Preseason 4A Team Rankings: Top 50

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4A

Breakdown

1

Lawrence Central

Lawrence Central will come into this season as the #1 team in the state, not just in 4A but all classes. They have a superb amount of talent with D’Andre Davis and Nijel Pack leading the way. But, they are also very deep this year. D’Ante Davis has really emerged since last season and should be another high-end producer. Shawn Hart and Jasen Graves are a couple guys that can really fill in their roles well. They also have more depth that could be part-time JV guys that could step up down the road. They have so much size and scoring ability, it might be more of an issue about how the scoring is dispersed rather than how much they have. Regardless, this team is looking at all the pressure from every team with the target on their back but it is for good reason, they are the best team on paper.

2

Bloomington South

The Panthers will be heading into this year coming off a 24-4 record and blowout Regional loss to Center Grove. This team is loaded with talent this season returns nearly every important varsity player from last year’s squad. Anthony Leal (Indiana Commit), Noah Jager (Army Commit), and James Bomba (Miami-Ohio Commit) will likely be leading this team this year. Look for 2021 prospects Connor Hickman and Joseph Bomba to make a huge leap forward this season. This is arguably the most talented team team in the entire state. Could be one of the best seasons that legendary Coach J.R. Holmes has had in a few seasons. Bloomington South will be a top team this season and will be looking to win their first State Championship since 2011.

3

Jeffersonville

Jeffersonville had a late coaching change but not sure that hurts this team all that much. They are going to be really good this year and their high-end talent should really show through. Led by Tre Coleman, they are going to have a few problems for teams to stop them. Devean Franklin can really shoot it, Jacob Jones should always have the ball in his hands, and Will Loving-Watts has the upside to be a star for this team. They don’t have elite size in the post but they are tough and rebound so well that they should just run all over teams.

4

Culver Academies

The Eagles head into this season coming off a 24-4 record but with tough loss to Silver Creek in the State Finals. The team, however, bring back a very talented player combo. That player combo will is shooting guard Trey Galloway and center Nick Hittle. Look for forward Deontae Craig to have a breakout season as well. Along with the talent around them, this may be the best guard-center duo in the state. This is a big, strong team that is going to give other teams lots of fits. Galloway and Hittle will be looking to lead the Eagles to the State Finals and go out as Champions.

5

Fort Wayne Snider

Snider is in their best spot in some time as they have a ton of returning talent, tons of depth and a chance to make a legit run for a State Title. They bring back guys like Michael Eley, Isaac Farnsworth, Airyan Thomas, Dillon Duff, and Jordan Moore. This is a group that has the upside to put up a ton of points and run on teams. With not many teams in the Fort Wayne area in their Sectional really strong, this looks like the team to beat in Sectional 5. They should be more than tested heading into the postseason. Don’t be shocked if they are able to make a legit run this year with so many seniors.

6

Brownsburg

The Bulldogs heading into this new season coming off a great 17-7 record but with a tough Sectional loss to Plainfield to go with that. The team that Brownsburg has this season is just loaded with talent. The most important player for them is a top 2021 small forward prospect, Pierce Thomas. Thomas will have a great amount of help with prospects like Malek Edmonds, Luke Lace, and Quintin Bragg. Not very many team in the state will have this much talent on a varsity roster. Look for this ear’s team to continue their winning ways and look to win their first State Championship since 2008.

7

Homestead

In 4A, Homestead could be the sleeper team to watch this year. Led by a ton of talent in Luke Goode, Zak Krueger, and Alec Grinsfelder, they should be among the most stacked teams in the state. Quinn Harmon and Cole Straussburger should help in the backcourt with Krueger with Jake Archbold giving some toughness on the wing with Goode. They have a ton of size and players that have a ton of minutes over the last few years. Their schedule isn’t for the lighthearted but their Sectional is pretty light. Expectations are this could be a big year with State Title hopes.

8

Lafayette Jeff

The Broncos are coming off a good 17-8 record and tough Sectional loss to Zionsville. This year’s team returns a heavy amount of incoming seniors along with a pair of brotherly duos. Both sets of brothers, Braxton and Brooks Barnhizer and Avery and Ashton Beaver, are four talented in their own right. Look for breakout seasons from Matt Jones and Owen Linder. This team has some of the best talent and shooting of most 4A teams. Stock needs to be bought on this team. Having an easy Sectional will also help make them a top team in 4A. Could this year’s team be the first Lafayette Jeff team to win State since 1964? PrepHoops is telling you, do not be shocked to see it.

9

Lawrence North

Lawrence North is a team that has had a ton of regular season success but playing in their ridiculous Sectional has not afforded them many opportunities to get deep in the tournament. The last time they got out of Sectionals was 2014-15 when they lost to Brownsburg in Regional Semifinals. This year, their Sectional is about as easy as it is going to be with North Central still rebuilding and Cathedral regrouping with youth. LC will still be the best team in their Sectional, though. With Tony Perkins back, he should be the guy to watch here but as always, they are loaded with Dorean Hatton, D.J. Hughes, Shamar Avance, Duane Montgomery, and transfer Chris Gunn. The talent is there like always but can they put it together to overtake the best teams in the state.

10

Crispus Attucks

The Tigers are coming off a great 20-9 record and was so close to making it to the State Finals last year. They head into this season having lost a good amount of seniors but return great prospects. The leader of this team will be senior point guard Sincere McMahon (16. 6ppg), who is a great all-around player on both offense and defense. This team also returns great 2021 forwards Donovan Barnett, Jaylen Carson, and Dakota Buie. They have a chance to have an even better season than last. Opposing teams should expect a tough matchup against the Tigers.

11

Evansville Reitz

After a 12-12 season, the Panthers return nearly every important varsity player from last season. They will be led by a top junior prospect Khristian Lander (22.0 ppg) and smooth scorer, junior guard Owen Dease (11.8 ppg). Look out for a breakout season from big man Gavin Schippert (7.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Last year’s performance does not show what this team is capable of. This team comes in a year older and has the opportunity to improve with the same schedule they had last year. Lander will show why he is one of the best in the state and look to prove doubters wrong.

12

Carmel

Carmel just locked up another State Championship going 26-1 with their only loss coming to Brownsburg in the middle of the season. It was an impressive run but they are now completely reloading as they graduated a ton of talent. The only returning player is Peter Suder, a sophomore, who had any significant playing time. However, they have a lot of talent to choose from as they rebuild this roster. Connor Guoia, Brian Waddell, Bryce Beery, and Charlie Williams should be in line to be the biggest contributors but also look for guys like Will Leery, Spencer White, and Jackson Jannsen as contributors as well. This might be the deepest Carmel has used their bench in a while as they try and find guys early in the year.

13

Cathedral

After coming off a great 18-6 season, the Fighting Irish will lose a heavy outgoing senior class but return a loaded amount of talent. The leaders of this team will be solid duo, point guard Tayshawn Comer and shooting guard Vincent Brady. Along with the leaders, expect breakout seasons for power forward Peter Moe and power forward Harrison Fagg. Incoming freshman Xavier Booker could be a difference maker right away at 6’8.  The talent this team has coming back is incredible. The Cathedral Fighting Irish are on track to have an incredible season.    

14

Fishers

Fishers has been getting better each of the last two years and this might be the year where they take off. They return a good amount of talent and have a move-in with Isaac Farah that could be a game changer. Their guard depth is down a bit but they have Alex Szilagyi and Justin Long back with Bryce Williams likely moving into a bigger role this year as a sophomore. Jeffery Simmons was stellar last year and now with Farah he can play more of a 4-man. This team will have size and some shooting ability with an incoming freshman to watch in Myles Stringer who could play a role from Day 1. They went 17-8 last year but this should be more of a dominant team and could be the best team in their Sectional if all goes right.

15

Avon

The Orioles are coming into this season off a 15-10 record and Sectional Championship. This squad also returns a very good crop of talent. Look for small forward Jayden Brewer to step up and be the leader of this team. Also look for lengthy small forward Antonio Lisenbee and glass monster Gabe McNary to be one of the best forward duos in 4A. Point guard Chrishon McCray will be looking to make a leap forward this season. This could be the best team Coach Jeff Holloway has had yet at Avon. Expect them to be dominant this season and improve in every aspect of the game.

16

Ben Davis

In the last 3 years, Ben Davis has won a State Championship, lost in Regionals, and lost in the State Finals. All under 2 different head coaches. Now, they will be a completely different team but the expectations might not change much. Losing a core of Jeff Clayton, Dawand Jones, Jalen Windham, Cam Maul, and Jaylen Jennings among others is tough. But, Kai Steinman looks like he could be the next stellar talent to step up and he isn’t alone. Jackson Gowdy has transferred in as has Bobby Fry from Carmel. They will give them a talented forward to utilize as well as a veteran guard in the backcourt. Jamari London is a returner to really watch as he could be set to break out as a scorer. They have reloaded at a time when a good chunk of the Indy 4A teams are doing the same but Ben Davis might be the best of them.

17

Indianapolis Pike

After coming off an okay 14-10 record and tough Sectional loss to Ben Davis, the Red Devils will also lose a heavy amount of outgoing seniors but, they return some solid talent. Incredible athlete Jasen Graves (8.4 ppg) and fantastic shooter Davion Bailey (7.2 ppg) are bound for breakout seasons. Look for small forward DeJuan Pearson to step up this year. Though it will be tough to replace studs like Ahmoni Jones and Chris Robinson, this team seems up to the challenge. Even though they have a tough schedule, look for this to be a complete team and one of the favorites, along with Ben Davis, to win their Sectional

18

Gary West

Over the last few years, Chris Buggs and Gary West have been gearing up for a big run and that might start now. Although they have moved up to 4A, this team is absolutely stacked with talent. Quimari Peterson and Jalen Washington are two DI talents that are going to be major factors to stop as an inside-out duo. They also have a ton of depth with Parion and Paris Roberson as well as some young players that could play a role. Their schedule isn’t made to be easy as they travel a ton and play some high-level teams. They should be geared up to go come Sectionals.

19

Center Grove

The Trojans are coming off one of their best runs in school history. They are one of the reigning 4A Regional Champs but have the hard task of replacing a player like Trayce Jackson-Davis. Luckily, Center Grove has one of the best returning classes in 4A this year. Their frontcourt is loaded with players like 6’5 senior Ben Cooney, who is a great defender in the post, and 6’6 junior Austin Booker, who is really mobile for a big man. They also have a really good backcourt with players like floor general Landin Hacker and and great shooter Tayven Jackson. Even with a player like Jackson-Davis leaving, this team has all the talent to possible make a State Championship run.

20

Floyd Central

Floyd Central is coming off a great run of years since head coach Todd Sturgeon took over here. He has gone 12-9, 15-9, 19-5, 24-2, and 21-3 but has yet to get over the hump and win a Sectional title. This could be the year. While Floyd graduated a ton of guys and one of the best players they have ever had in Cobie Barnes, they still bring back some key guys in Grant Gohmann and Jack Heidbreder. They also have a stellar freshman coming in, Caleb Washington, who should be able to give size and skill all over the floor. If they can develop, like they always have, some bigs that contribute, this team could be a real threat again to make a run.

21

Chesterton

After coming off a great season with a 19-7 record and Sectional Championship, the Trojans return an experienced roster. This team will be led by senior small forward stud Jake Wadding. Along with Wadding is the returning sophomore point guard Travis Grayson, who is a rugged, physical prospect. Other than these two top players, Chesterton has well-built roster. This squad should be in for another great season and has a chance to go on a much deeper run come post-season. Look out for the Trojans in 4A.

22

Zionsville

This past year Zionsville made a big run and got to the Regional Championship before falling to Carmel. Now, Shaun Busick will be in a bit of a rebuild here as they lose a ton of talent in Isaiah Thompson, Jake Ritter, Mark Smith, Nate Childress, Brandon Vernon, and Hogan Orbaugh. They still have a ton of talent left but it will be a completely different look with Anthony Scales, Ben Weidner, and Gunner Vannatta leading the way. They did get Jackson Hughes to transfer in from Rensselaer Central which will give them more size on the wing. They still need a defined lead guard but they could look to incoming freshman Logan Imes to help with that a bit. Maybe not the high-end potential of last year but they shouldn’t surprise anyone with their ability to win any game on their schedule.

23

Columbus North

After coming off a Sectional loss to Shelbyville, the Columbus North Bulldogs will be looking to have another respectable season following their 16-8 record a year ago. The Bulldogs come into this season without five seniors that made up a good chunk of their talent last year. However, they do return their top three scorers from last season. They will be led by lengthy guards Blake Barker (17.0 ppg) and Nicholas Schiavello (15.3 ppg). Look for guard Reese Harmon (8.9 ppg, 3.1 apg) to have breakout year as well. There will need to be a bunch of JV guys to come in a fill some important varsity roles. The post season is where they could potentially hit a roadblock in their Sectional with the powerhouse Bloomington South standing firmly in their way. If last year’s JV guys and the solid group they have returning can play to their potential, they have a great opportunity to have a fantastic year.

24

Muncie Central

Muncie Central in 4A should be a team that will be tough to beat. Built well on veteran talent like Dylan Stafford, and Victor Young, they should be a pretty high-powered offense. Look for a guy like Ben Watkins as a potential breakout player. Their depth at guard is also pretty solid and with so many older players, they should have a great shot at making a run this year. This is Victor’s team so it will be interesting to see him step up into that role.

25

South Bend Riley

South Bend Riley has been really successful but most of their top guys and role players have now graduated leaving Blake Wesley as the remaining standout. Now a junior, Wesley will have a lot more of the scoring to handle but his growth and development has made him a high-major talent nationally. Last season they lost 9 seniors, 7 of which averaged from 13.6 points to 2.1 each game. That is a ton. Talent wins a lot of the time but this is a little bit of a hedge on if Riley can find pieces to put around Wesley that haven’t had much experience yet.

26

Franklin Central

Speaking of a team that will be looking to major turnaround, the Flashers will be coming off a terrible record of 3-10. The good news for this team is that they return a solid group of talent. All eyes for Franklin Central will be on stud guard Javon Smith (8.8 ppg), who is a great spot-up shooter. Lots of players will looking to breakout like Isiah Morgan (6.4 ppg), Mason Gonzales (6.3 ppg), Benny Ogayonne (5.3 ppg), and Sam Mettert (5.3 ppg). This year’s squad has lots of breakout potential. Though it is always tough for a first year head coach like Criss Beyers to come in a put his system in, but coach Beyers is experienced enough to get his players to buy in. Look for this team to also have one of the biggest turnarounds this season be one of the favorites, along with Center Grove, to walk out of Sectional with a championship

27

Fort Wayne Northrop

Northrop is one of those teams that on paper lost a ton but could bounce back very quick. They are losing Isaac Anderson and Sydney Curry are massive blows as both were difference makers. However, they have a good freshman class coming in along with some size on the wing. Qualen Pettus (6’4) and Khamani Smith (6’5) on the wing will be so tough to deal with. Looks for Tenoah Ridley and Tarron White to step up this year into leadership roles. While most Fort Wayne schools are in a little bit of a rebuild, Northrop and Blackhawk should battle this out for the best teams in the area.

28

Marion

The Giants of Marion will be coming off a fantastic 19-8 record and Regional Championship heading into this season. They return a very talented group. Marion will be led by one of the best players in the state, shooting guard Jalen Blackmon (26. 9 ppg). To complete one of the best high school backcourts in the state, explosive guard Jakylen Thomas (14.8 ppg) will also be one of the leaders for this squad. Look for breakout seasons for players like Rasheed Jones (9.4 ppg) and Josh Balfour (3.4 ppg). This is a team that could be in for an historic season. Along with Blackmon continuing his pursuit of the state scoring record, this is a team that has a chance to make a deep run in post-season. It will be up to the talent to see just how far this group can go.

29

Northridge

One of the biggest surprises last season was the emergence of Northridge. They had a spectacular season going 19-9 and now they are bringing back so many pieces only really losing Jackson Erekson. The core is mostly intact with Alex Stauffer and Sam Smith, both of which have taken some big steps forward in their development. They won’t surprise people this year but their opponents have taken some steps back at the high end. They could be in line for another near-20 win season.

30

Hamilton Southeastern

The Royals are coming off a solid 16-9 record followed by a tough Sectional loss to Carmel heading into this season. They do, however, return one of their top scorers from last year. That scorer  is 7’0 senior center Mabor Majak (8.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg). Majak has great footwork, great shot blocking ability, and is a powerful big man when he wants to be. Also look for 6’3 guard Vinny Buccilla (6.3 ppg), who is a tough-minded scorer, to make big strides this season. Though the loss of Chris Grubbs and Landon Morris could be hard to overcome, the Royals return a team full of stud potential. They have a very good chance to make lots of noise and shock the state this season.    

31

Warren Central

This Warren Central team has been the class of the state the last couple years but with a few changes to the coaching staff, graduation of a ton of seniors, and a whole new direction, expectations are a bit different. The one full time Varsity player from last year that is returning is Malik Stanley. They do have some younger players stepping into new roles like Aaron Humphrey, Sean Black, Freddy Murray, Courtland Jackson, and Chandler Jackson. There is a lot of speed and defense in that group but will be interesting to see how the offense develops. This is a whole new team.

32

Munster

The Mustangs are coming off a great 22-5 record and Sectional Title heading into the 2019-20 season. However, they will coming into season having loss eleven outgoing seniors. Senior point guard Josh Davis will looking to make leap forward this year. This 6’1 prospects has really good passing skills and takes it to the basketball off the fastbreak really well. His teammate Mekhi Banks, junior guard/forward, will be bringing back his excellent perimeter shooting. Look for senior center Daniel Senisais to provide the much needed post-presence. Losing eleven seniors obviously means there are some roles to be filled. They may have lost a lot, but the Mustangs bring back enough talent to make another Sectional Championship run

33

New Palestine

The New Palestine group will be one of the more underrated and difficult teams to play this year. Not many will expect much but this team is loaded and deep. Led by senior Max Gizzi, they have a ton of guys including some football players that should add value. Eric Roudebush, Jayden Moore, and potential breakout Dawson Eastes should all have their games where they excel. They have size, scoring, and toughness to take on the tough 4A programs in the Sectional and schedule.

34

Fort Wayne Carroll

The Chargers are coming off a great record of 15-8 but have a tough sectional loss to Fort Wayne Northrop heading into this upcoming season. This team is already facing challenges as they will lose a host of talented outgoing seniors that carried them last year. A lot of player like great shooter Richie Gross (5.0 ppg) and tough-minded Roy Vollmer are going to have to break through the glass ceiling this season. The question is, just what other players will step up? Even with questions of players and their roles, we think that this will be  well coached team that will still impress the state. Look for them to be coached well enough to compete in a tough Sectional.

35

Penn

Penn is coming off one of their best seasons in a while going 24-4 after a senior class of Drew Lutz, Noah Applegate, and others brought their best last year. Now, they are in a rebuild but with Al Rhodes and Penn, they just don’t have bad seasons. They still have a good core of talent with varsity experience in Carter Hickey and Caleb Applegate. Add in the Derda brothers, Derek and Dylan and you have some size to play with as well. Rhodes tends to get the best out of his players and can develop. Look for this team to compete at the end of the year.

36

Valparaiso

The Vikings of Valparaiso will be coming into this season coming off a great record of 21-6 but with a tough Sectional Championship loss to Chesterton to add to that. This team could be looking a whole lot more different this upcoming season as a huge chunk of their talent were outgoing seniors last year. The Vikings will be led by great defender Brandon Mack along with Tommy Cavanaugh, who has amazing speed going to basket. A player like senior Luke Balash will need to breakout and provide some leadership for this squad. The team as a whole, however, will need to step-up as a whole if they want to compete this year. Their Sectional will be very competitive and likely be led by Chesterton but, this team has some really good talent that can still have a tremendous season.

37

Merrillville

For Merrillville, this is a new road to go down and could be off to a fast start. New head coach Bo Patton takes over and will have a slew of talent including a very talented backcourt in Dorian Harris and Keon Thompson. They have a very difficult schedule, though, so it may take some time but with the Region being down a bit, they might hit their stride just in time for a huge Sectional run. This team will likely be one of the more high-powered offenses with that backcourt.

38

North Central

The Panthers of North Central will be coming into this season off a terrible 7-17 record. This year, they will likely be led by great defender and fast guard Leland Walker and Brandon Walker, who us an athletic, good passer and finisher. Down low, 6’8 big man Charlie Peterson will be looking to continue his great rebounding and post presence. The Panthers are returning solid group of talent this year. Even though they are in a tough conference and Sectional, this team can improve every in every aspect of the game. If they can come together and bring it as a group, thus could be a very special team this year for North Central.

39

Bloomington North

The Cougars will be coming off a 13-8 record with an overtime loss to Columbus East in Sectionals. Last year’s team has a bunch of outgoing seniors that made up most of their talent. The good news for the Cougars is that they return their leading scorer, junior point guard, Isaac Vencel. Vencel, who is a great defender and shooter, averaged 13.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg last season. They will also be led by senior shooting guard Tim Brewster (10.5 ppg) and will provide his great, all-around offense this year. Look for senior power forward Jeremiah Blair (8.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg) to have a breakout season and improve his numbers. Though this may be a different looking team, this a great defensive squad. Them, along with their neighbor Bloomington South, should be on the favorites to win their Sectional

40

New Albany

The Bulldogs are coming off a great 18-7 record but was followed by a blowout loss to Jeffersonville in Sectional. Though their record may seem to say otherwise, this is a team that seems to still be trying to find its identity since the graduation of Romeo Langford two years ago. For this season, junior Jaylen Thompson is looking to be the leader for this team. Look for stud sophomores Caleb Daily and Kaden Stanton to take a leap forward this year as well. Even though there are still some question with New Albany, they still should be one of the top teams in the conference. Their Sectional will be competitive with teams like Jeffersonville, Floyd Central, and Bedford North Lawrence, but the Bulldogs should be up for the fight like always.

41

Plainfield

The Quakers are coming off a great record of 19-6 followed by a tough Sectional loss to Avon in Sectional heading into this season. The good news for the Quakers is that they return two of their top four scorers from last year. They will be led by 6’4 junior point guard Aiden Booher (9.5 ppg) and 6’3 senior forward Cade East (7.5 ppg). Booher is a sharpshooting threat while East is a great defender and can steal the ball a moment’s notice. They will need for senior shooting guard Mason Naaman (5.5 ppg) to step-up and provide some more scoring this year. They will also need to figure out quickly who is going to provide the post needs this year. In order for them to compete in a very competitive Sectional bracket, they will need guys to take the next level and figure out their post issues.

42

Castle

The Castle Knights are coming off a fantastic 17-6 record last season. To add to that they will be bringing back 2 of their top 4 scorers. They will undoubtedly be led by stud junior guard Isiah Swope. Swope is a great combo guard who averaged 11.4 ppg, 3.7 apg, and 2.3 rpg a season ago. The other lead scorer that they have returning is strong small forward Bob Nunge, who led the team in rebounding with 3.4 rpg. Power Forward Louis Brock (2.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg) will be looking to take a leap forward and provide the post needs. Come Sectional time, along with Evansville Reitz, Castle should be one of the favorites to make it to Reginal. With Swope looking to have a breakout year, Castle should be one of more exciting teams in the state.

43

East Noble

The Knights are coming off a great regular season record of 21-4 and tough a Sectional Championship loss against Fort Wayne Northrop. This season has some challenges for East Noble as they will be looking to replace two great outgoing seniors Ali Ali and Brent Cox. The good news is that they return their other top two players, senior forward Hayden Jones and junior guard Nick Dickson. Jones (12.4 ppg, 5.7 apg) will be the focus on the offense as he is a complete player and does great on defense. Dickson (9.0ppg) will be looking to take it up a notch and provide more scoring than he did last season. Look for senior power forward Gage Ernsberge (1.7 ppg) to become more of a post presence as well. By the time Sectional comes, the Knights should be one of the favorites along with Fort Wayne Northrop.

44

Perry Meridian

The Perry Meridian Falcons are coming off a bad record at 9-13 with a team made of mostly juniors coming into this season. All eyes this season will be on 6-3 junior standout Jayden Taylor. Taylor is a do-it-all small forward that will probably be the main focus in the offense for the Falcons. Their frontcourt will have a strong duo consisting of 6-3 power forward Chris McDonald and 6-4 center Noah Pendleton. Also look for quick guard Reggie McDonald to help run the offense as well. This team is tall and athletic. They may be in a loaded sectional but do not be surprised to see this team have success in the post season. This is a well-built group and one that will make some noise this year.

45

Franklin Community

Coming off a 19-8 record, Franklin Community will be looking to avenge their one-point loss to Center Grove in the Sectional Finals a season ago. This year, the Grizzly Cubs will only return one of their top four scorers from last season. That returning lead scorer will be senior forward Drew Byerly, who averaged 9.5 ppg and 4.7 rpg. Look for 6ft senior wing Cody Mahler and junior guard Damon Dickey to make a leap forward and provide some much-needed perimeter shooting. Franklin Community has a chance to repeat a great regular season. It will be their Sectionals that will truly test this team as Center Grove and Shelbyville will be ready to compete. With the talent they have returning, Franklin Community should be in for a great season.

46

Southport

Southport will be coming into this season coming off a 11-13 record. They take a big hit as lots of their talent were outgoing seniors last year. On the bright side however, the Cardinals will return three of their top four scorers for this upcoming season. They will be led by senior forward Brevin Jefferson (13.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg), who can almost always take it to the basketball with ease. They will also have 6-5 senior forward Mathew Munoz (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) to take care of the post needs. Also look for dynamic shooting guard Ryan Lezon (6.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg) to take on an even bigger role this year. With the size and skill to compete with anybody, this is a team that could be one of the best come Sectional time.

47

Noblesville

The Millers are coming off a solid 13-11 record and a tough sectional loss to Hamilton Southeastern in Sectionals. Noblesville returns only one their top five scorers and are made up of mostly seniors this upcoming season. That returning scorer is 6-4 senior forward Alex Hunt (5.8 ppg). They will need to rely on a bunch of JV guys to step up such as 6-5 sophomore Parker Davis. The incoming seniors this year are going to need to make a leap forward if this team is going to want to compete at the highest level as they will be in for a competitive sectional with Carmel leading the pack. Can the Millers make the necessary improvements to compete this year? It will be interesting to see.

48

Decatur Central

When discussing a team that could turn out to be one of the top teams in the state, look no further than Decatur Central. Coming off a solid 16-8 record, they return three of their top five scorers from a season ago. At the top of this solid core is 5-11 guard/forward Kenny Tracy (15.3 ppg, 2.9 apg, 6.4 rpg), who will return his knockdown shooting behind the arc. Also returning is stud guard Ceddy Brent (9.5 ppg) and tough-minded forward Sebastian Murillo (6.0 ppg, 3.9 rpg). The Hawks are a team that love to run, play fast, and physical. This team is on track to have a great season even with 4A State runner-up Ben Davis and Pike in their Sectionals. They have all the ability to make some noise this year.

49

Bedford North Lawrence

The Stars are coming off a 13-10 record with an almost completely new roster this season. This year, they will rely on a very talented JV team to come in and fill important roles. All eyes this year will be on senior Brayton Bailey, who is a very explosive guard from the moment he touches the ball. Bedford will need smooth scorer Trey Mollett and JV stud Kooper Staley to breakout and provide scoring from the perimeter. Also look for athletic forward Ben Cosner, and big men Cale Bunch and Zach Sasser to provide the post scoring. Though it will be hard for the Stars to survive their tough sectional with Floyd Central and New Albany still leading the pack, this squad has all the talent to shock some teams in the Hoosier Hills Conference.

50

Mt. Vernon-Fortville

The Marauders are coming off a slightly below .500 record last season at 11-12. For this upcoming season they will be without their top three scorers, who were outgoing seniors. They will now be looking for athletic forward Ryan Morris (5.2 ppg) to help lead them this season. Look for big man Jacob Frank (2.0 ppg) to step up and improve his post play as well and help take some scoring pressure off their top two returning scorers. In order for Mt. Vernon-Fortville to have a great season and dethrone the highly skilled New Palestine squad in sectionals, their key players will need to breakout. If The Marauders can make the necessary improvements, this team has the skill to have a successful season.