Bluffton Middle School girls basketball is tops in NWC
By Paula Pyzik Scott
This year the Bluffton Middle School 8th grade girls basketball team had a perfect 19-0 season and is the 2023-2024 NWC conference champion.
Coach Larry Hermiller told the Icon that the team's accomplishment is all the greater following an 11-8 season the prior year.
What makes this team special? He reflected, “ What makes them good is that they are a little ornery.” He has watched the group learn to work together and believe in themselves.
Other insights on the team dynamic: Hermiller lets the players warm up for 15 minutes to transition from the school day. During games, his message is “always take the open shot. I don’t care if it goes in.”
The 2023-2024 Bluffton Middle School Girls Basketball roster with uniform #’s:
- Maelee Miller - 4
- Carli Wise - 2
- Taylin Goldman - 23
- Jessa Swan - 0
- Lainey Grandey - 42
- Keyrsten Kleman - 1
- Peyton Worcester - 33
- Camryn Fruchey - 3
- Mallary Blackburn - 5
- Alexis Mummert - 11
- Lilly Swartzmiller - 50
- Chesney Rodabaugh - 35
- Megan Follas - 30

Stories Posted This Week
Friday, April 25, 2025
Thursday, April 24, 2025
- Blanchard Valley Health Foundation welcomes Sapp as Chief Development Officer
- LEO Club invitation to 5K and 1-mile walk & stroll
- Memorial bench and tree planting at Village Arboretum
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, April 16-22
- Pirate baseball loss vs. Fort Jennings
- Alan Garmatter is new CNB Chief Credit Officer
- Parks & Recreation Committee meets April 25
- Bad Dreams: Health implications
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
- ONU theater students give voice to the Ukrainian people
- Permits will be needed for overnight parking on Spring St.
- April 26 Easter for Kids event
- Anabaptist choral concert on April 27
- April 23 landscaping night at the Bluffton Sportsmen's Club-LE&W Depot
- Upcoming BPL events, April 21-26
- Marc Augsburger is 2025 Outstanding Alumni from Rhodes State College
- Pirate girls win O-G Gold track meet, Bluffton boys 2nd