Way Too Early Class 2A State Title Favorites

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week we will continue on with our early preview of the upcoming Indiana High School Basketball season. Last week we broke down the new IHSAA Sectional alignments and highlighted the top players in each class. Now, today, we will dive into the state title favorites in each class beginning with Class 2A. These are the five teams we believe have the best chance to cut down the nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Teams are listed in alphabetical order.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Class 2A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't think it is hyperbole to say that this is the most interesting class in the state of Indiana this season. Between some teams moving up from Class 1A and another coming down from 3A, this class is absolutely loaded with talent. There are at least 10 teams that I could legitimately see cutting down the nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Of the new faces in Class 2A, Gary 21st Century to the north and Brownstown Central to the south are the most notable. Let's go ahead and dive into the top five contenders to win the Class 2A state championship as we sit here in middle to late September.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><li><strong>Blackhawk Christian</strong>: Another year, another excellent Blackhawk Christian team. A potent mixture of veteran contributors and young talent will make the Braves a state title contender once again. [player_tooltip player_id='1042496' first='Gage' last='Sefton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1042499' first='Josh' last='Furst'] are back and will provide a tough one-two punch on the perimeter and around the basket respectively. Both hold Crossroads League offers and will be among the top players in Fort Wayne. Additionally, 6'8" sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1364589' first='Kellen' last='Pickett'] will look to make a leap after gaining some valuable varsity experience as a freshman. This team will be very difficult to beat come tournament time.</li><li><strong>Brownstown Central</strong>: On one hand, Brownstown Central might be the odds on favorite to cut down the nets at the Class 2A level. However, it is also extremely possible they won't even win their sectional. All roads in Sectional 46 still lead through defending 2A state champion Providence, but the Braves have moved back down after winning a 3A sectional last year. Purdue commit [player_tooltip player_id='1158245' first='Jack' last='Benter'] will be on of the top scorers in the state of Indiana, but he isn't without help. [player_tooltip player_id='1547584' first='Parker' last='Hehman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1556396' first='Jakob' last='Arthur'] both are veteran contributors. Also, Scottsburg transfers [player_tooltip player_id='1297005' first='Colby' last='Hall'] and Chance Comer will provide an influx of talent.</li><li><strong>Gary 21st Century</strong>: In terms of raw talent, there won't be many better than Gary 21st Century. Led by dynamic point guard [player_tooltip player_id='868220' first='Ashton' last='Williamson'], the Cougars make the jump to 2A after losing to Lafayette Central Catholic in overtime of the semi-state last season in Class 1A. Alongside Williamson, the Cougars also return [player_tooltip player_id='1042493' first='D.J.' last='Moss'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1160677' first='Quintin' last='Floyd'] on the wing. The trio of seniors alone make Gary 21st Century a clear favorite. Additionally, guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1158207' first='Lamontae' last='Cross'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1539551' first='LeMetrius' last='Williams'] are also a year older and ready to provide even more firepower to an already potent offense. Carroll (Flora) and Wapahani will have something to say about it, but it feels likely that Blackhawk Christian and Gary 21st Century are on a collision course in the north to make it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. </li><li><strong>Linton-Stockton</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='868240' first='Joey' last='Hart'], [player_tooltip player_id='935736' first='Logan' last='Webb'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158180' first='Braden' last='Walters']. Not many Class 2A programs can run out a trio as experienced and talented as that one. Hart, a Central Florida commit, was named an Indiana Junior-All Star and will be one of the top scorers in the state this season. Webb has good size and strength on the wing and will provide another excellent shooting threat next to Hart. Finally, Walters is a versatile 6'5" junior that can defend every position and will initiate a lot of the offense in his "point-forward" role. The Class 2A south bracket is tough this year, but the Miners certainly have the talent to make it through to the state finals.</li><li><strong>Providence</strong>: Out of respect to the defending Class 2A state champions, Providence had to be included as a favorite again this season. Back is star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1273735' first='Casey' last='Kaelin'] who was terrific in their dominant win over Central Noble at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last season. Sharp-shooter [player_tooltip player_id='1578457' first='Quentin' last='Hesse'] had an outstanding summer as well and will provide some additional firepower on the wing. This is a well-coached team with the toughness and mindset necessary to repeat as champions. There are several talented teams, especially in the south, but don't be surprised if the Pioneers are cutting down the nets once again.</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Early Potential Contenders</strong>: Carroll (Flora), Eastern Hancock, Park Tudor, Wapahani</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->