Wauzeka-Steuben, which has claimed at least a share of the last three league titles, is the team to beat.
2025-26 Ridge & Valley Conference Preview
Predicted Order of Finish1)
Wauzeka-Steuben2)
De Soto3)
Kickapoo4)
Seneca5)
Ithaca/Weston
6)
La Farge7)
North CrawfordPlayers to Watch
Ella Koch, De Soto – Koch received second-team all-Ridge & Valley recognition as a junior, averaging 9.6 points per game with 62 three-pointers made. She also dished out 3.2 assists per contest.
Jacey Maxwell, Ithaca/Weston – Maxwell was voted second-team all-conference as a sophomore, averaging 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
Macy Mitchell, Wauzeka-Steuben – Mitchell took home second-team all-league honors as a junior, averaging 9.0 points per game while connecting on 54 triples.
Sylvia Krueger, De Soto – As a sophomore, Krueger earned second-team all-R&V, tallying 12.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.0 blocks per contest.
Kylee Venner, De Soto – Venner was named first-team all-conference as a sophomore, averaging 19.9 points, 10 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.7 steals per game.
Natalie Wright, Wauzeka-Steuben – Wright contributed 7.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game as a junior.
Team Capsules
De SotoCoach: Dale Piurkowski, 4th year (27-45)
2024-25 Record: 13-11
2024-25 Conference Finish: T3rd, 7-5
Top Returnees: Kylee Venner (5-8, jr., 19.9 PPG, 10 RPG, 3.9 APG, 3.7 SPG), Sylvia Krueger (5-10, jr., 12.8 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2 BPG), Ella Koch (5-4, sr., 9.6 PPG, 62 3PM, 3.2 APG)
Other Returnees: Makenna Gilman (5-9, jr.), Brynn Venner (5-8, soph.)
Newcomers: Ava Kozelka (5-5, jr.), Maria Garcia (5-5, soph.), Kylie Peterson (5-5, fr.)
Team Notes: The Pirates welcomed back nearly all of their key players from last season's squad.
Ithaca/Weston
Coach: Bailey Miller, 1st year
2024-25 Record: 14-11
2024-25 Conference Finish: T3rd, 7-5
Returnees: Jacey Maxwell (jr., 12.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 SPG), Maylee Pluemer (jr.), Kelsea Coleman (jr.), Brooklyn Dickey (sr.), Isabella Faber (soph.)
Newcomers: Emma Hilby (jr.), Faith Studnicka (soph.), Jenna Hasse (fr.), Aspen Young (fr.), Libby Brandt (fr.)
Team Notes: This is the first season of the co-op. They had a change in leadership early in the season with former assistant coach Bailey Miller taking over at her alma mater.
Kickapoo (Viola)Coach: Eric Wiegel, 30th year (376-291)
2024-25 Record: 22-5
2024-25 Conference Finish: R&V co-champions, 11-1
Returning Starters: Tiernee Arndt (sr.)
Other Returning Letterwinners: Annabelle Oliver (jr.), Morgan Wiitanen (sr.), Breylyn Culver (sr.), Kendal Andolsek (jr.), Kinzie Cade (jr.),
Newcomers: Meiah Sittig (jr.), Aubrey Merry (jr.), Ryleigh Cade (soph.), Brylee Hagen (soph.)
Team Notes: The Panthers have a revamped starting five after the graduation of four starters from last year's team, which won a share of the league championship. Coach Wiegel told MaxPreps their speed and defense will be strengths.
La Farge/Youth Initiative
Coach: Tom Howard, 1st year
2024-25 Record: 0-23
2024-25 Conference Finish: 7th, 0-12
Notable Returnees: Sam Coggins (5-7, jr., 5.4 PPG), Riley Grefe (5-9, sr.), Chelsey Huebsch (5-7, sr.), Addie Hansen (5-4, jr.), Macie Fowell (5-8, jr.)
Team Notes: The Wildcats ended a 30-game losing streak with a win over North Crawford last week.
North Crawford (Soldiers Grove) Coach: Jeremy Fradette, 1st year
2024-25 Record: 5-17
2024-25 Conference Finish: T5th, 3-9
Notable Returnees: Kylie Hutchison (5-7, jr.), Brielle Deckert (5-9, jr.), Lucy O'Brien (6-0, jr.)
Team Notes: The Trojans graduated several key players from last season's team.
SenecaCoach: Jared Payne, 2nd year
2024-25 Record: 3-18
2024-25 Conference Finish: T5th, 3-9
Notable Returnees: Dhyllan Kemp (sr., 6.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG), Camryn Lenzendorf (sr.), Grace Varo (soph.), Lily Payne (soph.), Emma Manning (jr.)
Team Notes: The Royals brought back several contributors from last season.
Wauzeka-SteubenCoach: Ben McCullick, 19th year (239-180)
2024-25 Record: 20-4
2024-25 Conference Finish: R&V co-champions, 11-1
Notable Returnees: Macy Mitchell (sr., 9 PPG, 54 3PM), Natalie Wright (sr., 7.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.5 SPG), Isabella Bunders (sr., 7.4 PPG), Claire Wright (jr.)
Team Notes: The Hornets welcomed back three of their top five scorers from last year's squad, which captured a share of the Ridge & Valley title.
