Way Too Early Super Poll - Top 20 Teams Regardless of Class

Over the last few weeks we at Prep Hoops Indiana have been releasing our “Way Too Early” previews for each class highlighting the projected Top 5 teams and Top 15 prospects. This quieter period in the month of August is the perfect time to start giving some early previews for the upcoming high school season that we can then look back upon as the fall turns to winter. Now, due to popular demand, we will release a first look at our Super Poll which we publish on the website every Monday of the high school season. This poll, similar to the IBCA Poll, rankings the Top 20 teams in the state regardless of class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Lawrence North Wildcats</h2>   Despite recently being ranked #2 in the Class 4A “Way Too Early” Rankings, the Wildcats bump to number one thanks to the addition of 6'8″ forward [player_tooltip player_id='2252557' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] from Colorado. The Class of 2026 prospect brings the height that Lawrence North needed to add in with arguably the most dynamic backcourt in the state featuring [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/azavier-robinson/"></a>and [player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kobi-bowles/"></a> . It looks like, on paper, the Wildcats will be the team to beat now in Class 4A.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Kokomo Wildkats</h2>   You can point to some of what Kokomo lost, but the much more important factor is that they once again have [player_tooltip player_id='1363488' first='Flory' last='Bidunga']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/flory-bidunga/"></a><a></a> . The recent Kansas commit has led the ‘Kats to the Semi-State and State Finals each of the last two years and it makes sense to expect a similar outcome for his senior season. Additionally, they still bring back [player_tooltip player_id='1381461' first='Zion' last='Bellamy']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zion-bellamy/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='2282348' first='Reis' last='Beard'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2282357' first='Karson' last='Rogers'] along with the addition of talented sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1561074' first='Baris' last='Moore']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/baris-moore/"></a><a></a> .   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Ben Davis Giants</h2>   It is reload, not rebuild for the defending 33-0 Class 4A state champions. Some could reasonably argue they deserve to be number one until someone knocks them off and we won't argue if that is your view. However, no matter how you cut it, this team is going to be very difficult to beat once again. With Northwestern commit [player_tooltip player_id='1158204' first='K.J.' last='Windham']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/k-j-windham/"></a><a></a> leading the way throughout the summer, the Giants proved they have their sights set on a repeat.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Crispus Attucks Tigers</h2>   There is no shortage of talent to go around for the defending Indianapolis City Champions. University of Indianapolis commit [player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ron-rutland-iii/"></a><a></a> is back for his senior season after averaging 18.0 points per game and making 75 three-pointers on the season. 6'8″ junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dezmon-briscoe/"></a><a></a> returns as well after putting up 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game as a sophomore. North Central transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1158227' first='Mason' last='Lewis']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mason-lewis/"></a><a></a> will help the playmaking in the backcourt alongside junior [player_tooltip player_id='1297004' first='Chris' last='Hurt']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-hurt/"></a><a></a> . It was an up-and-down summer for this group, but the Tigers have the talent to compete with anyone in the state of Indiana.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#5 Fort Wayne Wayne Generals</h2>   Fort Wayne Wayne went from 4-18 to 22-5 with a trip to Semi-State in just one year's time. Now, they will look to break through and go even further while bringing back a large portion of their production. The Generals top two scorers, [player_tooltip player_id='1578417' first='Jevon' last='Lewis']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jevon-lewis-2/"></a><a></a> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jevon-lewis-2/"></a> (16.6 points, 6.4 assists) and [player_tooltip player_id='1297001' first='Chase' last='Barnes']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chase-barnes/"></a><a></a> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chase-barnes/"></a> (13.9 points) are both back. 6'5″ forward [player_tooltip player_id='1297032' first='Trey' last='Dillard']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-dillard/"></a><a></a> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-dillard/"></a> returns 9.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game as well. Elsewhere, look for [player_tooltip player_id='1297102' first='Preston' last='Comer']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/preston-comer/"></a><a></a> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/preston-comer/"></a> to make a leap going into his junior season. This is an athletic team with a lot of talent that is now familiar with winning basketball games. They will likely be the best team outside of the greater Indianapolis area this season.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#6 Noblesville Millers</h2>   This is another example of how if you want to strictly take summer results into account then you would absolutely move the Millers up a few spots. They defeated both Crispus Attucks and Fort Wayne Wayne at the Charlie Hughes Showcase. However, we've got them settling in here at number six for now. Both of those games over the summer were close. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1158209' first='Aaron' last='Fine']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aaron-fine/"></a><a></a> returns after earning Indiana Junior All-Star honors by averaging 13.8 points and 3.5 assists per game. Do-it-all 6'6″ wing Hunter Walton is coming off of a breakout summer and should have an excellent senior season. Additionally, look for talented sophomore scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-curry-ii/"></a><a></a> to have a great year as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#7 Brownsburg Bulldogs</h2>   It is hard to lose a borderline five-star prospect and hold on to Top 10 status. However, both Browsnburg and Fishers (more on them in a minute) were able to do that this off-season. The Bulldogs come out just ahead though as they did a little more to offset the loss. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1172872' first='Jordan' last='Lomax']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-lomax-2/"></a><a></a> brings over 17.3 points per game from Avon High School. Additionally, versatile 6'5″ wing [player_tooltip player_id='1578416' first='Jesiah' last='Sloss']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jesiah-sloss-2/"></a><a></a> transferred in from Evansville Harrison where he averaged 7.4 points per game as a sophomore. Adding those talented players with returning double-figure scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1295337' first='Grant' last='Porath']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1295337/"></a><a></a> gives Coach Lynch plenty to work with once again.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#8 Fishers Tigers</h2>   Up until about a month or so ago Fishers was the clearcut number one team heading into next season. However, a back-breaking transfer from their 5-star point guard change the ceiling of what this team can likely become. That doesn't mean they can't still be one of the better teams in the state of Indiana though. The Tigers still feature Huntington commit [player_tooltip player_id='1578471' first='Taden' last='Metzger']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/taden-metzger-2/"></a><a></a> in the front court and versatile forward [player_tooltip player_id='2079500' first='Keenan' last='Garner']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keenan-garner/"></a><a></a> . Those two seniors will create a one-two punch good enough to win plenty of games. Elsewhere, look for guys like junior [player_tooltip player_id='1578426' first='Justin' last='Kirby']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-kirby/"></a><a></a> , senior [player_tooltip player_id='1578452' first='Parker' last='Perdue']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/parker-perdue/"></a><a></a> , and even freshman Cooper Zackery to make names for themselves this season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Brownstown Central Braves</h2>   If you were basing the rankings strictly off of the summer you could argue Brownstown Central should be as high as number three due to beating a couple of these teams ahead of them. However, summer results simply don't always mean that much. That obviously is not to take anything away from this Class 2A program, but it will just mean more for them to prove it during the actual high school season. Purdue commit [player_tooltip player_id='1158245' first='Jack' last='Benter']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-benter/"></a><a></a> will once again be one of the top scorers in the state while his running mates [player_tooltip player_id='1547584' first='Parker' last='Hehman']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/parker-hehman/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1297005' first='Colby' last='Hall']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colby-hall/"></a><a></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='1296999' first='Chace' last='Coomer']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chace-coomer/"></a><a></a> help to make up one of the more talented starting lineups in the state regardless of class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 Westfield Shamrocks</h2>   The Shamrocks went 16-8 the year after losing Indiana's Mr. Basketball and another Division I guard. Now, they will have to replace Alex Romack, but that got much easier with the addition of 6'8″ senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2079499' first='Nic' last='Book']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nic-book/"></a> . The talented lefty post player is going to be one of the better front court options in the greater Indianapolis area. On the perimeter, senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1275749' first='Trey' last='Buchanan']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-buchanan/"></a> brings back 14.3 points per game to combine with Book for a very good inside-outside punch. Charles Ferrell, [player_tooltip player_id='1293394' first='Caleb' last='Wise']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/caleb-wise/"></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='1988138' first='Drew' last='Haffner']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/drew-haffner/"></a> are among the other names to know.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#11 Cathedral Fighting Irish</h2>   There is certainly plenty to replace for Coach Delany and the Fighting Irish this season. However, the cupboard isn't bare and that was proven with some of their success this summer. 6'8″ junior [player_tooltip player_id='1525663' first='Brady' last='Koehler']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-koehler/"></a><a></a> is ready to have a breakout season as is junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297083' first='Lebron' last='Gough']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lebron-gough/"></a><a></a> . Other pieces such as [player_tooltip player_id='1297015' first='Deric' last='Cannady']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/deric-cannady/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1761728' first='Zach' last='Meeks']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zach-meeks-2/"></a><a></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='1295329' first='Anthony' last='Fields']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1295329/"></a><a></a> return varsity experience as well. Look for sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1561135' first='Keaton' last='Aldridge Jr']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keaton-aldridge-jr/"></a><a></a> . to make an impact as well after a monster summer.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#12 Plainfield Quakers</h2>   They might not catch as many of the headlines, but the returning senior duo of [player_tooltip player_id='1384422' first='Eli' last='Ellis']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/eli-ellis-2/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='1578369' first='Collin' last='Schmidt']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/collin-schmidt-2/"></a><a></a> is as good as any in the Indianapolis area. After leading the 15-8 Quakers in scoring last season, the 5'10” Ellis had a huge summer and is poised to be one of the top shooters and scorers in the area. He averaged 14.1 points per game last season while Schmidt, a 6'6″ forward, added 11.0 points per game. Plainfield has some of the best young talent in the area including [player_tooltip player_id='1561513' first='Noah' last='Smith']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/noah-smith-4/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1560946' first='Landon' last='Gilliatt']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/landon-gilliatt/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1561612' first='Trey' last='Barton']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-barton/"></a><a></a> , and incoming freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2267048' first='Harper' last='Baker-Lands'].   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#13 Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles</h2>   The defending Class 3A state runner-up had a great summer including wins at the Charlie Hughes Showcase over the likes of Scottsburg, Carroll (Fort Wayne), and Mount Vernon (Fortville). Leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1275817' first='Robert' last='Sorensen']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/robert-sorensen/"></a><a></a> is back for his senior season after averaging 14.4 points per game a year ago. Additionally, 6'7″ forward [player_tooltip player_id='1547883' first='Dylan' last='Murans']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dylan-murans/"></a><a></a> has really come into his own and is ready for a big senior season. Keep an eye on 6'5″ junior [player_tooltip player_id='2053658' first='Bryson' last='Cardinal']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryson-cardinal/"></a><a></a> to make a large impact as well. Veteran point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1386181' first='Jack' last='Cherry']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-cherry/"></a><a></a> will run the show once again too.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#14 Jeffersonville Red Devils</h2>   Jeffersonville emerged last season as one of the better teams in southern Indiana led by a sophomore trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1388408' first='Tre' last='Singleton']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tre-singleton/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1297093' first='Michael' last='Cooper']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-cooper-5/"></a><a></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='1373104' first='P.J.' last='Douglas']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/p-j-douglas/"></a><a></a> . They averaged 13.5, 13.1, and 12.8 points per game respectively. That core also played AAU together through the summer with Indiana Elite Team Tradition and had a lot of success. Fellow junior classmate [player_tooltip player_id='2079227' first='Shawn' last='Boyd']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/shawn-boyd/"></a><a></a> will provide some additional playmaking out of the backcourt. Look for the Red Devils to be a real contender down south this year.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#15 Mount Vernon (Fortville) Marauders</h2>   The core is young, but very talented. As freshmen, [player_tooltip player_id='1561435' first='Julien' last='Smith']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julien-smith-3/"></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='1728587' first='Luke' last='Ertel']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-ertel/"></a> averaged 13.1 and 13.0 points per game respectively to lead the Marauders in scoring. 6'4″ wing R'Mani Wells added 4.8 points per game in his freshman season. Look for junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1539552' first='Tanner' last='Teschendorf']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tanner-teschendorf/"></a> and senior [player_tooltip player_id='1295362' first='Brady' last='Fitzgerald']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-fitzgerald/"></a> to settle into expanded roles this year as well. Mount Vernon might be a year away, but they still are going to win a lot of games.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#16 Scottsburg Warriors</h2>   You'd be hard-pressed to find a better “big three” than Scottsburg's returning senior core of [player_tooltip player_id='1401893' first='Kody' last='Clancy']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kody-clancy/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1276470' first='Jack' last='Miller']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jack-miller-3/"></a><a></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='1578484' first='Wyatt' last='Zellers']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/wyatt-zellers-2/"></a><a></a> . Clancy put up a team-leading 16.8 points and 4.3 assists per game. Miller, a 6'5″ wing, who had an outstanding summer, added 15.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game on impressive 56.5%/46.6%/84.1% shooting splits. Meanwhile, Zellers, a 6'9″ forward, averaged 12.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1295314' first='Caden' last='Richardson']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1295314/"></a><a></a> helps glue it all together with his toughness, but is there enough elsewhere to move the Warriors higher?   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#17 Carroll (Fort Wayne) Chargers</h2>   Blowing Green commit [player_tooltip player_id='1158216' first='Jaxon' last='Pardon']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaxon-pardon/"></a><a></a> and highly recruited Division II/NAIA prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1578357' first='Cannen' last='Houser']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cannen-houser-2/"></a><a></a> make up a very skilled one-two punch on the perimeter for the Chargers. However, that is far from the only firepower this group will feature this season. Look for names like [player_tooltip player_id='1525665' first='Jaiyre' last='Sampson']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaiyre-sampson/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1749046' first='Dreyln' last='Truesdale']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dreyln-truesdale/"></a><a></a> , and Dareon Truesdale to really emerge as impactful contributors as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#18 Carmel Greyhounds</h2>   Never count out Carmel. That should be a mantra as old as time at this point. They Greyhounds are going to be young, but that doesn't mean they won't be talent. [player_tooltip player_id='1578342' first='Alex' last='Couto']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-couto-2/"></a><a></a> will be the most proven commodity coming back for his junior season, but look for a very talented sophomore class to make the leap into major varsity roles. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1761730' first='Ryan' last='Clevenger']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ryan-clevenger/"></a><a></a> has varsity experience as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#19 Chesterton Trojans</h2>   A one-two combo of [player_tooltip player_id='1275807' first='Tyler' last='Parrish']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-parrish/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='1158231' first='Justin' last='Sims']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-sims/"></a><a></a> is enough by itself to make Chesterton one of the best in The Region and all of far northern Indiana. The Trojans will be tough to beat as their pair of Indiana Junior All-Stars return for their senior seasons.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#20 Center Grove Trojans</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1158238' first='Joey' last='Schmitz']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joey-schmitz/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1547488' first='Will' last='Spellman']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-spellman/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1455666' first='Peyton' last='Byrd']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/peyton-byrd/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1547490' first='Jalen' last='Bundy']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-bundy/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1578384' first='Dylan' last='Meador']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dylan-meador-2/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='2046160' first='Ben' last='Chestnut']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-chestnut-3/"></a><a></a> , etc. Center Grove brings plenty back from a team that rattled off 22 wins last season. Admittedly, the also lose some important production, but there is an excellent core ready to take a step forward and continue winning basketball games.

Over the last few weeks we at Prep Hoops Indiana have been releasing our “Way Too Early” previews for each class highlighting the projected Top 5 teams and Top 15 prospects. This quieter period in the month of August is the perfect time to start giving some early previews for the upcoming high school season that we can then look back upon as the fall turns to winter. Now, due to popular demand, we will release a first look at our Super Poll which we publish on the website every Monday of the high school season. This poll, similar to the IBCA Poll, rankings the Top 20 teams in the state regardless of class.