Things shift dramatically in the Northeast 8 in many ways this season. A pair of new coaches, transfers in, transfers out…they all make a difference. What it doesn’t change? The balance of power at the top as two long standing NE8 powerhouses are again expected to battle for the conference crown.
Let’s breakdown the NE8 heading into the 2026-2027 season.
THE FAVORITE
BELLMONT BRAVES
Bellmont enters the 2026–27 season with championship expectations after returning nearly everyone from last year’s historic state-title team. The Braves bring back their leading scorers in Ashley Bleke, who averaged 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists, and Mary Bleke, who produced 13.3 points per game while shooting 59.4 percent from the field. Senior guard Lanie French adds experience and perimeter shooting after averaging 8.9 points, while Oni Krueckeberg contributed 7.8 points per game.
Coach Andy Heim’s roster also features Kaitlyn Barton, Kate Kitson, Hadley Caffee, Ella Schumm, Katelyn Borne and Ava Billman, giving Bellmont proven depth at every position. Freshman guard Berkely Caffee joins a veteran group whose willingness to share the basketball remains one of its greatest strengths. The Braves’ primary goal is to win the Northeast Eight Conference while maintaining a week-to-week focus and avoiding the temptation to look too far ahead toward another postseason run.
“I think this team has the potential to put up a lot of points this season which should make them a fun watch. While they are typically known for their tough defense (which we should still have), I am more excited for them to show off their scoring ability this season” says Heim. “On top of all that, our schedule has gotten much more difficult which should create some great games.”
THE CONTENDER
NORWELL KNIGHTS
Norwell will lean on three seniors as it reshapes its varsity rotation following a 25-5 season. Alivia Green, the lone returning starter, averaged 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, while 6-foot-2 Bella Swineford added 2 points and 4.5 rebounds. Haley Williamson provides backcourt experience after recording 43 assists and 29 steals. Their experience in high-pressure games will be important as the Knights develop new contributors and maintain high expectations.
Juniors Mia Kurtz, Daisy Swineford, Chloe Comer and Maggi Neuenschwander join sophomores Avery Thornton, Hadley Meyer and Ally Graft in stepping up from the JV program. Kurtz showed shooting promise in limited varsity action, making 12 of 33 three-pointers. Although varsity experience is limited, familiarity with Norwell’s system gives this group a strong foundation. The Knights aim to improve weekly against a demanding schedule while remaining competitive in the NE8 and state tournament.
“This group is excited for the opportunity to compete at the varsity level. They’ve had to show patience to wait their turn and now it’s here for them. I love our seniors, and through their leadership, our team will understand just how hard they’ll have to work to earn it every night against our schedule,” coach Eric Thornton said.
THE REST (listed alphabetically)
COLUMBIA CITY
Columbia City enters the season with an experienced, versatile core led by senior forward Claudia Strack, who averaged 8.3 points and 5.2 rebounds while earning Second Team All-NE8 honors. Junior Izzy Knitter adds production throughout the lineup after posting 7.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.9 steals per game, while Sola Holler returns in the backcourt. The Eagles also regain Karrington Amber following an ACL injury at the start of last season and bring back Isabel Miller, Kennedy Tucker and Jill Morrow to provide valuable depth.
The addition of Huntington North transfer Luci Reich could elevate Columbia City considerably after she averaged 15 points and shot 38 percent from three on 140 attempts last season. Highly regarded freshman Sage Linnemeier should also play an immediate role, leading a talented group of freshmen that includes Harper Ziliak and Bralynn Brinker. Sophomores Tenley Schmitt and Morgan Furthmiller and junior Addison Gowen are up from the JV level. With the ability to play through Strack and Knitter inside or spread the floor with a deep collection of athletic guards, the Eagles possess the versatility to challenge opponents in multiple ways while preparing themselves for NE8 and postseason play.
“Our girls have been ready to go since day one of this new chapter of Lady Eagles basketball. I couldn’t be more thankful for their response to our coaching staff,” said new coach Kyle Fillman. “Even with having just one senior, our girls are hungry to prove themselves now and make this a memorable season. It’s an honor to play for and represent our amazing CC community.”
DEKALB
DeKalb enters the season with experience few teams can match, returning every statistic from last year’s 12-win squad. Seniors Abbie Harris and Reese Schmidt help headline a veteran starting five alongside juniors Ellington Sparkman, Kyla Kjendalen and Mollee Sonnenburg. Kjendalen averaged 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game, while Sparkman also scored 10.8 points per contest. Harris added 10.6 points, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals, giving the Barons three proven double-figure scorers that are back for season two under veteran coach Mark Pixley.
That continuity should allow DeKalb to lean into its strengths: perimeter shooting, pressure defense, transition offense and strong team chemistry. Ella Nixon provides additional senior leadership, while sophomores Riley Hartsough, Kolbie Oliphant, Cami Abel and Rain Freed deepen the rotation. Freshman Gracie Fordyce, a 5-foot-10 guard from DeKalb Middle School, adds size to the backcourt. With clearly defined roles and a seasoned core, the Barons have set their sights on a top-three conference finish and a sectional championship.
“We bring the whole team back so it should be a fun year to watch us play,” says Pixley.
EAST NOBLE
East Noble enters 2026–27 with a young but experienced group looking to build on last season’s 20–6 finish. Senior Rian David leads the returning starters after averaging 10.8 points, 4 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 41 percent from three. Fellow senior Shaye Ritchie also returns, giving the Knights two established players to help guide a rotation that gained valuable varsity experience last winter.
Juniors Avalynn Schache, Brooklyn Arnold and Hailey Molargik are expected to take on bigger roles, while Shaye Turley, Sydnee Hillier and Kylie Parks add options to the lineup. East Noble has emphasized ball movement and defense this offseason. If that growth carries into the season, the Knights believe they can put themselves in position to compete for another sectional championship.
“We have a lot of girls stepping into new roles, and it has been special to watch players I’ve had in the program for four years grow into seniors and leaders,” coach Britain Isaacs says. “At the same time, our younger players are continuing to grow, mature, and develop both as young women and basketball players. I’m excited to see this group continue working toward our goals, pushing each other every day, and competing at a high level.”
HUNTINGTON NORTH
Huntington North enters coach Gary Andrews’ second season with a young but experienced core and an opportunity to turn last year’s growing pains into progress. The Vikings finished 7-16, but return four starters in junior guard Addi Richardson, sophomore forwards Ruby Grogg and Kendal DeHaven, and senior guard Riley Wilson. Grogg averaged a team-leading 6.2 rebounds and 1 block per game, Richardson led Huntington North with 2.9 steals per contest, and Wilson paced the team with 3 assists per game. Those contributions give Andrews a foundation across the floor.
Andrews expects defense and transition play to define Huntington North, with full-court pressure designed to create turnovers and get the Vikings moving quickly. Sophomore guard Addison Winter and 6-foot sophomore center Abby Lorenz return alongside senior guards Jacky Ellet, Haley Doyle and Emma Richard, providing options around the starting core. Bishop Luers transfer Addisen Bischoff joins fellow sophomore Tayteum McCoart and freshmen Hadley Toll and Ella Lochmaier among the newcomers.
“We will play an exciting brand of basketball,” Andrews said. “We should be a fun team to watch this season.”
LEO
Leo enters the 2026-27 season with four returning starters and an experienced core looking to build on last season’s 16-7 finish. Senior guard Mackenzie Collins headlines that group after averaging 11.8 points, 5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game, giving the Lions a versatile leader who can create opportunities on both ends of the floor. Fellow senior guard Taylor Davis-Gibson returns after averaging 5.1 points and knocking down 27 three-pointers, while junior forward Stella Schelm contributed 6.4 points per game and junior center Luci Schott added 6. That returning production gives Leo a foundation of familiar faces, although replacing graduated leading scorer Leah Shappell’s 17.3 points per game will require players to embrace expanded roles.
Junior guard Emma Connally and senior forward Bella Viggiano provide additional returning experience, while senior guard Kortney Dowty and junior guard Mirra Lape move up from the JV ranks to bolster the rotation. Leo’s identity will center on defensive energy, strong chemistry and a willingness to share the basketball, with an emphasis on increasing pressure to generate more transition offense. For a group aiming to compete in the Northeast 8 and contend in sectional play, turning that collective effort into consistent production will be essential.
“This group will be a fun group to cheer for this year. They have fun on the court and work together well. Their energy is contagious and they work hard on both sides of the ball,” says coach Carrie Shappell.
NEW HAVEN
New Haven enters the 2026-27 season looking to build a new identity after a 2-21 campaign and the graduation of leading scorer A’lanah Webb. Her 20.7 points, 6 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game leave a significant void, while the departures of Hannah Goodrich and Ja’Anah Ware further increase the opportunities for younger players to take ownership of the Bulldogs’ offense. The team shifts to new coaching under Rod Chamble, the former Northrop boys basketball coach, who has seen success on the summer circuit coaching girls basketball through Always 100.
Among the candidates to lead that next chapter is juniors Sophia DuBose, who averaged 3.7 points and 5 rebounds last season. With so much production graduating, the Bulldogs’ outlook hinges on how quickly that younger core can handle expanded roles in the Northeast 8.
BOUNCE’S NE8 PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Bellmont
2. Norwell
3. Columbia City
4. DeKalb
5. Leo
6. East Noble
7. Huntington North
8. New Haven
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