10 Players to Watch in Class 1A Semi-State

64 Sectionals became 16 Regionals which are now down to 8 Semi-States. Obviously, that last number is a little different than in years past because the IHSAA flipped the two-game Regional and single game Semi-State format this season. Also, a “re-draw” was held on Sunday as an added wrinkle prior to the Semi-State round. After beginning with approximately 100 teams per class we are now down to the final eight and that will be cut to just four by Saturday evening. Then, two teams from each class will survive and advance to the IHSAA State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. As we have prior to each round of the state tournament, our staff at Prep Hoops Indiana is here to give you all of the information that you need ahead of Saturday's games. Let's dive on in and take a look at the top players in the Class 1A Semi-State round.   [player_tooltip player_id='1167896' first='Lukas' last='Balling'] (Marquette Catholic 2023): This 6'6" forward has had a fantastic senior season, but turned up his production even more during the Blazers state tournament run. Balling is now averaging a double-double on the season with 18.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Should be on the radar of small college programs still looking for some size.   [player_tooltip player_id='868254' first='Peyton' last='Bledsoe'] (Loogootee H.S. 2023): A smooth, left-handed guard, Bledsoe is the leader of the #5 ranked Loogootee Lions who are now the highest ranked team remaining in the Class 1A tournament. Bledsoe became the all-time leading scorer at Loogootee a month ago and has continued to put space between him and the previous mark.   [player_tooltip player_id='1391464' first='Marial' last='Diper'] (Rock Creek Academy 2023): Standing at 6'11" tall with even longer arms, Diper is one of the most disruptive two-way forces remaining in the Class 1A field. He turned in a 29-point, 11-rebound performance in the Regional to help advance Rock Creek to the Semi-State round.   Devin Grieshop (Jac-Cen-Del H.S. 2023): Greishop enters Semi-State averaging 14.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 steals for the Eagles. This is a team that survives more with their defensive prowess and by controlling the pace, but they will need the talented forwards offensive ability to continue moving on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1162739' first='Jason' last='Kobe'] (Marquette Catholic 2023 - Manchester): The leading score for a Blazers squad that has now rattled off 15 straight victories, Kobe averages 19.5 points and 3.1 assists per game. A future Manchester Spartan, this talented guard is a big reason why Marquette Catholic is now the favorite to come out of the Class 1A North.   [player_tooltip player_id='1049183' first='Mason' last='Larkin'] (Fountain Central H.S. 2023): At 6'8", Larkin has been a double-double machine for 23-4 Fountain Central this season. He has put up some big performance in the state tournament on the Mustangs way to Semi-State as well. His ability to protect the rim while also scoring in a variety of ways offensively makes him one of the most dangerous big men remaining in the Class 1A bracket.   Nathan Lehner (Southwood H.S. 2023): One of three talented seniors for Southwood, Lehner leads the Knights in scoring at 15.4 points per game. His shot-making ability off of the dribble makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses and is big part of their high-powered offensive attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='1273031' first='Jaleb' last='Treat'] (Rock Creek Academy 2023): Find 6'7" 255 pound forwards who can actually move their feet and dominate around the basket is not an easy task. That is what makes Treat such a matchup nightmare for opponents, especially here at the Class 1A level.   LaDarius Wallace (Rock Creek Academy 2023 - Manchester): Another Manchester commit still playing in the Class 1A tournament, Wallace is a shifty, smaller guard who has the Lions playing their best basketball of the season. His two-way ability in the backcourt helps counterbalance what is a dominant front court for Rock Creek.   Lonte Ward (Indianapolis Lutheran 2025): Ward is an extremely talented sophomore that has led this Lutheran team through a tough path to the Semi-State. They knocked off #2 Greenwood Christian in the Sectional and then #1 Bloomfield in the Regional. The Saints just might be playing as well as anyone in the state at this point.

64 Sectionals became 16 Regionals which are now down to 8 Semi-States. Obviously, that last number is a little different than in years past because the IHSAA flipped the two-game Regional and single game Semi-State format this season. Also, a “re-draw” was held on Sunday as an added wrinkle prior to the Semi-State round. After beginning with approximately 100 teams per class we are now down to the final eight and that will be cut to just four by Saturday evening. Then, two teams from each class will survive and advance to the IHSAA State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. As we have prior to each round of the state tournament, our staff at Prep Hoops Indiana is here to give you all of the information that you need ahead of Saturday's games. Let's dive on in and take a look at the top players in the Class 1A Semi-State round.