Way Too Early 2026-2027 SW Indiana Teams to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the 2025-2026 Indiana High School Basketball season officially coming to an end, It's never too early to look ahead to next season. Here is my Way Too Early List of Southwest Indiana Teams to Watch:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evansville Mater Dei (2A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574469,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/IMG_5450-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820138.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/IMG_5450-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820138.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574469" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Evansville Mater Dei Wildcats had an up and down regular season in 2025-2026, but there is no denying that the Wildcats return some of the best talent in the area. 6'5” 2028 Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2408517' first='Cole' last='Breeden'] is the top prospect for the Wildcats as a skilled, long and lanky player that is capable of scoring from all over the floor that averaged 15.8 points per game as a sophomore. . The Wildcats also return 2028 prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2797684' first='Spencer' last='Schiff'] (4.2 ppg), Darret Branson (4.6 ppg), and [player_tooltip player_id='2382150' first='Brody' last='Hiester'] (3.3 ppg) along with 2029 Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2972974' first='Wyatt' last='Frazier'] and 2028 Big Man [player_tooltip player_id='2889350' first='Luke' last='Richardson'] will move up to the varsity squad full time to provide nice depth and athleticism. Two players that could enter the fold for the Wildcats potentially are 2030 Guard Matteo Mallory and 2030 Forward Brody Overton. Mallory a true point guard that plays with a maturity beyond his years while Overton has good size and skill for his age, but will have more amid an adjustment to the physicality of the varsity game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1561015' first='Jayden' last='Overton'] (10.4 ppg, 5 rpg); [player_tooltip player_id='3343945' first='Tate' last='Mallory'] (9.7 ppg, 5 apg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gibson Southern (3A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574471,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5868-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820204.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5868-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820204.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574471" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans will be in contention as the area's top team next year bringing back a group of six 2027 prospects that were in the top 8 scorers on a team that went 17-7. 6'6” Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2140411' first='Kolton' last='Schmitt'] returns as the Titans leading scorer at 14.7 points and 5.5 rebounds. 6'2” Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2891750' first='Reece' last='Runyan'] returns as the second leading scorer at 13 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. [player_tooltip player_id='3266681' first='Knoxx' last='Lamb'] (9.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2891922' first='Ben' last='Reinhart'] (5.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2459288' first='Elijah' last='Ortiz'] (3.6 ppg), and [player_tooltip player_id='3268799' first='Peyton' last='Johnson'] (2.4 ppg) are varsity contributors that should make a big impact for the Titans as seniors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: [player_tooltip player_id='2978386' first='Cam' last='Truxal'] (3.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 6.5 apg); Noah Kuester (7.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evansville Harrison (4A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574472,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5839-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820316.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5839-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820316.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574472" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Evansville Harrison Warriors were a surprise team this past season with the success they had with very little varsity experience coming in. The top 3 scorers are [player_tooltip player_id='2889976' first='Romyiez' last='Calvin'] (2029), [player_tooltip player_id='3253027' first='Aiden' last='Terry'] (2029), and [player_tooltip player_id='2821857' first='Amaury' last='Harrell'] (2028). Calvin was named to First Team All-SIAC after averaging 14.6 points and 8 rebounds. Terry is a talented left handed scorer that's coming off a strong freshman season averaging 10.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting 40% from 3. Harrell had a solid sophomore season primed for a breakout junior year after averaging 9.7 points and 2.7 rebound while also shooting 40% from 3. 2027 Prospects [player_tooltip player_id='2470634' first='Ty' last='Speer'], [player_tooltip player_id='2489672' first='Ady' last='Thomas'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2622040' first='Dean' last='Underwood'] will return as impact players for Harrison. 2029 Guard Chance Jones also has a chance to play his way into the rotation as a Sophomore. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: Tyrese Harris-Armstead (5.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.1 apg)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Barr-Reeve (1A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574474,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5911-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820388.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5911-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820388.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574474" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 1A State Champions return the most out of any of the top teams in the area. The Vikings return all five starters from Saturday's 1A State Championship game. The Big 3 of 2027 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='3045017' first='Kierson' last='Lengacher'] (14.3 ppg), 2028 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='3148411' first='Jaylon' last='Graber'] (10.8 ppg), and 2028 Wing/Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2797665' first='Braxton' last='Neidigh'] (9.9) is officially a Big 4 adding 2028 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3527814' first='Josh' last='Miller'] to the fold with his play since January. Fifth Starter in Junior Guard Carson Yoder is as solid as they come being able to impact the game without having to score. Those pieces along with 2027 Miller Thompson and others from a 19 win JV team, the Barr-Reeve Vikings will be loaded looking to repeat as 1A State Champions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1561017' first='Korben' last='Boyd'] (2.8 ppg) * 11 points in the 1A State Championship Game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boonville (3A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574475,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5921-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820461.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/IMG_5921-rotated-crop-4284x2813-1774820461.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574475" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Boonville Pioneers had their most successful season since 2009-2010 under first year Head Coach Jason Gansman, and year two has the potential to be even better. The Pioneers are another team in the area that is loaded with 2027 prospects. The Top Three returning scorers for the Pioneers are all 2027 prospects in 6'4” Wing [player_tooltip player_id='2140389' first='Jaxon' last='McKain'], 5'11” Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140326' first='Bradyn' last='Egli'], and 6'2” Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2622245' first='Cash' last='Willis']. All three were in double figures led by McKain at 13 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Egli followed at 10.8 points and 3 rebounds. Willis rounds out the double figure scorers at 10 points and 3.7 rebounds. Junior Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2991363' first='Ian' last='Wahl'] started throughout the year for the Pioneers and Junior Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3223793' first='Wyatt' last='Kuebler'] looks to have more of an impact as a senior with his ability to rebound and make open 3's.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: Logan Strahle (6.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg); Charlie Campbell (5.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg); [player_tooltip player_id='3479392' first='Grant' last='Davis'] (3.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg),</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Heritage Hills (3A)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3574552,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/60BDA830-7F7D-460C-8FF3-B40191B60670-crop-1024x673-1774823836.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/60BDA830-7F7D-460C-8FF3-B40191B60670-crop-1024x673-1774823836.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-3574552" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third team on the list that is carried by the class of 2027. Heritage Hills will return four full time varsity members from this past season from the class of 2027. 6'6” Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2140443' first='Tait' last='Wetzel'] is the leading returning score at 14 points and 7.5 rebounds. 6'1” Junior Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140370' first='Gunner' last='Lubbehusen'] started every game for the Patriots returns as a defensive minded guard that averaged 6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. 6'3” Wing [player_tooltip player_id='3517623' first='Micah' last='Toler'] and 6'2” Forward Trey Tyree will also return after each spent time in the starting lineup this past year. 2028 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='3016349' first='Tyson' last='Engelbrecht'] split time between the JV and Varsity last season will be a depth piece as a ball handler and another threat from the perimeter that can shoot. They also have the 2029 duo of 5'10” Guard Jayden Gray and 6'4”Wing/Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2953938' first='Ty' last='Wetzel'] could be guys that play their way into varsity minutes. A wildcard could be the emergence of 2030 Guard Gaige Lubbehusen. A skilled left handed guard that plays with a high IQ that wouldn't surprise me to see some minutes at the varsity level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Key Losses: [player_tooltip player_id='1560951' first='Jake' last='Prior'] (14.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.1 apg) *Committed to Saint Francis; [player_tooltip player_id='1560979' first='Peyton' last='Gray'] (14.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg) *Committed to Western Kentucky (Baseball)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Teams to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Evansville Bosse (3A): </strong>The defending 3A Sectional 32 Champions lose their top two scorers to graduation but return 2027 backcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2408663' first='Elijah' last='Chinn'] (8.1 ppg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2489643' first='Elijah' last='Eastwood'] (4.2 ppg) along with 2029 Wing/Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3219910' first='Ethan' last='Hampton'] (4.8 ppg).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Evansville North (4A): </strong>Returns starting point guard 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='2140367' first='Greg' last='Pieterek'] and 2028 Shooting Guard [player_tooltip player_id='3268965' first='Gavin' last='Vignolo'] to go with pieces from a 17-5 JV team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Forest Park (2A): </strong>Up and down season in 2025-2026 battling injuries to there backcourt but return 6'9” 2027 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2140403' first='Kamdon' last='Partenheimer'] from the 2A Sectional Championship team after averaging 16.8 points and 10.5 rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Jasper (3A): </strong>Returns top scorers in 2027 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2882765' first='Jaylen' last='Maners'] and 2028 Guard Riley Foy from a 16-9 2025-2026 team. 2029 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3177230' first='Brandon' last='Buse'] is a player to watch for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Tecumseh (1A): </strong>The Braves return everyone from a 10 win 2025-2026 campaign with the 2027 Backcourt Duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2882777' first='Damon' last='Oxley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3343955' first='Dax' last='Kramer'] will be in their third year as varsity starters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->