A Way Too Early Look at the Top Players in Class 3A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have essentially made it through the summer and school is starting back in session. With that comes a bit of a quiet period here in the month of August when it comes to Indiana High School Basketball content. There are a few camps and showcases, but for the most part the grassroots season is behind us and high school workouts don't start up as formally at least until September. However, we here at Prep Hoops Indiana still find content to deliver even in the quiet times. This week we will go class-by-class and highlight some of the top teams, and top individuals, heading into the 2025-2026 season. Let's take a look at Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561135"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775a852"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You won't find a more unique player in Indiana's Class of 2026. Aldridge Jr. has the physical build of a forward but the skill level of a guard. He is an excellent passer that does most of his scoring around the basket. Aldridge Jr. is technically left-handed, but can whip passes across the court or finish with his right hand at a high-level. Also, he plays with a non-stop motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1760994"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775a8e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A move-in from Memphis, Bowen has picked up Division I offers from Southern Miss and Southern Indiana since joining Evansville Bosse. The 6'6" wing checks all of the boxes in terms of athletic and physical tools. It will be fun to watch him blossom as one of the top players in southern Indiana this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2476482"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775a967"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few prospects in Indiana's rising senior class had a better spring and summer when it comes to the progress of their recruitment than Caldwell. The 6'8"-6'9" forward was Silver Creek's third leading scorer last season, but blew up over the summer earning offers from Akron, Ball State, Bellarmine, Bradley, Buffalo, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois, and Miami (OH).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1385611"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775a9e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Considered one of the top shooters in the state of Indiana, Daeger earned a spot on the Indiana Junior All-Star team after averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game for Silver Creek. The 6'3" guard's catch-and-shoot ability makes him very attractive to college programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1922051"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775aa5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fresh was named an Indiana Junior All-Star and had the honor of playing on his home floor at Charlestown High School against the Kentucky Junior All-Stars. The super athletic 6'2" guard averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game for the Pirates last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561022"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775aad6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There are few players in the state of Indiana that can stuff a stat sheet like this Northview High School point guard. Goff averaged 16.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game last season. The Knights return the vast majority of their production from a 24-3 team a year ago and will participate in the prestigious Hall of Fame Classic this winter right before Christmas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140383"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775ab50"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the standouts at this summer's Indiana Futures All-Star Game, Grissom was Guerin Catholic's second leading scorer a year ago at 12.8 points per game. The athletic 6'3" guard is poised for a breakout season as the Golden Eagles go-to guy alongside a plethora of talented teammates in the rising junior class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560995"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775abc8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hinton had a very strong summer both during the month of June with Gary West Side High School and then in July on the EYBL Circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat']. He as explosive end-to-end as any guard in the state and plays bigger than his height due to that athleticism and strength. Look for him to have a big year for West Side who should compete among the best in the Class 3A North.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560964"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775ac41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holmes, a do-everything 6'6"-6'7" forward, averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.9 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game last season on his way to being named to the Indiana Junior All-Star team. He will once again be the catalyst for a Princeton Community High School team that should begin the season in the Top 5 of Class 3A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140328"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775acb8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We say it a lot, but it is true. Hunter is the best rebounding guard in the state of Indiana and the best passer in the state of Indiana. His stat line pretty well proves that as the 6'1" point guard averaged 9.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game last season for the Dragons. He has added recent offers from East Tennessee State and Indiana State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1989433"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775ad33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones Jr. had a breakout season for Marion as a junior averaging 19.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The strong, left-handed guard is capable of creating his own shot, or playmaking for his teammates, at all levels of the floor. He will be one of the top pure scorers in Class 3A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561435"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6894ac775adac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith has been a highly productive guard throughout his high school career. He led Mt. Vernon (Fortville) in scoring as a freshman and sophomore before transferring to Cathedral and leading the Fighting Irish in scoring as a junior. The super talented 6'0" guard should start to land some scholarship offers sooner rather than later.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention Considerations</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561061' first='Caden' last='Claxton'] (Shelbyville H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1988137' first='Roosevelt' last='Franklin'] (George Washington H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='2471421' first='Owen' last='Marshall'] (Columbia City H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1561071' first='Mason' last='Miller'] (New Castle H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1738845' first='Briggs' last='Pardon'] (Blackhawk Christian 2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->