NorthWood senior Bre Wise is all smiles after choosing to continue her basketball and academic careers at Grace College. InkFreeNews file photo by Mike Deak

By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE – Since third grade, NorthWood’s Bre Wise has had a love affair with the game of basketball. The next chapter in her romance novel has her turning a page, that to a new setting – Winona Lake and Grace College.

The senior forward for the Black Swish girls basketball program has chosen to continue her playing career with Grace College. While she is electing to take on a role with Grace’s program as a JV player to start, it’s not surprising the role player supreme from the 2020 state champions is choosing to help another program in a lesser role.

“The reason I chose Grace was because of the amazing atmosphere they have there,” Wise said Thursday evening. “You can tell the coaches and players truly care about you as a person. From watching some games, the team chemistry reminds me of the team chemistry from our state team. Also, my faith was really important in this decision and Grace shows what living out your faith truly looks like.”

Wise will join the junior program coached by former Lancer star Rachel Montgomery. While a promotion to the Grace varsity isn’t guaranteed, Wise will take it.

“I’ve loved basketball since I was in third grade and I definitely wasn’t ready to give it up after our loss last Saturday night,” Wise said, eluding to NorthWood’s exit from the state tournament in a sectional final loss to Lakeland last weekend. “I’m beyond excited to join coach Montgomery and the team this fall.”

Wise averaged 5.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game as a senior, but much of her work wasn’t recorded on a stat sheet, usually the first on the floor for a loose ball or lending a word of encouragement during a timeout. Wise did score 10 points against state-ranked Norwell, had a season-high 11 points against South Bend St. Joe, and had 10 points and eight rebounds against Bremen. In the sectional tournament, Wise’s swan song saw her compile 19 points, 21 rebounds and six assists in three tournament games.

Grace’s varsity program is coached by Dan Davis, former NorthWood star and current assistant coach Carol McGregor, and features NorthWood graduate and former Wise teammate Kate Rulli.

On the academic side, Wise is choosing nursing as her intended major. As a senior at NorthWood, Wise is currently ranked 21st out of 184 students and carries a 3.97 GPA. She was recently named an ICGSA Academic All-State selection.