For the third straight season, Outside the Huddle is extending our official postseason awards to honor some of the best defenders and some of the best newcomers in the area to recognize some other talents outside of our 15 player All-Area team.
So now we introduce to your our top 6 picks for the best defensive players and best freshmen in the Northeast Indiana coverage area to honor each category from the 2025-2026 season.
OTH 2026 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
MACKENZIE COLLINS, LEO
Collins proved to be one of the most disruptive defenders in the area this season for Leo, consistently creating problems for opposing offenses with her anticipation and relentless on-ball pressure. Averaging an impressive 4.2 steals per game, she routinely turned defense into offense, jumping passing lanes and forcing turnovers that fueled Leo’s transition game. She had 9 steals both against South Adams and North Side, while registering seven other games with 5 or more swipes.
SOPHIE EISENHUT, BLUFFTON
Eisenhut served as the defensive anchor for Bluffton this season, using her length and timing to protect the rim and alter countless shots in the paint. Averaging 3.3 blocks per game, she made opponents think twice about attacking the basket and provided a strong last line of defense for the Tigers. Her presence inside not only erased scoring opportunities but also helped Bluffton control the glass and establish a physical tone on the defensive end throughout the season. Eisenhut actually posted 4 steals three different times, had a season best 9 blocks against Huntington North and posted 5 or more blocks 7 total times.
IZZY KNITTER, COLUMBIA CITY
Knitter played a major role in Columbia City’s defensive identity this season, using her activity and anticipation to constantly disrupt opposing offenses. She averaged 2.9 steals per game and an impressive 4.4 deflections per contest, showing consistent relentless effort to break up offensive rhythm, and helped fuel Columbia City’s transition opportunities throughout the season.
VANESSA ROSSWURM, NORWELL
Rosswurm’s impact for Norwell extended well beyond her scoring, as she was equally disruptive on the defensive end throughout the season. Averaging 3.7 steals per game for a team that thrived in the steals department, she consistently pressured opposing ball handlers and pushing the Knights to NE8 and semi state titles.
LEAH SHAPPELL, LEO
Shappell anchored Leo’s defense with a rare combination of size, instincts, and versatility, impacting games all over the floor. She averaged 3.5 steals per game while also protecting the rim with 3.5 blocks per contest, showcasing her ability to disrupt opponents both on the perimeter and in the paint. With timely blocks, Shappell’s defensive presence made life difficult for opposing offenses. Shappell had a season best 9 steals against Churubusco and posted a season high 7 blocks against South Adams.
JAYMA STONEBRAKER, WHITKO
Stonebraker played a pivotal role in Whitko’s defensive success this season as they became the #1 ranked team in Class 2A. Averaging 4.2 steals per game, she was a constant threat in passing lanes and applied relentless pressure on ball handlers. Her energy and anticipation helped set the tone. She had a season best 9 steals against Woodlan, while having five or more steals on 11 total occasions.
OTH 2026 ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
HARVEST GREEN, BISHOP LUERS
Green quickly emerged as one of the most impactful young players in Northeast Indiana girls basketball this season, playing a major for Bishop Luers. Despite being in her first varsity campaign, Green produced at a high level across the board, averaging 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Her ability to score inside and on the perimeter, combined with her rebounding presence and playmaking instincts, gave the Knights a versatile offensive weapon while also contributing defensively. Green’s immediate impact and well-rounded production made her arguably the most impressive freshmen in the area and a cornerstone for Luers moving forward. She scored a season best 30 points against Adams Central and scored 20 or more points eight times.
RUBY GROGG, HUNTINGTON NORTH
Grogg provided Huntington North with a strong inside presence in her first varsity season, quickly becoming a valuable contributor for the Vikings. Grogg averaged 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, with a consistent ability to score around the basket while also making an impact on the glass. A steady production gave the Vikings important minutes from a young player. Grogg’s early success as a freshman highlights her potential as a key piece of the program’s future as they build around coach Gary Andrews as he wraps up his first year leading the program. Grogg hit for a career best 21 points against Columbia City, adding 11 rebounds as one of two double doubles this season.
AVERY LEECH, GARRETT
Leech quickly established herself as a valuable contributor in the short Railroader lineup. Leech averaged 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game; her ability to score while also contributing defensively and on the glass gave the Railroaders steady production from a young player and a strong matchup for opposing post players. Leech’s confidence and versatility as a freshman stood out in a conference without many ninth grade talents. Leech scored in double figures on 13 different occasions, including a 14 point/12 rebound double double against Heritage.
KARSYN SCHWIETERMAN, JAY COUNTY
Schwieterman made an immediate impact for Jay County this season as her sisters have before her when they were freshmen. Schwieterman showed the poise and versatility of a veteran, averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Her scoring ability made her a constant offensive threat, while her rebounding and defensive activity helped Jay County compete on both ends of the floor. Schwieterman’s all-around production and confidence as a freshman quickly established her as a key piece. She scored in single digits just three times and posted a career best 31 points against Concordia with five double doubles. Against Southern Wells, Schwieterman posted a stat line of 24 points, 7 steals and 6 assists.
CICI SEFTON, BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN
Are you used to the name Sefton at Blackhawk Christian yet? She averaged 8.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 2 steals per game, helping influence the game in multiple ways as the Braves have a young core that she has added to. Her rebounding presence and defensive activity helped Blackhawk Christian control possessions, while her scoring added another reliable option on offense. Sefton’s well-rounded production and energy made her an important part of the Braves’ lineup.
KENZIE WHITE, SNIDER
White provided the Panthers with toughness and production in the frontcourt despite being early in her high school career. White averaged 10.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. Her rebounding presence helped Snider control the glass, while her scoring gave the Panthers a reliable young option as other high level players were being keyed on. White’s physical play, energy, and consistent production shined bright for the Panthers during and after the absence of leading scorer Janaya Cooper. White had eight double digit scoring games, led by a 20 point/13 rebound night in a win over Norwell. That was one of four double doubles for White.
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