Every two weeks throughout the season, Bounce will look back in on the power poll that started this preseason as we previewed girls basketball season.
Who moves up or down in the newest rankings?
1. NORWELL (11-1, 2-0 NE8)
Norwell is ranked #1 in the state this week, regardless of class, in the IBCA poll. That seems about right for the Knights who again rolled through last week despite being faced with some upper mid-tier teams on the other end of the court. With nine straight wins, the Knights are now set up for a very challenging remainder of 2025.
WHY #1?
They continue to just roll through opponents, putting up wild defensive numbers along the way.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They don’t go any higher, duh.
2. WARSAW (11-1, 3-0 NLC)
Since the last OTH Power Poll two weeks ago, Warsaw has gone 4-0 which isn’t something that should come as a surprise. Yet, in that time, they are outscoring opponents by an averages of 78 to 27.8 so there is some significant dominance. Also, they now actively have the 2nd and 3rd best scorers in their rich program history.
WHY #2?
With two of the best players in program history, Warsaw game outcomes are rarely in doubt at this point.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
While they roll, the Tigers have not had a super tough opponent since their loss to Jennings County in November.
3. HOMESTEAD (9-1, 4-0 SAC)
Of their nine wins, Homestead has just one that is closer than 20 points and that was 14 points over Pike a month ago. They have adapted throughout the season and have a plethora of players that are contributing nightly. Just last week, Whitney Ankenbruck took the scoring lead in a game but Gabby Helsom has continued to be pretty awesome game in and game out.
WHY #3?
Winners of their last six, they have put themselves right back in the drivers seat of the SAC again.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
No reason between the last poll and this one to make a move. They still have a loss to Norwell as well.
4. EASTSIDE (11-0, 5-0 NECC)
While the Blazers seemed to be finding their footing early as to who would take on what role, we have seen Taylor Mack just take complete control of this team. She was solid last year, but is certainly among the area’s most improved players this season including a 33 point outing last week. Also, in case you missed it, coach Mike Lortie last week became the winningest basketball coach in Eastside history, regardless of gender.
WHY #4?
The Blazers have the most wins in the area and are the last remaining unbeaten in the OTH coverage area.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The level of opponent is just lower than those above them.
5. BELLMONT (11-1, 2-0 NE8)
The Braves are 4-0 since out last power poll with the closest win coming by 22 points. The bigger point is that with wins over DeKalb and a sneaky East Noble group, Bellmont has put themselves right back in the position to contest the NE8 title against rival Norwell later this season.
WHY #5?
The Braves jumped into the IBCA Top 20 this week, which is a huge statement for them to make with it being a poll that doesn’t break down by class.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The dominant loss to Homestead, while their own blemish, is still a significant one.
6. FREMONT (11-1, 2-1 NECC)
At this point, it almost feels like Grace Scharlach is a guaranteed 20 point bucket every single night. The things she does have translated to higher levels each time she pushes herself there. The duo of her and Mya Turner continues to put up the argument of who is the best 1-2 punch in the area?
WHY #6?
With 7 straight wins following a loss to Eastside, the Eagles have positioned themselves to still challenge for the regular season crown, but also to battle the Blazers better in the NECC Tournament in January should that rematch happen.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The same thing that holds Eastside back, the competition in the NECC isn’t always what the teams ranked above Fremont take on.
7. WHITKO (7-1, 2-0 TRC)
Coach Justin Jordan’s team was always going to be in the convo with the Stonebraker sisters leading the charge. But can we talk about Ally Brown and Kyra Lowe as well. Something that can continue to push Whitko over the hump is depth and Brown (10.4 pts/6.9 reb per game) and Lowe (9.6 pts/2.3 stls) have really turned up their performances this season.
WHY #7?
Whitko’s win over Northrop proved how good that this team can be on the top end. It keeps them in the talks because they haven’t lost since that win, even if their two wins since the last Power Poll were not against high level opponents.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Outside of two games, the Whitko competition has been high level so far this season.
8. SNIDER (9-4, 3-0 SAC)
Janaya Cooper has played in just five games this season but Mackenzie Carter and Izzie Eke have held down the fort well. Cooper returned last week and averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and three steals per game over two Panther wins.
WHY #8?
Have you forgotten about Snider? The Panther have won three straight and none more impressive than their last win, coming over the weekend against Carmel. Nearly halfway through SAC season and with some growing pains behind them, they sit undefeated in the conference.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Four losses is four losses, no matter the reasoning or excuses about those losses.
9. FARIFIELD (8-4, 4-0 NECC)
Winners of 6 in a row, the Falcons have come a long way since the 2-3 start to the season where things look like they could crumble. Madison Jones has been tough for the Falcons, but she hasn’t been the only one who has made waves.
WHY #9?
The Falcons’ win over Angola proved that they are still right in the mix at the top of the NECC. But lets face it, success has not come against Eastside recently. Fairfield has done a tremendous job of staying in that conversation.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Falcons have still faltered three times this season.
10. EAST NOBLE (8-2, 1-1 NE8)
East Noble’s depth continues to be a driving force as they hope to still have a place at the top of the conference, but with some help. Of their top 4 players, each of them lead the Knights in a statistical category including Averi Amstutz in points and assists, Elli Will in rebounds and Addison Deming in steals.
WHY #10?
The junior scoring punch of Amstutz has been steady as of late. In fact, she has double digit scoring in all but one game this season, but she has shot 50 percent or higher in her last five games.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
They have lost twice since the last power poll came out and the dominating loss to Bellmont doesn’t do any favors.
OTHERS IN CONSIDERATION (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
ANGOLA
BLUFFTON
COLUMBIA CITY
LEO
NORTHROP
SOUTHERN WELLS
WESTVIEW
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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