averaging 14 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while earning All-Conference honors. He’s joined by a strong supporting cast that includes sophomore Gavin Herring (6.3 ppg), junior Jax Wanner (4.4 ppg, back from injury), senior Derek McKean (3.7 ppg), and sophomore forward Nolan Colpaert (3.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg). Juniors Hunter Fields and Henry Craig, along with sophomore Owen Roe, add depth and versatility with strong basketball instincts. Newcomers Easton O’Dell, Carson Ellenberger, and freshman Jake Provost bring scoring upside to an already deep rotation. With improved health and chemistry, the team looks to dictate tempo, play with relentless pace, and turn that confidence into a successful campaign—one built around their goal of controlling the game’s rhythm and stacking more wins this season.
“We love being doubted and overlooked. We have a core group of kids that have put a ton of time in the gym over the past several months and are excited to compete,” said coach Kyle Roe.
Southern Wells
With senior forward Trey Slusher (2.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg) helping lead the charge and junior forward Joshua Aulbach (7.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) returning after an ACAC Honorable Mention season, this squad brings size and toughness to the frontcourt. Sophomore forward Hunter Durham also returns and looks to take on a larger role, giving the team another strong presence inside. While the roster welcomes new faces whose impact is yet to be seen, the program will feel the loss of four graduated seniors—CJ Reber, Levi Woodward, Rugar Holmes, and Wyatt Yoder. Rebounding and post presence should be key strengths, but continued growth in participation and development at the younger levels remains a major focus for long-term success.
“Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible out to support these players as we continue to work toward building a recurring, solid, competitive program,” said coach Doug Smith.
Woodlan Warriors
With no returning regular starters, this season marks a fresh start for a team eager to forge its own identity. Key returners Keaton Delagrange, Ashtin Jacquay, Tyler Friend, and Cooper Smith bring valuable familiarity to the program. Delagrange saw some critical starting moments a season ago, so his leadership is important. Senior guard Collin Klepper and underclassmen CJ Bullock, Nate Peters, and Camden Brooks are expected to step into larger roles right away. The team faces the challenge of replacing four senior starters—Trey Yoder, Oliver Adams, Drew Fleek, and Mason Moore—who accounted for more than 90% of last season’s scoring, 87% of rebounding and 85% of assists, and each earned All-ACAC honors. Despite the youth and inexperience, coaches anticipate a balanced, versatile group committed to steady progress.
“We are looking forward to what lies ahead for this group and to seeing how they respond to the challenges of the season. This is a team of selfless players who genuinely love the game and take pride in competing the right way,” said coach John Baker. “We’re confident that their commitment and work ethic will allow them to continue growing and expanding their roles as the season progresses.”
BOUNCE’S PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Bluffton
2. Heritage
3. Jay County
4. South Adams
5. Adams Central
6. Woodlan
7. Southern Wells
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