Way Too Early Class 1A State Title Contenders

<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 begin here with Class 1A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barr-Reeve Vikings</h2>   <p>Last Season: 17-7, Sectional Semi-Finals</p>   <p>It is a new era at Barr-Reeve. After seven incredibly successful years, including the 2021 State Championship, head coach Josh Thompson moved across town to rival Loogootee. He left behind a very talented young core that should give new head coach, Heath Howington, a chance to compete at the top of Class 1A where the Vikings are used to being. Rising junior Kierson Lengacher is the top returner statistically having averaged 10.3 points per game last season. There were three freshman and a handful of sophomores that played key roles that are ready to step into larger shoes as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bloomfield Cardinals</h2>   <p>Last Season: 17-8, Sectional Semi-Finals</p>   <p>Historically, Bloomfield is no stranger to postseason success. The Cardinals reached the State Finals in 2016, won the Sectional in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and won the Regional in 2019. However, they are on a two-year cold streak due to the emergence of Clay City. This could, and probably should, be the year that they return to cutting down the nets. Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1560962' first='Blake' last='Neill'] will arguably the best player in Class 1A. The 6'5" guard averaged 27.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season. Neill alone will make Bloomfield a contender.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hauser Jets</h2>   <p>Last Season: 24-4, Semi-State Semi-Finals</p>   <p>The Jets broke through and won their first Sectional since 2017 eventually losing by two points, 69-67, to the State Champion Orleans Bulldogs. Despite losing their three leading scorers, the return of [player_tooltip player_id='2814297' first='Gavin' last='Keller'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2272841' first='Stryker' last='Gill'] in the backcourt should give Hauser the ability to compete with anyone in Class 1A once again. Keller averaged 10.9 points per game last season while Gill averaged 8.6 points and 8.0 assists. Don't be surprised if they advance just as far, if not further, in the tournament this coming season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Liberty Christian Lions</h2>   <p>Last Season: 18-9, Semi-State Semi-Finals</p>   <p>Over the course of the last two seasons the Liberty Christian Lions have lost three games to Class 1A competition. They have reached the Semi-State each of the last two years. The core of rising juniors including TJ English, [player_tooltip player_id='2267054' first='Tywaine' last='Fuller'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2140408' first='Kendrick' last='Martin'] have been the primary keys to the Lions sustained success. However, English has transferred to Bishop Luers breaking up that exciting trio. Martin led Liberty Christian in scoring last season at 15.5 points per game while Fuller averaged 8.5 points per game. The addition of 6'7" rising senior forward/center [player_tooltip player_id='2417030' first='Monte' last='Dillard'] should help to fill in the gap. [player_tooltip player_id='2245726' first='Jaloni' last='Dixon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1989432' first='Jordan' last='Haralson'] are two other returning rising seniors that will help make this team, once again, one of the best in Class 1A.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Loogootee Lions</h2>   <p>Last Season: 13-11, Sectional Semi-Final</p>   <p>Sectional 62 didn't need an additional storyline to continue being one of the most interesting brackets in the state of Indiana. The three-way battle between Barr-Reeve, Loogootee, and Orelans has always been compelling with the Bulldogs of Orleans breaking through to win the state title last season. However, Coach Josh Thompson moving from Barr-Reeve to Loogootee just had to the rivalry. Rising senior guard A.J. Foster will be one of the top players in the area and could lead the Lions to a postseason run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others to Consider</h2>   <p>Carroll (Flora), Kouts, Lafayette Central Catholic, North Vermillion, Orleans</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 begin here with Class 1A.