Season Preview – Class 2A State Title Favorites
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Indiana High School Basketball practice is officially underway. After a long fall where teams are only allowed two days a week of two hour open workouts, tryouts started on Monday the 7th with normal practices ready to start this week.…
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Continue ReadingIndiana High School Basketball practice is officially underway. After a long fall where teams are only allowed two days a week of two hour open workouts, tryouts started on Monday the 7th with normal practices ready to start this week. You can almost start to feel the buzz in the air as football is into the Regional round and basketball games are just around the corner. Tip-off will come the Monday prior to Thanksgiving with full slates of games that Tuesday and Wednesday night.
About two months ago did a series of “way too early” season previews. Those gave us a baseline for the best players and teams around the state. Now, after spending the last two months visiting multiple open gym workouts every week we can put out an even more in-depth and accurate preview. It is no longer “way too early.” Here is a list of the top teams to watch in Class 2A this season.
Class 2A
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.
- Blackhawk Christian: 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. Gage Sefton Gage Sefton 6'4" | SG Blackhawk Christian | 2023 State IN and Josh Furst Josh Furst 6'6" | C Blackhawk Christian | 2023 State IN 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 Kellen Pickett Kellen Pickett 6'9" | PF Blackhawk Christian | 2025 State #108 Nation IN 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.
- Brownstown Central: 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 Jack Benter Jack Benter 6'4" | SG Brownstown Central | 2024 State #121 Nation IN will be on of the top scorers in the state of Indiana, but he isn’t without help. Parker Hehman Parker Hehman 6'0" | PG Brownstown Central | 2024 IN and Jakob Arthur Jakob Arthur 6'2" | SG Brownstown Central | 2023 IN both are veteran contributors. Also, Scottsburg transfers Colby Hall Colby Hall 6'6" | PF Brownstown Central | 2025 State IN and Chance Comer will provide an influx of talent.
- Gary 21st Century: In terms of raw talent, there won’t be many better than Gary 21st Century. Led by dynamic point guard Ashton Williamson Ashton Williamson 6'2" | PG Gary 21st Century | 2023 State #287 Nation IN , 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 D.J. Moss D.J. Moss 6'4" | SF Gary 21st Century | 2023 State IN and Quintin Floyd Quintin Floyd 6'4" | SG Gary 21st Century | 2023 State IN on the wing. The trio of seniors alone make Gary 21st Century a clear favorite. Additionally, guys like Lamontae Cross Lamontae Cross 5'10" | PG Bowman Academy | 2024 IN and LeMetrius Williams LeMetrius Williams 6'4" | SF Gary 21st Century | 2025 State IN 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.
- Linton-Stockton: Joey Hart Joey Hart 6'5" | SG Linton-Stockton | 2023 State #214 Nation IN , Logan Webb Logan Webb 6'3" | SG Linton-Stockton | 2023 State IN , Braden Walters Braden Walters 6'6" | PF Terre Haute North | 2024 State IN . 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.
- Providence: 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 Casey Kaelin Casey Kaelin 6'2" | SG Providence | 2023 State IN who was terrific in their dominant win over Central Noble at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last season. Sharp-shooter Quentin 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. The addition of junior wing Noah Lovan Noah Lovan 6'3" | PG Providence | 2024 State IN from across the river will certainly bolster their chances to repeat. There are several talented teams, especially in the south, but don’t be surprised if the Pioneers are cutting down the nets once again.
Other Early Potential Contenders: Carroll (Flora), Eastern Hancock, Park Tudor, University, Wapahani