Championship Habits: Why New Hope Is a Postseason Threat

New Hope High School   Class 4A Area 16    Head Coach: Matt Nelson   Record As of Jan. 26, 2026: 17-5 (According to maxpreps.com)   X: @newhope_mbb   Key Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='3070713' first='Jaehden' last='Johnson'] (6'0/PG/'26/New Hope)   IG: _jaebuckets   X: @_jaedabuck   Jaehden is the heartbeat of this squad. He is a true floor general in every sense, as he controls tempo, organizes the offense, and leads by example with an unmatched work ethic. He is averaging 22 points per game, as he scores efficiently while still making the game easier for everyone around him. What separates him is his competitiveness and motor, he is the hardest worker in the gym and it shows in late-game moments. Whether breaking defenders down off the bounce, creating advantages in transition, or locking in defensively, Jaehden consistently sets the standard. His commitment to Calhoun CC is well-earned, and his leadership is the foundation of this team's success.   [player_tooltip player_id='2194863' first='Lucas' last='Terry'] (6'2/SG/'27/New Hope)   IG: lucasterry_3   X: @lucasterry08   Lucas brings experience, versatility, and elite defensive presence to the backcourt. He has been a varsity contributor since his freshman year, and he understands winning basketball and embraces tough assignments on both ends. He averages 17 points per game, but his true value often shows up in the form of stops, deflections, and momentum-swinging plays. He is capable of guarding multiple perimeter positions, and sets the tone defensively while still being a reliable scoring option. His ability to impact the game without needing high usage makes him a coach's dream and a key piece in New Hope's balance.   Landon Tate-Matthews (6'0/G/'29/New Hope)   Landon is a freshman making varsity-level noise. Averaging 10 points per game, he combines explosive athleticism with an advanced defensive mindset well beyond his years. Landon's ability to pressure the ball, finish in transition, and bring energy off the bench gives New Hope a spark that shifts momentum. As he continues to grow and refine his game, Landon projects as a future cornerstone, but he is already impacting winning now.   Role Players Who Raise the Ceiling:   James Hilliard (6'4/C/'27/New Hope)   James provides length, rebounding, and lineup flexibility that the Indians desperately need. He battles on the glass, protects the paint, and gives New Hope a physical presence inside. What makes James especially valuable is his ability to step away from the rim and contribute offensively, forcing defenses to respect him both inside and out. His rebounding and interior toughness are critical to New Hope's identity.   Jacob Blackwood (6'1/G/'27/New Hope)   IG: jacobblackwood2027   Jacob fills vital gaps with defensive intensity and steady ball handling. He takes pride in guarding, pressures the ball, and allows the offense to flow smoothly when Jaehden gets a breather. His willingness to do the little things like taking care of the ball, making the right read, and defending his position, makes him an important piece in the Indians' rotation.   What Makes the Indians Championship Contenders?   At their best, New Hope is physical, fast, and downhill. When they secure the rebound, push the pace, and finish strong around the rim, they become extremely difficult to guard. Their ability to defend and turn stops into scoring opportunities is the key to their success. The formula is clear: rebound the basketball, value possessions, and limit turnovers. When those boxes are checked, New Hope can compete with, and beat, anyone in the field. This is a team built on effort, leadership, and defensive pride. If the Indians stay locked in on the details, their ceiling is high and their postseason run could be special.   #TerryTalks…My Thoughts On New Hope Indians:   The New Hope Indians are a program defined by toughness, effort, and accountability. They don't rely on gimmicks or shortcuts as they win by competing, defending, and attacking the game the right way. With a proven leader at the point, versatile perimeter pieces, and young talent already producing, this group has all the ingredients to make a serious postseason push.

New Hope High School