Way Too Early State Title Favorites - Recap

August is by far the quietest month on the basketball calendar, but there still isn't a ton going on in September either. We have a few events that Prep Hoops Indiana will be hosting and high school teams begin their fall open gym schedules, but otherwise it is still the calm before the storm. Therefore, we have decided to take a “way too early” look at some of the favorites in each class. These lists will be fluid over the next couple of months, but we wanted to take an early September look at where the landscape of Indiana High School Basketball stands.   ***Teams Listed Alphabetically***   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 1A</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barr-Reeve</h2>   Until proven otherwise, Barr-Reeve always belongs on the list of contenders in Class 1A. They won 25 games last season and advanced to the south Semi-State championship game. There is a lot to replace due to graduation, but the Vikings are used to reloading not rebuilding. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2391242' first='Seth' last='Wagler']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/seth-wagler/"></a><a></a> will be their top returning player after averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game a season ago. Look for fellow senior Landon Miller to step into a larger role this year as well. Then, there are a trio of freshmen who got their feet wet last year at the varsity level who could become primary contributors this season as sophomores. Look for Miller Thompson, Kierson Lengacher, and Carson Yoder to all play bigger roles this winter.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Christian Academy</h2>   A 22-win season culminated in a Sectional championship for Christian Academy in 2023-2024. [player_tooltip player_id='1297066' first='Joshua' last='Renfro']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-renfro/"></a><a></a>returns for his senior season as one of the top scorers in the state of Indiana. His presence alone at the Class 1A level makes the Warriors a real contender. The sharpshooter averaged 21.5 points per game as a junior while shooting an incredible 95-193 (49.2%) from three-point range. However, it isn't a one man show for Christian Academy. [player_tooltip player_id='1749327' first='David' last='Cook']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/david-cook/"></a><a></a> brings back 14.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game providing a bit of size and strength to the Warriors lineup. Only one rotation player and a total of 4.9 points per game graduated from last season's team.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Indianapolis Lutheran</h2>   There has been no shortage of recent success for Indianapolis Lutheran under head coach Remus Woods. He took over in the 2019-2020 season and has a 88-36 record with a Regional final appearance along with winning the 2023 Class 1A State Championship. They return a majority of their production from a Top 10 team including leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1539996' first='Lonte' last='Ward']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lonte-ward-jr/"></a><a></a> who put up 18.9 points and 3.8 assists per game. [player_tooltip player_id='2053660' first='Cayden' last='Loescher']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cayden-loescher/"></a><a></a> was the second leading scorer last season averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. He will be a senior alongside Ward this year. Superstar freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2539953' first='Jarrett' last='Harris']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jarrett-harris/"></a><a></a> joins the equation as well while 6'8″ senior [player_tooltip player_id='2485715' first='Raishaun' last='McHaney']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/raishaun-mchaney/"></a><a></a> provides some size around the basket. There will be no shortage of talent on this team.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberty Christian</h2>   Led by an incredibly talented freshman trio, Liberty Christian rattled off eight straight wins at the end of the season before falling to the north Semi-State championship game to eventual state champion Fort Wayne Canterbury. That 56-53 result showed just how close this group was to being the best in the state by the end of the season. Now, with their core back and a year older, expectations will be high for the Lions. [player_tooltip player_id='2414946' first='Tamarje' last='English']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tamarje-english/"></a><a></a>and [player_tooltip player_id='2140408' first='Kendrick' last='Martin']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kendrick-martin/"></a><a></a> were the top two scorers as freshmen last season while [player_tooltip player_id='2267054' first='Tywaine' last='Fuller']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tywaine-fuller/"></a><a></a> was fourth on the team. Those three will look to have an even bigger impact now as sophomores. Look 6'6″ senior big man [player_tooltip player_id='2485724' first='A'Marien' last='Page']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/amarien-page/"></a><a></a> to make his presence known as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Marquette Catholic</h2>   This was another young team that had really hit their stride by the end of the season. Despite finishing just 12-16 overall, Marquette Catholic reached the Semi-State. They are always battle tested by tournament time after playing a schedule littered with larger schools. With only one rotation player, who averaged 2.5 points per game, graduating expectations will be high this season for the Blazers. JJ Welch, [player_tooltip player_id='2414957' first='Josiah' last='Mays']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josiah-mays/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1561100' first='Colson' last='Dobre']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colson-dobre/"></a><a></a> , and Aleks Pecoski all bring back double-figure scoring averages. Sophomore guard Mays and 6'7″ junior center Dobre both could take significant leaps this season as well. [player_tooltip player_id='2368903' first='Vaughn' last='Rael-Kludt']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/vaughn-rael-kludt/"></a><a></a> , who averaged 7.9 points per game as a freshman, is a name to remember as well.   Others: Clay City, Orleans, Rock Creek Academy, South Central (Elizabeth), Triton   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 2A</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop Luers</h2>   After starting the season 13-1, Bishop Luers finished 20-6 losing in the Sectional championship game to Blackhawk Christian. They will be led by the Truesdale twins who are committed to play at Central Michigan. [player_tooltip player_id='1749047' first='Dereon' last='Truesdale']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dereon-truesdale/"></a><a></a> averaged 17.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while [player_tooltip player_id='1749046' first='Drelyn' last='Truesdale']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/drelyn-truesdale/"></a><a></a> put up 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. Those two will create as good of a one-two punch as there is in the state of Indiana. 6'6″ senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1297012' first='Danny' last='Kelly']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/danny-kelly/"></a><a></a> is a potential breakout star this season while junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2381412' first='Carmani' last='Davis']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carmani-davis/"></a><a></a> will provide some backcourt depth. Returning your top four scorers from a 20-win team is a really good place to start the 2024-2025 season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gary 21st Century</h2>   When you bring back nearly everything from a 20-win team that won a Sectional it will set preseason expectations high. That is the situation Gary 21st Century is in as they bring back all six of their top rotation players and scorers. Junior guard Terrance Hayes is the star of the show having averaged 19.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He will be an Indiana Junior All-Star candidate this year. Ron Mosley played a big role in the backcourt as well averaging 14.7 points as a sophomore. Those two will create as dynamic of a backcourt as you'll find in the state. Senior wing Lemetrius Williams adds some additional athleticism, length, and strength to the Cougars lineup. He averaged 12.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game last year. This team will be a tough out come tournament time.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lapel</h2>   Going into the state tournament last season there were very few, if any, teams in the state of Indiana as hot as Lapel. They had rattled off 13 straight wins, but then drew Wapahani in the first round of Sectional and fell to the eventual Class 2A state runner-up. The Bulldogs bring back their top three scorers and four of seven primary rotation players. [player_tooltip player_id='1381459' first='Brode' last='Judge']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brode-judge/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='1530978' first='Bode' last='Judge']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bode-judge/"></a><a></a> are the two primary names to know that provide Lapel with a really tough one-two punch. Brode averaged 16.4 points per game last season while Bode put up 15.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The twin brothers compliment each other very well with their perimeter and interior skill sets. [player_tooltip player_id='1139937' first='Devin' last='Craig']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devin-craig/"></a><a></a> , a junior point guard, will be back as well to help run the show. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. That talented trio will give Lapel a shot to win Sectional 39 this year. Last season, four of their six losses came to Class 4A Anderson and 2A state runner-up Wapahani.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Park Tudor</h2>   Park Tudor won 20 games last season and reached the Semi-State before losing by one point to eventual Class 2A State Champion Brownstown Central. They will bring back a lot of talent from that team including star guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297034' first='Hudson' last='Horvath']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1297034/"></a><a></a> . He averaged 19.7 points per game as a junior. [player_tooltip player_id='1525681' first='Eli' last='Bennett']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/eli-bennett/"></a><a></a> , Montell Johnson, [player_tooltip player_id='1297074' first='KJ' last='Mark']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kelin-mark/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='2140369' first='Griffyn' last='Robisch']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/griffyn-robisch/"></a><a></a> , and [player_tooltip player_id='2400045' first='Keylan' last='Smith']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keylan-smith/"></a><a></a> will be other names to know this season. The Panthers are a perennial powerhouse in Class 2A and should have the firepower to be among the best in the state once again in 2024-2025.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parke Heritage</h2>   In 2022-2023, [player_tooltip player_id='1560965' first='Treigh' last='Schelsky']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/treigh-schelsky/"></a><a></a> ‘s freshman season, Parke Heritage won the Regional before falling to Linton-Stockton in the Semi-State semifinal. Then, last season, they rattled off 24 wins on their way to reaching the Semi-State championship game where they lost to eventual 2A champ Brownstown Central. Now, Schelsky is back for his junior year and will look to lead the Wolves one step further to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. He averaged 15.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season and will be an Indiana Junior All-Star candidate this time around. Parke Heritage also returns the vast majority of their primary rotation including [player_tooltip player_id='1297106' first='Renn' last='Harper']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1297106/"></a><a></a> , BT Luce, and [player_tooltip player_id='2140339' first='Carter' last='Crum']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carter-crum/"></a><a></a> . Those four, along with a few others that will step into larger roles, makeup as good of a core as you'll find in Class 2A.   Others: Jimtown, Linton, Manchester, South Ripley, Tipton, Wapahani   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 3A</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cathedral</h2>   Class 3A sure made a splash this offseason as some of the premier programs in the state of Indiana were moved down from Class 4A. Cathedral would certainly fit the mold as one of those teams. The Fighting Irish was the Class 4A State Championship in 2022, captured another Sectional title in 2023, and won 18 games a season ago. However, they now will compete at the 3A level. Four-star forward [player_tooltip player_id='1525663' first='Brady' last='Koehler']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-koehler/"></a><a></a> will be the headliner after averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game as a junior. All of those were team-leading numbers. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1561135' first='Keaton' last='Aldridge Jr']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keaton-aldridge-jr/"></a><a></a> . also brings back 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. In total, Cathedral returns their top five scorers from last year's team. [player_tooltip player_id='1297015' first='Deric' last='Cannady']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/deric-cannady/"></a><a></a> , Aiden Hughes, and [player_tooltip player_id='1297083' first='Lebron' last='Gough']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lebron-gough/"></a><a></a> will all be seniors this season and return 9.0, 8.3, and 8.2 points per game respectively. Meanwhile, the Irish also added [player_tooltip player_id='1561435' first='Julien' last='Smith']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julien-smith-3/"></a><a></a> and R'Mani Wells, a pair of juniors who transferred in from Mt. Vernon (Fortville). Smith will add an additional scoring punch from the backcourt while the 6'5″ Wells adds versatility to the front court. This group has a chance to be one of the best in the state regardless of class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Crispus Attucks</h2>   Unfortunately, only one of Cathedral or Crispus Attucks will make it out of Sectional 26. Two of the best teams in the state will now meet in the Class 3A Sectional for what will be a postseason blood bath. The Tigers return 6'8″ big man [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dezmon-briscoe/"></a><a></a> who has won back-to-back Indianapolis City Player of the Year awards. Briscoe returns 14.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks per game. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297004' first='Chris' last='Hurt']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-hurt/"></a><a></a> is the other top returner having averaged 9.9 points and 3.9 assists last season. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2277734' first='Eric' last='Jackson']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/eric-jackson/"></a><a></a> chipped in 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game a year ago. Elsewhere, Crispus Attucks will turn to several new faces to fill in the gaps. Missouri State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1534942' first='Melakih' last='Cunningham']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/melakih-cunningham/"></a><a></a> , pending his eligibility, is the highest profile of the bunch. The 6'6″ Cunningham averaged 14.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season at Decatur Central and really blew up this spring and summer to become a Division I prospect. Other transfers such as [player_tooltip player_id='1534940' first='Kayden' last='English']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kayden-english/"></a><a></a> (Brownsburg), [player_tooltip player_id='2277732' first='Lamar' last='Jones']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lamar-jones/"></a><a></a> (Christel House Manual), and [player_tooltip player_id='1728675' first='Elexander' last='Harris']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elexander-harris/"></a><a></a> (Arsenal Tech) will make instant impacts for Coach Chris Hawkins as well.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">East Chicago Central</h2>   Any team that won a Class 4A Sectional, returns an Indiana Junior All-Star, and then drops down to Class 3A has to be considered a favorite. That is the situation that East Chicago Central finds themselves in. They won 22 games a year ago and cut down the Sectional 1 nets, but now will compete in Sectional 17 with Gary West Side and others. Meanwhile, Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1297020' first='Dominique' last='Murphy Jr']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dominique-murphy-jr/"></a><a></a> brings back a team-leading 20.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. The 6'5″ wing now holds offers from Ball State and Central Michigan. Along with Murphy Jr., the Cardinals return fellow senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2390221' first='Yamauree' last='Wallace']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/yamauree-wallace-3/"></a><a></a> . The super athletic 6'4″ Wallace added 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last year. There is plenty of competition in Class 3A now, but East Chicago Central will have the talent and firepower to compete with anybody.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Palestine</h2>   Stop me if you have heard this line before. Any team that won a Class 4A Sectional, returns an Indiana Junior All-Star, and then drops down to Class 3A has to be considered a favorite. Three of the four teams we have highlighted so far can say that. [player_tooltip player_id='1297068' first='Julius' last='Gizzi']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/julius-gizzi/"></a><a></a> , who recently committed to Indiana Wesleyan, is the Dragons star after averaging 28.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season. However, this will be far from a one-man show. Senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1539484' first='Moses' last='Haynes']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/moses-haynes/"></a><a></a> brings back 11.4 points and 6.7 assists per game. [player_tooltip player_id='1539483' first='Ben' last='Slagley']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-slagley/"></a><a></a> , Austin McMahan, [player_tooltip player_id='2272810' first='Evan' last='Darrah']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-darrah/"></a><a></a> , and Keegan Harrison all return after playing major roles last season as well. In total, New Palestine returns their top six scorers and only loses 3.6 points per game from a team that won 22 games and a sectional championship.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Bend St. Joseph</h2>   The only team on this list that actually competed in Class 3A last season, South Bend St. Joseph reached the state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before falling to Scottsburg. Similar to the other programs though, the Huskies also return an Indiana Junior All-Star. [player_tooltip player_id='1297002' first='Chase' last='Konieczny']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chase-konieczny/"></a><a></a> averaged 20.0 points and 9.3 rebounds per game last season for SBSJ. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2140359' first='Elijah' last='King']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/elijah-king/"></a><a></a> and junior sharpshooter [player_tooltip player_id='2024513' first='Nick' last='Shrewsberry']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nick-shrewsberry/"></a><a></a>bring back 8.5 and 7.2 points per game respectively while senior [player_tooltip player_id='2485799' first='Brashaun' last='Woods']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brashaun-woods/"></a><a></a> added 7.1 points per game. The Huskies bring back five of their top six scorers from their Class 3A state runner-up squad.   Others: Blackhawk Christian, Brownstown Central, Gary West Side, Silver Creek, South Bend Washington   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class 4A</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ben Davis</h2>   Ben Davis deserves to be mentioned as a favorite every year until the prove otherwise at this point. The 2023 Class 4A State Champions returned to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 2024 finishing as runner-up. [player_tooltip player_id='1373105' first='Mark' last='Zackery']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mark-zackery/"></a><a></a> is back to man the point guard duties as a likely Indiana All-Star while the Giants will feature a front court duo that will compete with any front line in the state. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1749499' first='Tavion' last='Williams']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tavion-williams/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='2050030' first='Kaleb' last='Milan']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaleb-milan/"></a><a></a> are going to be tough for opponents to handle inside. Then, you add up-and-coming talent in the junior class with guards like [player_tooltip player_id='2471408' first='Sherman' last='Moss-Wright']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sherman-moss-2/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='2625235' first='JaShawn' last='Ladd'] that will pack an additional scoring punch for Coach Don Carlisle and the Giants. As usual, it is reload and not rebuild for Ben Davis.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fishers</h2>   Despite losing the best player in the state prior to the season, Fishers went 29-1 and won the Class 4A State Championship. Now, they will replace Indiana All-Star Keenan Garner and look to repeat. If the summer is any indication, Coach Winegar's group does not planning on taking any steps back. Sophomore guard duo [player_tooltip player_id='2267046' first='Jason' last='Gardner Jr.']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jason-gardner-jr/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='2140345' first='Cooper' last='Zachary']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cooper-zachary/"></a><a></a> return and are more than ready to fully take over the reigns of the offense. Then, on the wing, you have one of the better two-way prospects in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='1297069' first='Justin' last='Kirby']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-kirby/"></a><a></a> . Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1297097' first='Nathan' last='Baker']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nathan-baker/"></a><a></a> , a Taylor commit, and [player_tooltip player_id='1525682' first='Millen' last='McCartney']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/millen-mccartney/"></a><a></a> are more than capable of stepping into larger roles as well. Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1525664' first='JonAnthony' last='Hall']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jonanthony-hall/"></a><a></a> , a Stanford football recruit, is actually the Tigers top returner and we hadn't even mentioned him yet. One of the top defenders in the state, Hall averaged 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Scoring on this Fishers team will not be easy.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Greenfield-Central</h2>   The Cougars went undefeated, 24-0, last season before superstar [player_tooltip player_id='1296984' first='Braylon' last='Mullins']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/braylon-mullins/"></a><a></a> was limited in the Sectional championship game with a back injury as they fell 60-48 to New Palestine. Now, Greenfield-Central will once again be the favorites in Sectional 9 as they look to finally break through and cut down the nets. Having Mullins back for his senior season is obviously a great place to start. The four-star shooting guard with suitors including Duke, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, and UConn brings back 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 3.2 steals per game. [player_tooltip player_id='2485685' first='Boston' last='Willard']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/boston-willard/"></a><a></a> and [player_tooltip player_id='2485696' first='Dallas' last='Freeman']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dallas-freeman/"></a><a></a> return 10.8 and 8.4 points per game respectively to give Coach Meredith his top three scorers from a year ago. Additionally, Greenfield-Central adds senior transfer guard [player_tooltip player_id='1306153' first='Michael' last='Johnson']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-johnson-4/"></a><a></a> who led Southport in scoring last season. There is enough help around Mullins this season to make the Cougars a preseason favorite to win the state title.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jeffersonville</h2>   If you were solely basing the Class 4A preseason favorite on the month of June, then the Jeffersonville Red Devils would be your pick. Their run at the Charlie Hughes Showcase, and throughout the summer, was incredibly impressive. The superstar 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> all experienced recruiting blow-ups with the latter two committing to Wright State while the former has a list of eight high-majors to choose from. Few, if any, in the state can compete with the top end talent of the Red Devils. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='2079227' first='Shawn' last='Boyd']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/shawn-boyd/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1297104' first='Raijon' last='Laird']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/1297104/"></a><a></a> , and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2141037' first='Caleb' last='Jones']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/caleb-jones-4/"></a><a></a> will be relied upon to take some pressure off of the “big three.”   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lawrence North</h2>   Lawrence North spent a lot of time ranked #1 in the Prep Hoops Indiana Class 4A Poll last season. However, they fell by two points to Jeffersonville in the Semi-State finishing the season 25-4. There is plenty of reason for optimism heading into this season though. Butler commit [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/azavier-robinson/"></a><a></a> is back as an Indiana Mr. Basketball candidate. The four-star point guard averaged 19.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game last year. Lawrence North will also feature the best front court in the state of Indiana with juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1509229' first='Kai' last='McGrew']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kai-mcgrew/"></a><a></a>and [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brennan-miller/"></a><a></a> . The 6'8″ McGrew averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game as a sophomore while the 6'6″ Miller added 9.4 points and 9.2 rebounds. [player_tooltip player_id='1561031' first='Cameron' last='Webster']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cameron-webster/"></a><a></a> , [player_tooltip player_id='1561109' first='Jamar' last='Thomas']<a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamar-thomas/"></a><a></a> , and homeschool transfer Duke Karnes will add some depth and additional perimeter scoring for the Wildcats.   Others: Carmel, Crown Point, Fort Wayne Wayne, Noblesville, Plainfield

August is by far the quietest month on the basketball calendar, but there still isn't a ton going on in September either. We have a few events that Prep Hoops Indiana will be hosting and high school teams begin their fall open gym schedules, but otherwise it is still the calm before the storm. Therefore, we have decided to take a “way too early” look at some of the favorites in each class. These lists will be fluid over the next couple of months, but we wanted to take an early September look at where the landscape of Indiana High School Basketball stands.