LaPorte girls basketball flips script under coach Adam Neace

LaPorte's girls basketball program posted its best start in seven years, reaching eight wins in a season that had been expectations-bending for a program long mired in losing records. The change came in Adam Neace's first year as head coach, and it was built on a return to fundamentals, high energy and a deliberate culture reset.

Neace prioritized the basics in practice, emphasizing footwork, defense and consistent effort at both ends of the court. That approach translated quickly to results on game nights and gave players a clear standard to chase. Senior captain Keilaeyah Roundtree credited the new chemistry and coaching approach for the turnaround, saying the team has responded to the clearer roles and accountability.

Beyond Xs and Os, Neace leaned into a coach-as-mentor philosophy, running youth camps and open practices to connect the program with LaPorte families. Those outreach efforts have a two-fold impact: they build a pipeline of younger players familiar with the Slicers' system, and they bring more local fans into the gym to cheer on the home team. Attendance upticks and new, younger faces in the stands have created a livelier home-court atmosphere that the players say fuels their energy.

The on-court progress arrived alongside a growing belief in program identity. Players reported better communication and trust, and the coaching staff has pushed for consistency in practice habits and game-day effort. The payoff: a string of wins that reversed a multi-year decline and put LaPorte back in the conversation inside their conference. As the calendar turned to January, LaPorte was preparing for a conference matchup with Lake Central that will offer a measuring stick against one of their league rivals.

For the community, the implications are practical. More wins bring more eyeballs to the program, which can translate into stronger youth enrollment, local sponsorships and volunteer support. Neace's visible presence at camps and community events makes it easier for parents and younger players to see a pathway into the high school program. For coaches around the state, LaPorte's example underscores how attention to fundamentals, energy and culture can produce quick returns even without blue-chip talent.

The takeaway? Keep coming to games, support the youth nights and let the gym noise grow. Small, steady improvements in practice add up, and a coach who shows up for the town can change more than a scoreboard. Our two cents? Back the Slicers now — the momentum matters, and community support can make this turnaround stick.