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, August 22, 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Cheryl Anise Pingle worked at Dayspring Church
- Lima Highway Patrol OVI checkpoint August 22
- Pirate VB sweeps Rockets
- Pirate boys drop golf tri
- Bluffton Board of Education hears neighbor comments on practice field, approves Lawn Ave. plan
- United Way of Greater Lima holds 9th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 5
- Village of Beaverdam announces committee meetings
- An amazing sign of fall 2025
- August 23 Bluffton Cars & Coffee
- If You Could Read My Mind: GLP-1s and memory
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Village of Bluffton reminder of electric aggregation provider, solicitor permit requirements
- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
- Pirate football reloads for run at NWC crown
- Pirate volleyball swept by Shawnee
- Pirate girls golf loss to Fort Loramie
- Pirate girls tennis edged by Spartans
- Made In Ada Wilson Football Festival kicks of season August 23