For the eighth season in a row, Bounce and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2026-2027 season.
Want to know how we come up with our rankings? Click here.
A few insights into Bounce’s protocol:
- This is based on high school impact, not college potential. We get it, there are D1 athletes here lower than non-D1 athletes. This isn’t a recruiting database, this is based purely off of high school output.
- No newbies. Players with previous varsity playing time only
Today, we continue the countdown on the girls hoops side with positions No. 30-26
No. 30: Elyse Mead, West Noble
Elyse Mead emerged as West Noble’s leading scorer during the 2025–26 season, averaging 13.1 points per game as a sophomore after averaging 4.8 as a freshman. The 5-foot-9 guard also averaged a team-high 3.7 steals and 1.8 assists, giving the Chargers a player who can create offense and disrupt opponents on defense. She had six games with three or more three pointers hit, led by five hit in a 31 point game opposite Prairie Heights. Her growth earned her All-NECC honors, setting up Mead for an even larger role as a junior.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MEAD
“Elyse is an excellent athlete with perhaps the most natural shooting touch I’ve ever coached. She can play both ends of the floor and expanded her offensive game this summer. She is also very humble and is one of our hardest workers and most coachable players. She will undoubtedly be one of the better players in both our conference and sectional this year.” – West Noble coach Steve Wiktorowski
No. 29: Izzy Knitter, Columbia City
Izzy Knitter gives Columbia City a guard who influences the game well beyond her 7.5 points per outing. She averaged 5.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists while creating trouble for opponents with 2.9 steals and 4.4 deflections per game. That combination of ball pressure, work on the glass and playmaking helped her earn honorable mention All-NE8 recognition as a sophomore and a spot on the OTH All-Defensive team. With a season of partial lead combo guard/forward experience behind her, Knitter figures to be central to how the Eagles create chances at both ends of the floor.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KNITTER
“Izzy really caught the attention of many this summer. She brings valuable varsity experience & success to our team but she’s ready to take her game to the next level this season as a junior. Her ability to play positions 1-5 on both ends of the floor very well is such a luxury to have. She is definitely one of the more underrated players in our area. She is the ultimate competitor, selfless leader by example and deflects her success to her teammates. Izzy represents everything you want in a Lady Eagle.” – Columbia City coach Kyle Fillman
No. 28: Oni Krueckberg, Bellmont
Oni Krueckeberg gave Bellmont a spark at both ends of the floor during its state championship run. The guard averaged 8.2 points, 2.4 steals and 1.7 assists across 28 games last season. Her impact was clear in the Class 3A title game, where she scored 13 points and turned a steal into an early basket as a major tone setter for the game. Her coach considers her one of the most important pieces of that tournament run: Krueckeberg can handle the ball, threaten from three and get to the rim quickly, while also using her IQ to make life difficult for any player she guards.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KRUECKBERG
“You could make an argument that Oni was the most important piece to our tournament run last season. She creates problems on both offense and defense for opposing teams. On offense she is constantly putting pressure the defense by her shooting ability and how quick she is to the rim. On defense she is probably frustrating your best player because her foot speed is remarkable.” – Bellmont coach Andy Heim
No. 27: Emma Walker, Manchester
Emma Walker enters her senior season as a key piece for Manchester after leading the Squires with 13.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.1 steals per game in 2025–26. She shot 44 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 74 percent at the foul line, providing scoring efficiency alongside her work on the boards and defensive production. That balanced résumé – 7 steals twice and 8 against Eastbrook – makes Walker a player to watch as Manchester looks to build on last season’s 13-win campaign.
COACH’S QUOTE ON WALKER
“Emma is a natural leader. She not only is vocal, but she will set the tone with her work ethic. She is a friend to everyone on the team and contributes to a team culture that makes everyone feel included. On the court, she leads us on both sides with her ability to defend in the lane, rebound, and score from inside and out. She has a natural court awareness, and we are excited to continue watching her grow this season.” – Manchester coach Allison Kauffman
No. 26: Jaylee Slone, Central Noble
Jaylee Slone gave Central Noble a dependable scoring option as a sophomore, averaing 13.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.5 steals across 25 games. She showed how much she could influence a game in the Northeast Corner Conference tournament, scoring 19 points and grabbing seven rebounds in a 47–41 win over Garrett that got payback for a loss to the Railroaders shortly before. She had nine double digit games to start the season, including a season best 25 in a win over Goshen. With that production and another year of experience, Slone figures to be a central piece of the Cougars’ offense this season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SLONE
“Jaylee has an exceptional skillset that she has worked hard to develop. It is exciting to watch her continue to develop how to have an impact on all facets of the game and to build upon the legacy established by those who came before her.” – Central Noble coach Sam Malcolm
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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