ADA
Division VI
Conference: Blanchard Valley Conference
Coach: Zach Ricker (3rd season)
2023-24 Record: 9-13, 0-8 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Lexi Poling, Anna Conley, Kenley Poling
Promising Newcomers: Ashley Hevlin, Brooklyn Andreasen, Jaylin St. Laurent, Grace Lawrence, Emily Gibson, Mariah Burns, Abbey Anderson
Coach’s Analysis: “We have a young group with limited experience at the varsity level, but they are an extremely coachable and hard-working group. We have shown growth early in the preseason and will look to continue to build on that.”
ALLEN EAST
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Aaron Montgomery (4th season)
2023-24 Record: 21-3, 6-2 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Rilynn Jones, Dylan Miller, Ella Miller, Taylor Nickles, Brynn Richardson, Rylie Jordan
Promising Newcomers: Lydia Payne, Brooklynn Crumrine, Evelyn Lehman, Brooke Blue, Madison Miller
Coach’s Analysis: “We have a mix of older and younger players this season. Six of the 11 have a lot of varsity experience while the other five have been getting a lot of reps this summer. Rilynn is back leading the charge for us as she closes in on the 1,000-point mark and the all-time steals record at Allen East. This group is looking to win the NWC for the first time since 1995.
BATH
Division V
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Greg Mauk (27th season)
2023-24 Record: 18-7, 8-1 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Faith Clark, Izabel McDermott, Allyson Harnishfeger, Gwen Foust, Marly Mason, Mara Davis
Promising Newcomers: Ana Rasor, Addison Gibson, Alycen Stumbaugh, Addy Rex
Coach’s Analysis: “We are very youthful this season. Our team has one senior, a four-year letterwinner in Faith Clark. We return six other letter winners who we will rely on for guiding our new players. We hope to play an exciting brand of transition basketball. We will succeed provided we are able to rebound and take care of the basketball. Our game plan is to play deep into our bench this season.”
BLUFFTON
Division V
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Adam Burris (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 7-16, 1-7 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Ayla Grandey, Jordan Schweingruber, Blair Utendorf, Macy Schaadt, Lauren Dearth, Gracie Warren
Promising Newcomers: Emma Green, Avery Smith, Avery Hobensack, Lainey Grandey, Maelee Miller
Coach’s Analysis: “We bring back a lot of experience from last year, so hopefully that can get us to the next level and we can compete at the top of our league. We will rely on our defense to keep us in games. We have a very athletic group of guards who can play defense at a high level and a very good rim protector with Ayla Grandey. So if we can put our offense together and continue playing defense at a high level I think we can compete.”
CELINA
Division III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Bret Baucher (3rd season)
2023-24 Record: 7-15, 1-8 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Alex Kimmel, Kenlee Holstad, Kate Braun, Rachel Rammel, Brooke Baucher, Mylee Walters, Brinley Korte, Lilly Shreffler
Promising Newcomers: Alaina Verhorn, Libertie, Slaven
Coach’s Analysis: “Our goal is to stick to our process that started two years ago and to build on a solid summer and successful fall sports season. We want to utilize our experience and depth to push each other to get better every day in order to compete at a high level.”
COLUMBUS GROVE
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference, Putnam County League
Coach: Brian Schroeder
2023-24 Record: 21-6, 6-2 NWC, 6-1 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Lauryn Auchmuty, Elyse Fortman, Ruth Myers, Nicole Nesby, Kendal Palte, Allison Thompson
Promising Newcomers: Jade Roeder, Mya Verhoff, Aubrey Schroeder
Coach’s Analysis: “We lost three senior captains from last season’s regional runner-up team. Our lone senior, Lauryn Auchmuty and the returning letter winners will need to provide leadership and play with consistency on both ends of the court for us to be the best team that we can be. As a team, we need to improve our positioning and decision-making on offense and defense. As long as we continue to work hard and improve each week, we hope to compete in both leagues.”
CONTINENTAL
Division VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Damon Schmidt (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 0-23, 0-7 PCL
Varsity Roster: Brystol Fitzwater, Cassie Pier, Kamryn Searfoss, Laney Nienberg, Macie Clemens, Morgan Shock, Kenzie Searfoss, Gabbie Martinez, Mallorie Barnhart, Olivia Crossgrove, Ella Siefer, Ashlyn Dudgeon, Ava Sheeter, Becca Stark
CRESTVIEW
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Mark Gregory (17th season)
2023-24 Record: 26-3, 6-1 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Ellie Kline, Kaci Gregory, Josie Kulwicki, Kennedy Cider, Haley McCoy, Peyton Hoffman, Lillie Best
Promising Newcomers: Lydia Grace, Kenzie Harting, Ella Lamb
Coach’s Analysis: “This is a great group of girls with a mixture of experience and some that haven’t played much at the varsity level. These ladies play extremely hard and are very coachable. I am looking forward to seeing us continue to grow and blossom this season. We won’t be the tallest team very often, but our girls will compete.”
DELPHOS JEFFERSON
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Doug Geary (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 21-4, 7-1 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Kyla Carder, Kyah Kimmett, Claire Brinkman
Promising Newcomers: Claire Stokes, Aubree Bayman, Libby Wallace, Brylee Geary
Coach’s Analysis: “This year’s varsity team has some huge shoes to fill with the loss of four seniors who combined for 84% of the offense last year. The new coaching staff will count on returning letterman Kyla Carder, Claire Brinkman and Kyah Kimmett to step into new roles along with Claire Stokes and Aubree Bayman, who will look to fill spots in the rotation. How quickly can this inexperienced group gel at the varsity level could be a determining factor in the team’s success.”
DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S
Division VII
Conference: Midwest Athletic Conference
Coach: Ian Finn (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 5-18, 1-8 MAC
Returning Lettermen: Evie Vonderwell, Aubrey Fairchild, Emma Wiltsie, Ava Hershey, Megan Kerner, Faith Cross
Promising Newcomers: Ella Martz, Grace Moenter, Lauren Wiltsie, Blaire Gable, Gracie Creque, Kayle Sunderhaus
Coach’s Analysis: “We are going to be a young but very athletic team. We are going to force the issue on defense each game. This will be another year of not having a lot of height. We will use our speed to keep the pace of the game very fast which will play in our favor. A tough non-league schedule and playing in the MAC is going to challenge us every night but we are looking forward to the opportunity to compete.”
ELIDA
Division III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Elise Jenkins (6th season)
2023-24 Record: 7-17, 3-6 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Oliveah Sanders, Jordan Gladen, Kayla Hunter, Emma Mitchell, Lilly Sifrit, Lexie Good
Promising Newcomers:
Coach’s Analysis: “In pre-season, we’ve already had some players with injuries that are healing. However, I’ve been very pleased with our girls and their work ethic. The upperclassmen are great leaders and the younger players are displaying a great eagerness to learn. With a guard-heavy roster, our goal is to create our offense through defense. Look for Elida to put high pressure on the ball full court to create easy baskets through the fast break.”
FORT JENNINGS
Division VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Sean O’Connor (4th season)
2023-24 Record: 4-20, 1-6 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Maggie Pothast, Autumn Calvelage, Morgan Siefker, Khloe Browning, Addison Sarka
Promising Newcomers: Reese Hellman, Kaylee Geise, Alexis Geise
Coach’s Analysis: “Our goal will be the same as in years past. We want to compete for the PCL, learn from our mistakes and play to the best of our abilities. We have changed the culture in the past four years and it’s starting to pay off. This season we’ll show how far we have come. With Girls Basketball moving to seven divisions we will see different teams at tournament time, so the sky’s the limit once we get there. “
HARDIN NORTHERN
Division VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Brady Mast (18th season)
2023-24 Record: 4-19, 1-7 NWCC
Returning Lettermen: Catherine Overs, Annemarie Minter, Heidi Trachsel, Lainey Thomas
Promising Newcomers: Addy Bacon, Baylie Bacon
Coach’s Analysis: “We will work hard and I see us improving as the season progresses. We expect to be competitive but we’ll need several players to step up and lead the way. I believe we have a strong group of returning letterwinners who will drive the outcome of this season. We need to find ways to score but if we work hard on the defensive end, we will compete each night. I feel we have a strong group of girls who want to compete and they’ll do all the things that are necessary to become successful.”
KALIDA
Division VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Adam Huber (15th season)
2023-24 Record: 17-7, 6-1 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Meredith Bockrath, Ady Miller, Avrie Unverferth, Allie Kuhlman, Olivia Meyer, Madison Unverferth, Claire Nartker, Addilyn Huber
Promising Newcomers: Nicole Siebeneck, Kennedy Simon
Coach’s Analysis: “With each new season, expectations of continuing the standard we have established at Kalida are high. With the number of seniors and experience returning we feel we will be in every game throughout the season and have a chance to be very successful. Although we have a veteran group our day-to-day goals remain the same and that is to be better than we were the day before and to win each day. If we do that, we will be playing our best at the end of the season”
KENTON
Division IV
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Jay Bostelman (7th season)
2023-24 Record: 11-12, 5-4 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Sadie Larrabee, Macee Heckathorn, Olivia Nolting, Kyla Bostater, Sidney Payne, Alexis Ratliff
Promising Newcomers: Emori Criner, Brylee Bostelman, Kaiden Gammon
Coach’s Analysis: “We’re an experienced team looking to have a great year competing in the WBL. We like to play fast and score in transition by attacking the basket or kicking out for open threes.”
LCC
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Rosie Williams (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 2-20
Returning Lettermen: Aubrey Frankhouser, Carolina Kill, Alice Reif, Alon’Nah Bagley, Claire Wolfcale, Courtney VanMeter
Promising Newcomers: Olivia Hinegardner, Tatum Marks, Olivia Venturella, Ava Gephart, Sophia Hurley
Coach’s Analysis: “Coming off a season with only two wins and entering a great conference for girls basketball, we are working to teach these girls how to compete. We are looking to get better and worrying about wins later.”
LEIPSIC
Division VII
Conference: Blanchard Valley Conference/Putnam County League
Coach: Kirk Wensink (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 10-13, 2-6 NWC, 3-4 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Brooklyn Cunningham, Serenity Arrizola, Jazelle Perez, Peyton Schroeder, Kylee Schroeder
Promising Newcomers: Olivia Tussing, Abriana Pizano, Emily Cuevas, Nora Schroeder, Sydney Apple, Aubrey Kleman, Rylin Gerten
Coach’s Analysis: “We will be starting fresh with an entirely new coaching staff heading into 2024-2025. We lost two four-year letter winners and two of our top three leading scorers from last season. In order for us to compete this season we need to establish a relentless defensive mentality. Offensively it is important that we are fundamentally sound. Experience and depth will be our weakness as we start the season. As the season progresses, we hope roles have been established along with the program’s expectations.”
LIMA SENIOR
Division III
Conference: Toledo City Athletic League
Coach: Lakeisha Sigman (4th season)
2023-24 Record: 11-13
Returning Lettermen: Amiyah Coleman, A’Nya James, Mallory Gipson, Keasia Jones, Angela, Kohlhofer
Promising Newcomers: Zy’Asija Scott, Ryann Pitts, Jaclyn Kohlhofer, Khaliah Luster, Jaislynn Ingram, Imani White, Daniyah Denson,
Coach’s Analysis: “We will start the season with a strong and experienced group of young ladies. We only lost one player to graduation from last year’s team. We have been able to fill some of the positions needed to compete at the next level. We will need to work together and gel as a team for us to be successful. We will be looking forward to playing a fast-paced game powered by defensive intensity.”
LINCOLNVIEW
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Kyle Williams (6th season)
2023-24 Record: 13-11, 4-4 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Emerson Walker, Ashlyn Price, Ella Elling, Keira Breese, Brooklyn Byrne, Kassidy Hammons
Promising Newcomers: Quinnlyn Walker, Destiney Breese
Coach’s Analysis: “I think this year’s team is a very motivated group with lots of energy. This team has set some high goals for themselves, and I think they are able to reach them if they put the time and energy into it. We are a quick, athletic group with some girls who can fill it up. We have an offense that is built around our players’ strengths, so I think we can cause some problems on the offensive end. An area for improvement is on the defensive end. We need to have consistent defensive effort. But, I am very excited about what this group can do”
MILLER CITY
Division VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Ross Heuerman (9th season)
2023-24 Record: 17-8, 4-3 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Hailey Warnimont, Andrea Pfau, Lou Michel, Libby Erford
Promising Newcomers: Keira Warnimont, Anna Schnipke, Karlee Gilgenbach, Kiera Ruhe
Coach’s Analysis: “We have an athletic team that shares the ball and can make shots consistently. We have the athleticism and length to bother other teams defensively. If we stay consistent we feel that we can have a very successful, competitive season.”
OTTAWA-GLANDORF
Division V
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Troy Yant (13th season)
2023-24 Record: 26-3, 9-0 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Kaitlyn Kimmet, Carlie Brinkman, Megan Horstman, Kaelyn Grotehaus, Karsyn Erford, Alivia Grothaus, Savannah Recker
Promising Newcomers: Greta Leibrecht, Gracie Lammers, Madison McKee, Ella White
Coach’s Analysis: “We are excited to be back playing basketball and putting the pieces together. This year even more than in the past could lend itself to a slow start to the season as we acclimate to the individual skills needed on the court, while also building our team components. We hope once again to be at the top of the league, but several teams played young rosters the last two years and have quite a number of returning players that should make the league as competitive as ever.”
OTTOVILLE
Division VII
Conference: Putnam County League
Coach: Vaughn Horstman (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 18-6, 6-1 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Brooklyn Koester, Kendall Schnipke, Jocelyn Langhals, Carly Thorbahn, Erica, Thorbahn, Paige Turnwald
Promising Newcomers: Kathleen Turnwald, Briley Wertenberger, Rowan Clay, Adeline Miller
Coach’s Analysis: “Our season comes down to becoming a family and how soon we can get to the place of working hard every possession in practice, which will transfer over to games. We bring back a good mix of post and guard play with some good shooters. Our goals are to get better every day and go on a postseason run.”
PANDORA-GILBOA
Division VII
Conference: Blanchard Valley Conference/Putnam County League
Coach: Cody Pelton (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 8-15, 4-4 BVC, 2-5 PCL
Returning Lettermen: Devin Draper, Ciel Wise, Maddie Rutschilling, Lauren Teders, Ava Huffman, Savannah Knueven, Nevaeh Alverado, Keelin Miller
Promising Newcomers: Kelsie Carleson
Coach’s Analysis: “We’re looking to continue the improvement we made last season. The goal is to be competitive with the top teams in both the BVC and PCL. We have good athletes and experience returning from last season.”
SHAWNEE
Division III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Aaron Patterson (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 8-15, 4-5 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Sydney Burris, Kamryn Morris, Morgan Betts, Anna Menke, Brynn Patterson, Lauren Potts, Heaven Watkins, Alexis Whetstone, Haileigh Stump
Promising Newcomers: Addison Lawson, Lauryn Fisher, Ava Gadson, Mya Williams, Cadence Wilson
Coach’s Analysis: “We return a good amount of varsity experience. Multiple players will need to step up to compensate for the loss of our all-time leading scorer Grace Freiberger. We are focusing on getting better each day at practice to be able to compete and play our best basketball every night.”
SPENCERVILLE
Division VI
Conference: Northwest Conference
Coach: Greg Ekis
2023-24 Record: 12-11, 3-5 NWC
Returning Lettermen: Savannah Groffith, Clara Goecke, Eilan Muniz, Lenna Smith, Briley Cook, Jenna Wannemacher, Grace Fledderjohann
Promising Newcomers: Allison Post, Tatum Schwartz
Coach’s Analysis: “This team has a lot of potential. The focus is getting better every day and not looking ahead. These players are working hard and getting better each day.”
ST. MARYS
Division IV
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Scott Jordan (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 12-12, 6-3 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Sophia Menker, Reese Rable, Cadence Hirschfield, Lauren Jacobs, Logan Henschen, Clare Turner
Promising Newcomers: Audrey Reineke, Madi Steger, Kendal Davis
Coach’s Analysis: “We have an experienced core along with some young talent. We are committed to playing an uptempo style that aligns with our strengths. We want to win the WBL and make a deep tournament run.”
UPPER SCIOTO VALLEY
Division VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Mark Campbell (2nd season)
2023-24 Record: 7-15, 3-5 NWCC
Returning Lettermen: Raegan Castle, Layla Hunsicker, Audrey Lawrence, Jozet Stinson
Promising Newcomers: Shalyn Lawrence, Ivie Gonzalez, Chloe Cunningham, Araya Boyd, Bentley Lopez, Jaylyn Curtis, Kamyn Titus, Ruby Risner Freshman
Coach’s Analysis: “We are looking to build off last year’s successes, bringing back four returning letter winners. With those four returners and the addition of Shalyn Lawrence and Ivie Gonzales, we feel we have great experience and leadership. There will be a mix of experience and some young talent that will make us highly competitive throughout the season. Our team has very high expectations but our ability to maximize our potential will be the difference in our win/loss record.”
VAN WERT
Division IV
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Hannah Phlipot (6th season)
2023-24 Record: 6-17, 4-5 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Kendra Deehring, Katie DeAmicis, Amaya Dowdy, Jazzlyn Florence, Alyah Blackmore
Promising Newcomers: Allison Geib, Karly Boyher
Coach’s Analysis: “The strengths of our team will be our speed and quickness. We have four returning starters and we’ll need to rebound well, limit turnovers and push the pace while creating turnovers on defense to be successful. Our goal is to be one of the top three teams in the WBL.
WAPAKONETA
Division III
Conference: Western Buckeye League
Coach: Marcie Alberts (3rd season)
2023-24 Record: 12-13, 4-5 WBL
Returning Lettermen: Kortney Fullenkamp, Riley Szelagowski, Hannah Schneider, Audrey Welsch, Kenzey Fullenkamp
Promising Newcomers: Madysen Marsh, Dylan Paul, Abby Houser, Sarah Kohler, Paige Olberding, Paison Preston, Payton Manger, Paityn Diglia, Lex Schneider
Coach’s Analysis: “I’m looking forward to watching this group grow and develop each day. Our major focus is on getting 1% better every time we step on the court and having carryover from practice to games. We are a young group with solid upperclassmen leadership.”
WAYNESFIELD-GOSHEN
Division VII
Conference: Northwest Central Conference
Coach: Brent Farley (1st season)
2023-24 Record: 12-12, 6-2 NWCC
Returning Lettermen: Raegan Hutchison, Tatelyn Faraglia, Avery Kessen, Cambrey Miller, Tarynn Vorhes, Makenna Shaw
Promising Newcomers: Brooklyn DeWitt, Emma Pence, Liberty Glaser, Ava Messer, Taryn Tate
Coach’s Analysis: “We bring back a lot of varsity experience. Our girls will compete and work hard every day, as a result, we will grow throughout the season. With new philosophies, we are looking for our seniors to help lead us early. Defense has been a focus this preseason and will keep us competitive until we start implementing our new offensive philosophies.”
