A Way Too Early Look at the Top Players in Class 4A

<!-- 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 4A.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1534261"],"_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-6896572878636"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fresh off of an excellent summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'], Curry II that has proven himself as one of the top shooting threats in the country. A highly sought after mid-major prospect, the 6'4" guard from Noblesville High School averaged 15.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on his way to being named to the "Core" Indiana Junior All-Star team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1728587"],"_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-6896572878696"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On paper, this Purdue commit will enter the season as the favorite to win the 2026 Indiana Mr. Basketball award. Ertel is now ranked as a Top 50 prospect nationally after an excellent spring and summer with Indiana Elite. He averaged 22.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game and shot 73-163 (44.8%) from three-point range last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2267046"],"_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-68965728786e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top point guards nationally in the Class of 2027, Gardner Jr. is an incredible 59-2 in two seasons at Fishers High School. The explosive 6'1" guard averaged a team-leading 14.5 points to go with 3.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game as a sophomore. Fishers will once again be one of the top teams in the state of Indiana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2266896"],"_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-6896572878730"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hill really proved himself over the summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] as the top shot blocker in all of high school basketball. He also continues to expand his offensive game out beyond the three-point arc. The 6'11" forward/center averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game as a sophomore for the Pike Red Devils.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1509229"],"_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-6896572878779"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McGrew transferred from Lawrence North to Fishers for his senior season and is one of three Tigers on this list. Another "Core" Indiana Junior All-Star from a year ago, McGrew is one of the top interior prospects in the state. He averaged 14.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1729136"],"_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-68965728787c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arguably the best rebounder in the state of Indiana, Miller Miller averaged 13.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals while being named an Indiana Junior All-Star last season for Lawrence North. He had an excellent summer with the Wildcats in June and with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] in July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194328"],"_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-689657287880a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller is one of the best shot-makers, and all-around playmakers, in the state. He was the key piece of [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] 16u's Peach Jam championship and will look to lead Pike High School once again this season. The 6'3" guard averaged a team-best 15.6 points as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561617"],"_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-6896572878855"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another "Core" Indiana Junior All-Star from a year ago, Shaw has really seen his recruitment take off. He now holds a ton of mid-major offers after an excellent summer with Indiana Elite. The versatile 6'6" wing averaged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals while leading Crown Point to another Semi-State appearance. The Bulldogs will once again be one of the best teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2024513"],"_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-689657287889d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shrewsberry is one of the top shooters in the state of Indiana and is no stranger to winning. He helped lead South Bend St. Joseph to the Class 3A State Finals as a sophomore and then won the title as a junior. Now, the Huskies have moved up to Class 4A and will immediately be one of the best one again. The 6'4" guard averaged 13.9 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561513"],"_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-68965728788e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A "Core" Junior All-Star last season, Smith averaged 16.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. The 6'8" forward recently moved into the Top 75 nationally and committed to DePaul. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1561054"],"_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-689657287892e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Walker recently announced his commitment to Butler after seeing his recruitment blow up over the summer. The 6'1" point guard averaged 15.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game for Noblesville High School last season and will create one of the best backcourts in the state once again alongside Curry II.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140345"],"_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-6896572878977"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zachary was one of the most efficient scorers and best shooters on the 3SSB Circuit for Indiana Elite 16u this spring and summer. Alongside Gardner Jr., Fishers boasts one of the best backcourts in the entire country. He averaged 11.2 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.6 steals per game last season as a sophomore while shooting an incredible 82-165 (49.7%).</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='2267048' first='Harper' last='Baker-Lands'] (Plainfield H.S. 2027), [player_tooltip player_id='1988138' first='Drew' last='Haffner'] (Westfield H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='2140359' first='Elijah' last='King'] (South Bend St. Joseph H.S. 2027), [player_tooltip player_id='2625235' first='JaShawn' last='Ladd'] (Ben Davis H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='2382148' first='Noah' last='Washington'] (New Albany H.S. 2028)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->