Mastodons aim to crack the top of the Horizon League standings
Maria Marchesano took over a Purdue Fort Wayne program with a 1-22 record and only one winning season in program history. Last season, not only did Marchesano lead her group to their best season ever, but was able to win multiple postseason contests.
After a third-place campaign in Horizon League play, the Mastodons gave a historical powerhouse program in Green Bay a run for their money in the Horizon League tournament. After that, the ‘Dons added two wins in the NIT, including a dominant Power 5 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Last season was a great story, but for Coach Marchesano, it’s time to make that the expectation. She said “the overall goal is to make last season the norm.”
That is what this season is all about for the Mastodons. If they can keep up the momentum, two straight winning seasons is a pattern. And patterns of success are how programs build upon themselves for the future.
Familiar Faces
Amellia Bromenschenkel – Purdue Fort Wayne is running it back with their star guard for one more year. Amellia Bromenschenkel was a First Team All-Horizon League selection last year; which should not be a surprise if you’ve ever seen her play. Bromenschenkel is able to run up the scoreboard, averaging almost 14 points per game last season. She also cleans the glass like a forward, adding over 6 boards per game for the Mastodons. Amellia projects to be the star of the team once again, and should be in contention for not only First Team honors, but potentially for Horizon League Player of the Year with the right circumstances.
Marchesano loves what Bromenschenkel brings outside the stat sheet as well. “She’s consistently guarding one of the other team’s best players.” When challenged to play even harder defensive matchups this season, Amellia responded to Coach “Then I’ve got to get in better shape.”
Audra Emmerson – Returning for her senior season, Fishers, Indiana product Audra Emmerson looks to build upon a successful junior season. Audra dropped nearly double digits each game last season despite coming off the bench most of the season. Audra projects to be a dynamic guard pairing with Amellia this season and looks to take on a bigger role in her senior campaign. Emmerson was able to contribute at least 11 points in each of the 3 NIT games the Mastodons played in, which could be a preview for what she is capable of this season.
Jazzlyn Linbo – Another Mastodon looking to build a big junior year, Jazzlyn Linbo put up 9 points and 5 rebounds per game in her 2023-24 campaign. Standing at 6-2 Linbo is able to utilize her height to bring interior scoring and rebounding to a team that will desperately need to reconstruct in the absence of Shayla Sellers. With her 50% efficiency from the field, Linbo has the potential to be a top scoring threat for the ‘Dons.
Renna Schwieterman – A key role player for the ‘Dons, Schwieterman appeared in 35 of 36 contests for Purdue Fort Wayne last season. Entering her sophomore year, Renna Schwieterman looks to develop her game further and bring more strong minutes to a very strong Mastodon roster. Schwieterman enters the season more than likely as a bench piece, however her development could boost her into the starting lineup if she can improve on her volume, efficiency, and potentially bring strong on ball defense as a forward.
Sydney Graber – Former Central Michigan transfer Sydney Graber enters her graduate season with lots of momentum from last season. After shooting 50% from the field and appearing in almost every game, Graber enters 2024-25 as a key piece to fill in the final minutes for this Mastodon squad.
The New Crop
Ella Riggs – Ella Riggs moves homes from the SoCon to the Horizon League this season after redshirting last season. In limited time with the Paladins, Riggs was a 45% three-point shooter and looks to bring the accuracy from beyond the arc to Purdue Fort Wayne.
Tia Morgan – Marchesano raved about the athleticism that Tia Morgan will bring to the Mastodons this year. The 5th year transfer from Arkansas Pine Bluff was described as “the type of athlete we have not had in this program” by Marchesano. Add in her playmaking ability and Tia Morgan looks to make waves for the ‘Dons in her final year of eligibility.
Sydney Freeman – Freeman flies west from the Flyers of Dayton to Fort Wayne and brings her experience as true point guard with her. Freeman did not play last season, however two years ago Freeman was able to fill up stat sheets on a nightly basis at Dayton. She averaged over 11 points per game, and almost 5 assists per game and looks to be able to score and spread the ball in a very similar way this season.
Lauren Ross – Power 5 transfer Lauren Ross is a huge x-factor for the Mastodons coming into this season. A proven mid major player, Ross averaged over 20 points per game just two years ago for Western Michigan. Efficient from three, from two, and at the free throw line, Ross can score at every level.
When asked about the addition of Ross, Marchesano described her as a “basketball junkie”, “one of our best conditioned athletes” and raved about how she “seamlessly meshed herself into the system.” Add in her power 5 experience and Lauren Ross looks to not only start, but bring huge production to this Mastodon unit.
Jordan Reid – Much like Tia Morgan, Jordan Reid brings a huge amount of athleticism to this Mastodons roster. The NAIA transfer was a Third Team All-American last season who shot 53% from the field last year.
When I asked Marchesano about her athleticism, she made one simple statement: “she tried to dunk in game last year.” If the cards break right, the Mastodon faithful may get to see the hammer laid down by Reid.
Outlook
Purdue Fort Wayne is right in the thick of things in the Horizon League. Cleveland State and Green Bay are still the big dogs of the conference, but many challengers, possibly none more than the Mastodons, are ready for their shot at the crown.
With exciting transfers like Freeman, Ross, and Reid, combined with the fire power of Bromenschenkel, Emmerson and company from last season, the Mastodons have built out a roster with a very high ceiling.
Even though they are not the favorites, this Mastodon team has built itself out to be very frisky. And Marchesano said it best: “they call it March Madness for a reason.”
