Odessa High and UW-Whitewater Return Talent for 2026-27 Basketball Push

Odessa High enters the 2026-27 girls basketball season aiming to turn last year’s late improvement into a playoff push, with six returning players and an expected boost in defense and shooting. Wheeling University hopes to build on a five-game winning finish and its first-year foundation under coach Ella Skeens, combining returning contributors with new players to improve its position in the Mountain East Conference. Portland is counting on roster continuity after all eligible players who saw minutes last season returned; following a 20-15 campaign, the Pilots believe they can make a jump, though health remains a concern. Another Division III women’s team, coming off a 10-14 season, has emphasized structured preseason preparation and rebuilding team chemistry amid a group of new players. UW-Whitewater, which reached the NCAA Division III tournament’s second round after a 20-9 season, brings back three of its top four scorers and is focused on defense, pace and team-first play as it pursues greater consistency.