Way Too Early Class 2A State Title Contenders

<!-- 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 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Centerville Bulldogs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season: 20-8, Regional Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the season that Centerville has been waiting for. A really strong class of talent have now become seniors led by [player_tooltip player_id='1738825' first='Shea' last='Hollendonner'] who is now healthy after playing in just 10 games last season. He averaged 23.0 points per game as a sophomore and 15.0 points per game after returning from his knee injury last season. The Bulldogs return their entire roster [player_tooltip player_id='1738828' first='Landyn' last='Keiser'], rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2617854' first='Jace' last='Hollendonner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1738827' first='Ethan' last='Vecera'] being the primary names to know alongside the older Hollendonner. To the extent that summer results mean anything, Centerville dominated Wapahani and beat defending Class 2A State Runner-Up University by 17 at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gary 21st Century Cougars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season: 21-7, Semi-State Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars were just a possession away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse last season falling to the eventual state champion Manchester 53-50 in the Final Four. Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1561080' first='Terrence' last='Hayes'] Jr., who averaged 20.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game will be back to lead the charge. [player_tooltip player_id='1561004' first='Ronald' last='Mosley'] Jr. and [player_tooltip player_id='1561084' first='Jacolby' last='Donaldson'] are veteran contributors as well in the backcourt while [player_tooltip player_id='2470647' first='Kayleb' last='Young'] and Matrell Harbin will provide plenty of size in the front court. This will be a very difficult team to beat at the Class 2A level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Linton Miners</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season: 21-7, Semi-State Semi-Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Linton had a lot of success last season and return their two best players from that group. Versatile wing/forward [player_tooltip player_id='1560992' first='Paul' last='Oliver'], an Indiana State Football commit, and guard [player_tooltip player_id='1560986' first='Conner' last='Daily'] will look to lead the Miners even further in their senior season. Not many Class 2A programs feature a one-two punch like that and few opponents can match their level of physicality. Look for Linton to once again be a serious contender in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Parke Heritage Wolves</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season: 25-5, Semi-State Finals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parke Heritage has methodically gotten closer and closer to Gainbridge Fieldhouse over the last few seasons, but have yet to break down the door. They have won three straight Regional Championships, and reached back-to-back Final Fours, but have yet to play for a State Championship with Indiana Junior All-Star [player_tooltip player_id='1560965' first='Treigh' last='Schelsky'] running the show. The rising senior will once again have a strong supporting cast led by rising junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2140339' first='Carter' last='Crum'] and rising senior center [player_tooltip player_id='2272232' first='Isaac' last='Pickel'] who each averaged double-figures last season. There are some younger pieces ready to step into larger roles as well. Schelsky has won 68 games in three seasons as the Wolves point guard. It will be interesting to see if he can get his group one step further to the title game in his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">University Trailblazers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Season: 20-10, State Runner-Up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trailblazers graduated their leading scorer, but will return five of their top seven scores from last season's State Finalist squad. [player_tooltip player_id='1282878' first='Blake' last='Gray'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2630646' first='Faisal' last='Mohamud'] will be joined by fellow senior Josh McGee in the backcourt who transferred in from Indianapolis Metropolitan. Those three will give University one of the best Class 2A backcourts in the state. Meanwhile, 6'6" rising junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2887162' first='Joshua' last='Henderson'] is ready for a breakout season in a larger role after averaging 7.1 points per game off of the bench last year. Don't be surprised if this team makes another deep tournament run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others to Consider</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Luers, Cardinal Ritter, Paoli, Park Tudor, Providence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->