Before we get to the 2026 Outside the Huddle All-Area Team and our end-of-year awards, Bounce wanted to take some time and take a last glance at area conferences and hand out some league-specific metaphorical hardware.
Today, we tackle the ACAC.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Declan Grieser, Bluffton
Bluffton senior Declan Grieser turned in a strong and steady 2025–2026 campaign, emerging as one of the more reliable scoring options in the area. Averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game, Grieser consistently provided offensive production while also contributing on the glass, giving Bluffton a dependable presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to score in a variety of ways and carry stretches of offense made him a focal point for opponents and a key piece in Bluffton’s overall approach throughout the season.
That production, combined with his senior leadership, earned Grieser recognition beyond just his team, as he was recently selected to the Indiana roster for the prestigious Nancy Rehm Border Wars Classic.
HONORABLE MENTION: Gradin Swoveland (Jay County), Lantae Cassel (Heritage), Tytus Lehman (South Adams), Camden Brooks (Woodlan), Braylend Reber (Adams Central)
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jayden Comer, Jay County
If you know Bounce’s awards and OTH history, you know MVP means something different than Player of the Year. MVP to us is someone who is legit the most valuable to their team and overall success of that program.
Jay County junior Jayden Comer put together a strong and well-rounded 2025–2026 season, emerging as one of the Patriots’ most consistent perimeter threats. According to available stats, Comer averaged about 15 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, production that highlights both his scoring ability and his impact on the defensive end. As a guard, he showed the ability to control tempo while also creating offense, whether attacking off the bounce or knocking down shots, giving Jay County a reliable option night in and night out.
Comer’s play did not go unnoticed across the state. His season included recognition such as IBCA Underclass All-State honorable mention honors. Beyond the numbers, his ability to generate steals and disrupt opposing offenses added another layer to his value.
HONORABLE MENTION: Gradin Swoveland (Jay County), Declan Grieser (Bluffton), Marshall Gerber (Bluffton), Kingston Galentine (Heritage), Taurean Brown (Heritage), Keaton Delagrange (Woodlan), Joshua Aulbach (Southern Wells)
BREAKOUT/MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Kingston Galentine, Heritage
Heritage sophomore Kingston Galentine emerged as one of the Patriots’ top offensive weapons after limited varsity time just a season ago; putting together a highly productive campaign against a competitive Northeast Indiana schedule. Galentine averaged 14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, leading Heritage in scoring while also contributing across multiple areas of the stat sheet.
Beyond the numbers, Galentine showed flashes of being a true difference-maker for a Heritage team that finished 15-8 on the season. He delivered strong individual performances throughout the year, including outings like a 21-point, five-rebound effort early in the season that helped set the tone for his breakout sophomore campaign.
HONORABLE MENTION: Gavin Grieser (Bluffton), Maddox White (Bluffton), Nolan Bowers (Heritage), Camden Brooks (Woodlan), Gavin Herring (South Adams), Lawson Deathe (Adams Central)
COACH OF THE YEAR: Tyler Rigby, Jay County
Under first year head coach Tyler Rigby, Jay County put together an outstanding 2025–2026 season, establishing itself as one of the top teams in the area with a 20-4 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play to claim the ACAC title. The Patriots were dominant at times, especially during the heart of the season when they strung together long winning streaks and consistently handled both conference and non-conference opponents. Their balance showed early with wins over Richmond (56-53) and Woodlan (52-28), and continued as they picked up impressive road victories like a 58-41 win at New Castle and a 72-63 result at Muncie Central.
As the season progressed, Jay County hit its stride, highlighted by a 14-game winning streak and key victories over quality opponents. The Patriots knocked off Heritage twice, including a 59-53 road win, and added strong wins over Bluffton (47-39), Norwell (54-44) and Bellmont (63-55), showing their ability to win in different environments.
HONORABLE MENTION: Craig Teagle (Bluffton), Kyle Sovine (Heritage)
EARLY 2026-27 CONFERENCE CHAMP PICK: Jay County Patriots
Jay County is the early favorite in the Allen County Athletic Conference because in part because it already proved itself as the league’s best team during the 2025–2026 season. The Patriots went a perfect 6-0 in conference play while finishing 20-4 overall, separating themselves from the rest of the field with both consistency and dominance . Not only did they win the league, but they did so by a comfortable margin over teams like Bluffton and Heritage, showing they could handle the conference’s top challengers head-to-head.
That kind of undefeated run in league play establishes a clear hierarchy, and Jay County sits firmly at the top.
Beyond just the standings, the Patriots’ overall body of work reinforces why they should be considered the favorite again. Compared to the rest of the conference, Jay County combined offensive efficiency with defensive consistency, allowing significantly fewer points than most league opponents while still producing at a high level. Leading scorer Jayden Comer returns and that is a massive help, as does fellow current junior Gabe Overton (7.4 ppg, 3.2 apg) and classmates Benson Barnett and Brock Wasson, who may not have put up big numbers but each played in 20 or more games.
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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