A second state finalist coach returns to the NECC at Fairfield and Fremont is coming off a state finals appearance of their own. While there is one coach change at the top of the conference, there is still a lot of talk about four teams in particular while the middle of the conference looks to build and maybe formulate some upsets.
Let’s breakdown the NECC heading into the 2026-2027 season.
THE FAVORITES
EASTSIDE BLAZERS
Eastside’s championship aspirations begin with an experienced senior trio that gives the Blazers a strong foundation. Taylor Mack, a 5-foot-10 forward/guard, returns after averaging 16.7 points and 5.5 rebounds and enters the season just 138 points shy of 1,000 for her career. Senior point guard Lucy Kitchen brings scoring and playmaking after averaging 10 points and 6.0 assists, while 5-foot-11 senior forward Rylan Moughler adds a dependable presence on the boards with 3.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. All three have experience on championship teams, and their leadership and work ethic will set the standard as Eastside pursues more hardware.
Building depth around that core will be an important part of the Blazers’ season. Junior guard MacKenzie Dawkins returns after averaging 1.6 points, while juniors Kayden Dale, Ava Delgado and Reece Mason move up from the JV ranks with opportunities to contribute. Dale and Delgado provide additional options at forward and guard, with Mason adding backcourt depth. Eastside’s goals remain familiar: compete for the NECC regular-season and tournament championships and a sectional title. With proven senior leadership and an incoming group ready to establish its role, the Blazers have a clear foundation for pursuing those expectations.
“We are here to continue to build on past successes and continue to represent the Eastside Blazer community in a positive and exciting way. Go Green!” says coach Mike Lortie.
FREMONT EAGLES
Fremont enters the season with one of the area’s most experienced senior cores, returning four starters who give the Eagles multiple proven scoring threats. Grace Scharlach leads the way after averaging 19.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.1 steals per game, while Mya Turner contributed 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 steals. Chloe Verdin adds another dependable two-way presence after posting 8.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.2 steals per game, with Mallorie Hufnagle contributing 4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.8 steals.
That experienced group should allow Fremont to play fast and aggressively in transition, but the Eagles must develop newcomers capable of replacing the production and responsibilities of last year’s graduates. Seniors Rylee Hayes and Clara Hukill move up from the junior varsity, along with junior guard Karson Schrewsburg, while freshmen Amalia Goins and Elise Robinson will compete for opportunities. Fremont’s success will depend on getting those newcomers ready for varsity basketball, maintaining several scoring options and limiting turnovers while playing at its preferred pace.
“We are coming off an amazing season last year with being 1A State Runner-Ups. We have high expectations this year, but understand we lost some key players and now have a target on our backs. However, our goal is to still be competitive in the conference and post season this year,” says coach Shae Thomas.
THE CONTENDERS
ANGOLA HORNETS
Angola enters the season with the experience and continuity to pursue an NECC title, returning five starters in a junior class that already carries significant varsity production. Kendall VanderWal leads the Hornets after averaging 19.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game, giving Angola a guard who can influence nearly every facet of the game. Kendall Holman anchors the interior after contributing 8.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest, while Stella Stockamp returns with averages of 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. Ella Savick added 7.3 points per game, and Hadleigh Pocock supplied 4 points and 3.2 rebounds, rounding out a familiar starting group with opportunities to build on last season’s chemistry.
The Hornets’ depth includes sophomore guards Brynlee Knox and Avery Judson alongside seniors Cali Houtz and Bri Resor. Returners from last season’s junior varsity Kaylee Voigt and Mackenzie Tarbet join freshmen Stella Dilts, Natalee Stroud and Anna Keim in providing additional options as Angola develops its rotation. With almost everyone back, the Hornets view their experience, speed and quickness as strengths that can help them make plays on both ends of the floor. Continued growth offensively and defensively, along with stronger connections off the court, will be central to turning that returning production into a sustained push toward the top of the NECC.
“We are looking forward to the 26-27 season and are ready to get started and get to work,” says coach Caela Walker.
FAIRFIELD FALCONS
Fairfield will lean heavily on a talented and experienced trio as it works several newcomers into the varsity rotation. Senior forward Madison Jones headlines the group after averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-11 standout is already a 1,000-point scorer and gives Fairfield a proven offensive centerpiece. Junior forward Paige Park adds 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while junior guard Jenna Fought contributed 2.1 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Jones, Park and Fought have logged meaningful minutes in important games, but Fairfield does not return anyone else from last season’s regular rotation. Sophomore guards Tori Elliot and Maylin Maust, along with 5-foot-7 freshman forward Chara Herbert, are among the leading candidates to fill those openings. Fairfield’s experienced core provides a strong foundation, but its ultimate ceiling could depend on how quickly an inexperienced supporting cast adjusts to the speed and physical demands of varsity basketball.
“Ultimately we are going to have to find multiple ways to win and it first and foremost starts with playing good defense. There are some really good teams and really good players on our schedule that give us a challenge on several nights,” head coach Brodie Garber says. “With all that being said, we are looking forward to the challenge before us.”
THE REST (listed alphabetically)
CENTRAL NOBLE
Central Noble returns three starters from a 12-13 season, led by senior Kaydintz Bales and junior Jaylee Slone. Bales averaged 12.4 points, 7 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season, while Slone led the Cougars at 13.1 points per game and added 2 blocks. Sophomore guard Cora Mault gives Central Noble another experienced ballhandler after averaging 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals as a freshman.
Coach Sam Malcolm also brings back Suryha Steele and Gwenyth Swank, while senior Chloe Adams returns after a season away. Junior guard Kaylee McCoy arrives from Columbia City’s JV program, and McKynzie Carmien could add frontcourt depth. Malcolm sees improved guard play and a stronger shared work ethic as the Cougars aim to keep developing and play their best basketball in January and February.
“We enter this season more experienced and with a shared determination to get better every day,” Malcolm says. “The player’s collective work ethic and development of chemistry should provide for some exciting memories.”
CHURUBUSCO
Churubusco brings back a veteran group led by junior guard Brynn Lortie, who averaged 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds last season. Senior forward Phoenix Smith added 3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while senior guard Nola Bianksi contributed a steal and two deflections per game. Olivia Konger gives the Eagles an outside threat after shooting 38.5 percent from three, and fellow returners Maura Wright, Jayda Oler, Carmen Miller and Gabrielle Bowlin provide more varsity experience.
That experience and upperclass leadership should give Churubusco a foundation as it works to build momentum throughout the program. Seniors Aleasia Johnson and Aubree Mapes also return, while freshman guards Brystol Lortie and Braylee Lortie arrive from the middle school ranks. The Eagles’ stated goal is to improve each day, with a close group that enjoys playing together and is hungry to win.
“We’re excited about the season and the chance to build the kind of program our players and community can be proud of. We want to be tough, play for each other, and make defense our foundation,” said new coach Brandon Kinsey. “Offensively, we’ll push the pace, share the ball, and work for great shots. More than anything, I want people to see a team that competes together every night.”
GARRETT
Garrett returns an experienced core led by junior point guard Emma Coffman, who averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.7 steals last season. Sophomore forward Avery Leech also returns after contributing 9.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.3 assists per game during a breakout freshman season. Seniors Charlotte Lemen and Avery Traylor provide additional experience in the backcourt, while sophomore forwards Hailey Jacobs and Lucy Hefty give the Railroaders rebounding and defensive production. Senior Taylor Miller also returns, and 5-foot-8 freshman Mia Thrush could add help to the rotation.
With four starters back, only one player lost to graduation and several players who gained meaningful varsity experience together, Garrett should be equipped to play faster and place the ball in the hands of its playmakers. Coffman’s scoring and ability to create for others will remain central to the offense, while Leech’s continued development could give the Railroaders a strong second option.
We are excited for the upcoming season and the group of girls we have returning. We have a very connected group both on and off the court,” says coach Wade Hantz. “We look to continue building off the positive momentum that we started last season, and putting a product on the floor that make our fans, school, and community proud.”
LAKELAND
Lakeland enters the season under new coach Brandon Auker with two senior guards returning to the starting lineup. Zoey Bowman provides the Lakers with an experienced, versatile playmaker after averaging 9.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and three steals per game last season. McKenzie Carlson adds another steady presence in the backcourt after producing 7.1 points, five rebounds, three assists and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 32 percent from three-point range. Together, the two seniors will be asked to lead a roster that must replace graduated scoring leader Dulce Canedo.
The Lakers also return juniors Ella Huppenthal, Carmen Rettig and Chloe Yoder, along with sophomores Olivia Howard and Madilyn Aumsbaugh. Huppenthal contributed 5.3 rebounds per game last season, while Yoder led the team with 16 blocked shots. Auker wants Lakeland to build around defensive effort, teamwork and a new coaching philosophy designed to bring the players’ individual strengths together. The program’s larger goal is to establish a positive culture rooted in fundamentals, consistent effort and the ability to compete at a high level each day, Auker notes.
“We, the Lakers girls basketball program, plan to improve in our basketball fundamentals, program core values and individual mindsets that will lead to success on and off the court,” Auker says. “We are not defined by wins or losses, but our constant effort and positive culture will lead to competing at a high level on a consistent basis.”
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS
Prairie Heights returns a strong core led by senior guard Bailee Godsey and junior forward Avery Certain. Godsey averaged a team-high 9.6 points while adding 5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game last season. The 6-foot-1 Certain contributed 8 points, a team-best 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest. Junior guard Addison Taylor also returns to the starting lineup, while 6-foot-2 sophomore Isobel Wolheter provides additional size after averaging 4 rebounds per game.
The Panthers expect that size and experience to make them particularly effective on the boards, with Baylee Rasler and Allie Hardy adding depth alongside Certain and Wolheter. Prairie Heights also believes its improved speed, offensive consistency and close team bond can help produce a significant step forward. Limiting turnovers and converting opponents’ mistakes into points will be central goals as the Panthers work to remain connected through the challenges of the season. Junior Brisa Hostetler and sophomores Mia Crone and Jacee Graber will enhance Prairie Heights’ depth.
“Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes,” says coach Daniel Barnett. “Come out fans this program is building continuously and we need the fans to come out, support and cheer us on.”
WESTVIEW
Westview enters the season with a new look after finishing 12-12 overall and 5-6 in the NECC. Senior point guard Olivia Bontrager is the lone returning starter and will be central to the Warriors’ offense. She averaged a team high 3.9 assists and 1.9 steals last season while shooting 31 percent from three and 73 percent at the free throw line. Senior forward Gloria Miller and junior guard Morgan Grossman also return to a group that must replace its top three scorers.
The Warriors will need contributions from several newcomers: junior guard Janea Yoder and sophomore center Faith Stump move up from JV, sophomore guard Delaney Garrett arrives from Fairfield, and freshmen Hadley Yoder and Kierra Roose join the backcourt. Westview expects a quicker, more versatile team with improved skill across the roster. Its goals are to compete consistently in a strong NECC and play its best basketball when the sectional arrives.
“We lost 4 starters and over 85% of our scoring from last year’s team. We have a number of injuries that will affect multiple players at the start of the season. There are ample opportunities for girls to step up to fill those roles, so it will be exciting to see who is ready to make the next step up and lead this year,” says coach Ryan Yoder.
WEST NOBLE
West Noble returns four junior starters and hopes the experience gained through a young lineup last season translates into a climb in the NECC. Elyse Mead leads the Chargers after earning All-NECC honors with averages of 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.3 steals per game. Point guard Addyson Burns, wing Ella Limerick and 5-foot-10 post Ava DeLong round out that experienced core, while sophomore Brook Barden adds another familiar contributor. Shooting, positional versatility and a willingness to rebound despite limited size give West Noble a foundation to build upon.
Freshmen Lydia Mead, Claire Sheare and Sara Aguilar join a group whose chemistry and positive attitudes should help ease their transition. Cutting turnovers will be essential, as will getting players up to speed after extended fall tournament runs delay their arrival at basketball practice. How quickly the Chargers find their rhythm could shape their start, but an experienced returning core gives West Noble reason to aim for a stronger presence in both the conference and sectional races.
“We are working hard to try and increase our numbers and depth in the program. The girls we have so far are serious and dedicated young athletes and I think they will take another positive step forward this year,” said coach Steve Wiktorowski.
BOUNCE’S NECC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Fremont
2. Eastside
3. Angola
4. Fairfield
5. Garrett
6. Central Noble
7. Westview
8. West Noble
9. Churubusco
10. Lakeland
11. Prairie Heights
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