By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Jim Collins, 8th year, 44-152 career record.

Windham’s Kierrah Sanders (left) and Waterloo’s Jade Martins chase after a loose ball.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Coaching Staff: Tyler Collins, Larry Jones, Adam Smithley.

2024-25 Record: 4-19 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Skyler Bailey, sr.; Brielle Jones, sr.; Makenzi Blockinger, jr.; Kierrah Sanders, soph.; Makenna Jones, soph.; Hannah Silver, soph.

Letterwinners Lost: None.

League: Northeastern Athletic Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Bombers return all players from last year’s group, but still remain a young group, with only two returning seniors who played significant varsity minutes last year.

Collins wants his young group to get into the open and run on offense and pressure everything and and everywhere on defense.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We mature and stay healthy,” head coach Jim Collins said.

GUARDS

The trio of Kierrah Sanders, Makenzi Blockinger and Makenna Jones are the leading contributors.

“Kierrah is an athletic player, with a good motor, and she is a good shooter. Makenzi is tough and also has a good motor. Makenna is super athletic and works hard.”

FORWARDS

Senior Brielle Jones is a four-year starter and the team’s top statistical returning player.

She averaged 10 points and 11.4 rebounds per game last year.

Jones can score from all three levels and is a solid overall defender.

“She is the heart of our team,” Collins said.

Skyler Bailey, another senior, is also a starter.

“She works hard and is a good shooter.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Ari Maczko, fresh.; Aralynn Woofter, fresh.; Dez Scott, fresh.; Maddie Hickman, fresh.; Katie Qualls, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are inexperienced and need to mature as a team.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Collins believes that the NAC title will go through Maplewood and Bristol.