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
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Pirate baseball win vs. Tigers
- Bluffton softball edged in battle of Pirates
- Committee meetings scheduled for Bluffton Council
- #1 recommended attraction in NW Ohio is in Ada
- Mental Health Awareness event with Seth Gehle
- Ohio highway patrol promoting motorcycle safety
- Recap of Bluffton Board of Education meeting for April 2025
- Weekend Doctor: Antidepressants in the long term
Friday, May 2, 2025
- BHS seniors exhibit art at Gallery 323 through May 7
- What's in your weekend?
- Pirate softball blanked by Lancers
- Pirate baseball blanked by Lincolnview
- Laman Promoted to VP Retail Credit Manager by CNB
- Local land conservancy hires first Executive Director
- Steiner to present Swiss Family Migration program on May 21
- 850 Days of Caring volunteers will pitch in for Hancock County
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Angel M. Langhals owned LFE/API Meters
- Allen Co. task force targets target sex and human traffickers
- Blessing of the Bikes, May 4
- Metzger honored at 2025 Black Swamp Council meeting
- Volunteer invitation for Bluffton Pathway Count in May
- Pirate tennis edges Ottawa-Glandorf
- Bluffton EMS station staffing goes 24/7 on May 1
- You are what you eat: Link to immune system
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Observation deck added to Motter Park cascading pools project
- Bluffton Women in Business meet May 15
- Four sportsmen stock 200 trout at Buckeye Lake
- Pirate girls, boys 2nd at Minster track quad
- Pirate baseball win vs. Riverdale
- Pirate softball loss vs. Riverdale
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers