It’s time to recognize women who played basketball over the last 46 years.

Girls basketball got the short shrift for decades. The earliest known photograph of a basketball game in the state of Indiana is the Shortridge High School girls team in 1899. Furthermore, the Shortridge girls may have been the first high school basketball team in Indiana. Girls basketball grew despite administrator’s attempts to squash it, but by the end of World War II, it had disappeared. In 1975-76 the IHSAA finally recognized girls basketball as a tournament sport in the state of Indiana.

When the first varsity teams were created, girls hadn’t had the advantage of eight decades of elementary school, junior high, and junior varsity experience to build upon like the boys had. “You had to develop the program from the ground up,” said early LaPorte coach Ron Clindaniel. He had to recruit coaches at 13 elementary schools, create basketball camps, and teach coaches to teach fundamentals. Rogers’ first coach, Earl Cunningham, said, “We had two weeks of practice before the first game and we were trying to get girls to shoot a layup off the correct foot.”

“Ring toss was the only organized sport we had,” said Lyn Swanson, who was in junior high when girls basketball started. “I was beyond thrilled to play on a team. It meant so much to have organized games, uniforms, the travel, taking a bus to a game—it was so exciting. Basketball camps were like visiting a different country, to be a part of something that was unavailable before.”

Girls hadn’t done ball handling drills, hadn’t been taught a proper jump shot or free throw, hadn’t practiced a pick-and-roll, hadn’t grown up thinking, dreaming of playing varsity basketball. Girls basketball had been relegated to gender-segregated physical education classes, or played in backyards. A few lucky ones like Swanson had brothers, cousins, or neighbors who drafted them into competitive pickup games where they learned the game from sheer determination. The 1970s was a frontier and the young women who played basketball were pioneers.

This isn’t the list, but rather a list recognizing some of the top girls basketball players in LaPorte County history. Whether you are taking a trip down memory lane or learning something new, readers are encouraged to share it and discuss it.

NOTES

Most area girls basketball records and stats are missing.
In 1987, the 3 point line was introduced in the Indiana high school game.
In 1988, the size 6 basketball, 1 – 1½” smaller circumference, became the standard for Indiana girls basketball.
By mandate, girls played shorter seasons (14 – 18 games) than boys in the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.
All years indicate the year the season ended.

THE PIONEERS

Sandy & Sue Lang, LaCrosse Tigers, 1977 – 1979

In this case, it feels right to lump twins together. Sandy & Sue scored 759 & 537 points respectively in 49 games. The identical twins scored 57% of their teams’ points, including 72% their senior season when they led the Tigers to a 12 – 6 record (7 – 1 conf.) and the Porter County Conference (PCC) tourney championship. After they graduated, LaCrosse went 0 – 16.

Rhonda Harman, South Central Satellites, 1977 – 1980

Rhonda was the first woman in LaPorte County history to average 20 or more points per game. She led the Satellites in scoring for three seasons. She scored 991 career points and grabbed 666 rebounds in 68 games. Her senior season, she averaged 21 of her team’s 40 points per game. Among the first Satellites girls players, she remains one of the school’s finest.

Michelle Harvel, Rogers Raiders, 1977 – 1980

“Michelle was the best point guard I ever had, boys or girls,” said Coach Earl Cunningham. “When she led a 3-on-2 break, I counted the points before the ball went in the bucket.” When the high school was grades 10 – 12 only, Michelle bussed from the junior high school to the high school to practice after school. She was a four-year starter.

Georgetta Edwards, Rogers Raiders, 1978 – 1980

“Georgette was quick and strong with a scorer’s mentality,” said Coach John Jones. She won two Regional championships. She was named All-Duneland Athletic Conference three years.

Dawn Buchanan, LaPorte Slicers, 1978 – 1980

LaPorte’s first basketball season was 1978 and Dawn was the Slicers first star. “She was the real deal,” said Earl Cunningham. She could pick up the ball off the dribble with one hand. She led the team in points and rebounds all three years. She scored 669 points and grabbed 518 rebounds in 51 games. She was a three-time team MVP.

Carla Sebasty, New Prairie Cougars, 1978 – 1981

Carla led the Cougars to the school’s first and second winning seasons and its first Sectional championship. She scored 772 career points. She was a 1981 East-West All-Star member.

Denise Spear, New Prairie Cougars, 1978 – 1981

Denise scored 749 points. She led the Cougars to the school’s first and second winning seasons and its first Sectional championship. She was a 1981 AP All-State honorable mention.

Lyn Swanson, LaPorte Slicers, 1980 – 1982

Lyn was the second woman in county history to average 20 or more points per game (20.6 in 1982) in a season. She scored 804 career points, including 434 her senior year. She set six school records, including one that stands today: single season field goals (185). She was a 1982 East-West All-Star member. She played for Valparaiso University.

Laura Lachiewicz, Westville Blackhawks, 1982 – 1985

Laura led the Blackhawks in scoring all four years she played. She scored a record 956 points in 65 games. Named all-conference for four years, she was PCC MVP twice. A great all-around athlete, she inspired young girls (including one who broke her record) to play basketball. When her scoring record was about to be broken, Laura flew back from Texas to attend the game and congratulated her successor.

INDIANA ALL-STARS

Kathie Calloway, Rogers Raiders, 1976 – 1978 ♦

Kathie was a 6-foot center who could play point guard. “She was the best girl I ever coached. UNLV wanted her to play for them so bad, they offered me a job as an assistant coach,” said Coach Earl Cunningham. She won two Regional and three Sectional championships. She scored approximately 900 points and grabbed 600-700 rebounds in her career. Kathie was a member of the 1978 Indiana All-Stars. She played for UNLV and broke their rebound and scoring records.

Beth Lapaich, LaPorte Slicers, 1993 – 1996 ♦

No player in LaPorte’s 110+ years of basketball history has scored more points (1,509) grabbed more rebounds (815), had more steals (285), or blocked more shots (216) than Beth Lapaich. She was a four-year starter and four-time Sectional champion. Twice, she was named to the All-Duneland Conference team. Humble and team-focused, Beth nominated a teammate for this list. Beth was a member of the 1996 Indiana All-Stars and the 1999 Purdue University National Championship team.

Ta’Kenya Nixon Laser, Michigan City Wolves, 2006 – 2009 ♦

“When she played, it seemed like every second on the floor was precious to her,” said Coach Mike Megyese. She was a great defender and scorer. Three consecutive seasons, the Wolves won 20+ games and three consecutive seasons, Ta’Kenya led the team in scoring. She scored 1,609 career points. Ta’Kenya was a member of the 2009 Indiana All-Stars. She played for Eastern Illinois University.

Michal Miller, Michigan City Wolves, 2012 – 2015 ♦

Michal was an elite scorer and great defender. “She had an extraordinary ability to take over a game,” said Coach Megyese. Versus an All-American opponent at Gary West, Michal scored all 24 Wolves points in the fourth quarter (46 in the game) and her team won. Although she missed several games to injury, she scored 1,492 career points, including 582 her senior season. Michal was a member of the 2015 Indiana All-Stars. She played for University of Arizona and Wright State.

Riley Ott, LaPorte Slicers, 2016 – 2019 ♦

A four-year starter, Riley is the second leading scorer in Slicers basketball history with 1,486 points and #1 in career field goals (489). “Smart and gritty, she did what she needed to do to win games,” said Coach Rob Walker. Opposing coach Mike Megyese was blunt: “She was the best guard to ever come out of LaPorte, period.” She is among the school’s leaders in assists, steals, and 3-pointers. Riley was a member of the 2019 Indiana All-Stars. She is a starter at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Hannah Noveroske, Michigan City Wolves, 2016 – 2019 ♦

Hannah scored 1,790 points and grabbed 1,240 rebounds in her career. No, that’s not a typo. Yes, you read that right. Opposing coaches had a saying: if Michigan City got you into a half-court game, you might as well start the bus. “She was incredibly hard to stop,” said Coach Megyese. “She was able to take over—pure dominance as a post player.” She was Academic All-State. Hannah was a member of the 2019 Indiana All-Stars. She plays for The University of Toledo.

Emma Nolan, Marquette Blazers, 2016 – 2019 ♦

Emma holds the Blazers’ records for career rebounds (911), steals (250), blocked shots (187), and points (1,969). She won two State championships, three Regional championships, and four Sectional championships. She had a 4.0 gpa and was the heart of a great basketball team. “She was our emotional leader who got us fired up,” said Coach Katie Colignon. Emma was a Miss Basketball finalist and member of the 2019 Indiana All-Stars. She plays for Saint Johns University.

Sophia Nolan, Marquette Blazers, 2016 – 2019 ♦

Sophia played in a state-record 112 games and won 99 of them. “She was a steady killer,” said Coach Colignon, “She didn’t get emotional and would drop 25 points on you without breaking a sweat.” She won two State championships, three Regional championships, and four Sectional championships. She is the Blazers’ second all-time leader in points (1,964), rebounds (800), steals (220), blocked shots (108), three pointers (153), and third in assists (251). She had a 4.0 gpa. Sophia was a member of the 2019 Indiana All-Stars. She plays for Saint Johns University.

Trinity Thompson, Michigan City Wolves, 2019 – 2021 ♦

In her high school career, Trinity scored 990 points, grabbed 745 rebounds, and had 167 steals in 51 varsity games. In her senior season, she averaged 22.6 points, 15 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. Trinity was a member of the 2021 Indiana All-Stars. She plays for Northern Kentucky University.

Equity eluded girls sports. In 1977, Rogers won its first boys basketball Sectional. The school decorated hallways and celebrated with a town parade and radio-broadcasted pep rally. At years end, the Rogers High School yearbook gave Kathie Calloway space to address her fellow students about the girl’s season. Her sharp words are preserved for posterity:

“As another basketball season ended, there was, of course, talk of victories and defeats, but even more than that, depression, which plagued girl basketball players because of lack of support and recognition.

After completing their ’76 season standing 15-3 as sectional champs and finalists in regional competition, many thought the girls basketball team deserved support.

Losing only one member of the squad, they had a strong starting line up and a well balanced bench returning. Coach Earl Cunningham and Asst. Coach John Jones advised the girls. Practicing the same number of hours as the boys, the girls have yet to receive even one of the luxuries of the boys: practice clothes, more than one pair of shoes and practice sweats. Yet they kept the situation under control.

At no time during regular season or tournament time did the girls’ basketball team receive more than token support. During pep session, the girls’ names were just called. Never were they asked to appear on the floor before the student body. The boys’ basketball team, whose final standings were not nearly as impressive as the girls’, received the usual four or five pep sessions. And, as usual, no other winter sports team was asked to appear and receive special recognition from the student body.

There were some loyal supporters. Faculty and parents were the most dedicated Raiderette fans. Booster Club had planned to give the girls a good-luck pot luck dinner but were turned down by the administration. Consequently, they gave the girls a surprise party after practice.

Despite all the things the girls went through, they proved themselves admirably. Standing 18-2 for the season, conference champs, sectional champs, and regional champs, the Raiderettes didn’t do all bad.

It seems at times that people are more sound than substance, and this was quite evident when the girls traveled to semi-state with a sum total of 80 people backing them. That was disheartening.”

Kathie Calloway

MORE TOP PLAYERS

Jennifer Kleine, Westville Blackhawks, 1988 – 1991

Jennifer scored 1,256 career points despite growing up without a hoop at her house. She routinely did chores and threw hay bales. “I was very strong and took that to my game,” Jennifer said. “I snagged rebounds and played post.” She started four years and led her teams in scoring, rebounds, and blocked shots all four years. She was PCC MVP. Jennifer averaged 22 points per game her senior year when the Blackhawks recorded their best season: 16 – 3.

Maria Valdez, Elston Red Devils, 1988 – 1991

Maria was a four-year starter. She was a scorer and a rebounder who could run the floor, playing guard, forward, and center at different times. “She was very competitive, very supportive—she pushed you to be better. A team player, true to the end,” said Megan Boguslawski. Maria was a key part of the 1990 undefeated Red Devils team (18 – 0, 22 – 1 overall). She won four straight Sectional championships. She played at Jackson State University.

Megan Boguslawski, Elston Red Devils, 1989 – 1992

Megan averaged 23 points and 15 rebounds per game her senior year. “She was an awesome teammate,” said Maria Valdez. “I have this visual of passing it to her—it was a definite assist because she was a force.” Megan played on the 1990 undefeated Red Devils team (18 – 0, 22 – 1) and won three Sectional championships. She was a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2017 Silver Anniversary Team. She played at Western Michigan University.

Suzanne Smith, New Prairie Cougars, 1991 – 1994

“Suzanne was a real good player, well rounded,” said Beth Lapaich. Suzanne averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 5.6 steals per game her senior year. She led the Cougars to its best record in school history, 16 – 4. She is New Prairie’s all-time leading scorer with 918 points. She was Academic All-State. She played for University of Evansville.

Mallory Gorski, South Central Satellites, 2003 – 2006

Most big scorers are near six feet tall, but not Mallory. She peaked at 5’6” her senior year and scored a record 1,628 career points. She also holds records in steals (420), assists (408), and field goals (618). She was the PCC MVP and led the Satellites to the school’s first basketball Regional championship. The Times of NWI wrote of Mallory: “She can score from any spot on the floor, possibly making her one of the best small-school players in the state.”

Jaclyn Heath, LaPorte Slicers, 2011 – 2014

“Jaclyn was an old-fashioned point guard,” said Coach Rob Walker. “Pass first then shoot, but man, she could hit the 3. She could’ve scored more.” She scored 1,019 points and had a record 628 career assists.

Kyleigh Kubik, LaPorte Slicers/Oregon-Davis Bobcats, 2013 – 2016

Kyleigh scored 1,332 career points. She mentored young girls and encouraged them to play basketball. She set a Slicers record 66 three-pointers in a season and made 42 consecutive free throws. She led the nation in free throw shooting as a junior (90.2%). Her senior year at Oregon-Davis, she averaged 21 points per game and won a Regional championship. She played for Indiana University South Bend.

Riley Popplewell, South Central Satellites, 2013 – 2016

Riley was a smooth center who could play anywhere on the floor. She averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists her senior year and made it look easy. Riley had 1,512 career points and holds school records in rebounds (1,102) and shots blocked (288). She was a three-time PCC MVP and won three PCC tourneys. She played for University of South Carolina Upstate.

Justene Charlesworth, LaCrosse Tigers, 2015 – 2018

Justene was a four-year starter. She broke LaCrosse’s career scoring record and scored her 1,000^th point during her junior year. She was PCC MVP. Due to injury, Justene played only 9 games her senior year, yet she still scored 1,403 career points.

Amber Wolf, South Central Satellites, 2016 – 2019

“On a team with a lot of good pieces, Amber brought it all together,” said sportswriter Jim Peters. “A great leader, she had a calming presence with her play and her composure.” Amber scored 1,222 career points and grabbed 603 rebounds. She was PCC MVP and led the Satellites to a Regional championship and two Sectional titles.

Ryin Ott, LaPorte Slicers, 2018 – 2021

One advantage of having an older sibling who played well is that you have a target to strive to beat and Ryin has been every bit as good as her All-Star sister. She grabbed 717 rebounds and scored 1,351 points, good for second and third among Slicers girls all-time. She also finished in the top three in career blocks (82), three-pointers (135), and field goals (446). Ryin plays at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Union Township High School dominated LaPorte County girls basketball in the 1920s and ‘30s. They were county champions nine times in ten years and went undefeated (61-0-2) from 1930 – 1934. The tournament disbanded in 1931 and thereafter the conference schedule determined the champion. In 1936, they played the 2-court game. In 1937, they played only four games and won three. By the end of WWII, girls basketball had been eradicated.

STILL MORE TOP PLAYERS

Paula Allen, Rogers Raiders, 1977.

Euna Kiner, Rogers Raiders, 1977.

Burdette Smith, Elston Red Devils, 1978.

Linda Meyer, Rogers Raiders, 1979, three Regional championships.

Staci Landis Otto, LaPorte Slicers, 1982.

Julie Fabina, Rogers Raiders, 1984.

Karen Potempa, Rogers Raiders, 1984.

Sue Harrison, Rogers Raiders, 1984.

Beth Jacobs, Rogers Raiders, 1984.

Joannie Wroblewski, Rogers Raiders, 1984, Joannie is Hannah Noveroske’s mother.

Alesia Torrance, Elston Red Devils, 1987.

Sharonne Cash, Elston Red Devils, 1987.

Monica Stout, LaCrosse Tigers, 1987, two-time PCC MVP.

Erika Brooks, Rogers Raiders, 1987.

Beth Herrod, Rogers Raiders, 1988.

Tamra Byrd, Elston Red Devils, 1988.

Kristen Walker, Elston Red Devils, 1989.

Shilo Carson, South Central Satellites, 1988, 862 points, 372 rebounds, 154 blocked shots, Tennessee St. Univ.

Shannon Walker, Elston Red Devils, 1990.

Kim Golden, New Prairie Cougars, 1990.

Amy Strieter, New Prairie Cougars, 1992.

Suzanne Stewart Masten, LaPorte Slicers, 1992, 964 points, 567 rebounds, 3-time team MVP.

Julie Heise Thode, LaPorte Slicers, 1993, 883 points, 402 rebounds, 269 assists, 214 steals.

Kay Bailey, Elston Red Devils/Michigan City Wolves, 1996.

Jill Pliske, Elston Red Devils/Michigan City Wolves, 1996.

Janice Belzowski, New Prairie Cougars, 1999, 4 year starter, 850 points.

Alison Kessler, New Prairie Cougars, 2004.

Anna Kamrath, South Central Satellites, 2006, 1,090 points, 1,001 rebounds.

Sarah Dermody, LaPorte Slicers, 2007, 1,003 points, 589 rebounds.

Stephanie Balon, South Central Satellites, 2011, 873 points, 708 rebounds.

Toni Murphy, Michigan City Wolves, 2013, 1,439 points.

Jill Rosenbaum, South Central Satellites, 2014, 1,068 points, 819 rebounds, 157 steals.

Mary Parkman, Westville Blackhawks, 2017, four year starter, 1,372 points.

Nicole Konieczny, LaPorte Slicers/St. Joseph Indians, 2017, 1,459 points, State champion at St. Joseph.

Emmery Joseph, Marquette Blazers, 2019, 616 career assists (#7 in Indiana history), two State championships, three Regional championships, and four Sectional championships.

Abbie Tomblin, South Central Satellites, 2022, 1,353 points, 284 assists, 370 steals, 83 wins, 3 Sectional championships, one Regional championship.

Updated February 17, 2022

♦

If you liked this story, and can afford to do so, please donate to your local historical society or to Our Lady of Tepeyac High School.
Tepeyac is an all-girls high school that I have long supported. www.ourladyoftepeyac.org/giving

♦
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this project and returned a call or message. Without you, this would not have happened.

♦