Way Too Early Preview – Class 4A Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has been a little over a month since we released our first look at the top Indiana High School Basketball teams for the upcoming 2026-2027 season. Now that the academic year is about to start, we've watched all of these teams compete in June, and we are entering a quieter period in our content calendar it seemed like a good time to revisit our earlier takes. Have our takes been solidified? Would we change anything? We did this with the top teams in each class and now will do it with the top players/prospects. Here are 10 of the best players to watch at the Class 2A level this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2267048' first='Harper' last='Baker-Lands'] (Plainfield H.S. 2027) - Baker-Lands was excellent last season earning "Core" Indiana Junior All-Star honors. He will have a chance to put up some big numbers now as a senior at Plainfield High School with the Quakers' other top scorers gone to graduation. The 6'2" two-way guard holds several mid-major offers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2457404' first='Caleb' last='Coolman'] (Penn H.S. 2028) - A big, do-it-all guard for Penn High School, Coolman is set to put up some big numbers once again as a junior. He is a great three-point shooter and outstanding passer. Look for him to lead what could be a Top 10 Penn team this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2267046' first='Jason' last='Gardner Jr.'] (Fishers H.S. 2027) - The Indiana Mr. Basketball race could come down to the Fishers High School backcourt. Gardner Jr. is an incredibly explosive lead guard who can seemingly get to the rim off of the dribble anytime he wants. He is considering several high-major programs and will once again be one of the best players in the state of Indiana.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2266896' first='Isaiah' last='Hill'] (Pike H.S. 2027) - The top ranked prospect in Indiana's Class of 2027, Hill has announced his commitment to Purdue. He is a dominant force inside defensively, but can also step out and make catch-and-shoot three-point shots offensively. Hill will be the anchor of Pike's super talented team that will once again be one of the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2140359' first='Elijah' last='King'] (South Bend St. Joseph H.S. 2027) - King has been a part of a lot of winning throughout his career. He helped lead South Bend St. Joseph to a Class 3A State Championship as a sophomore and earned Indiana Junior All-Star honors last year. Look for him to put up big numbers on what should, once again, be a very good team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2538892' first='Landon' last='Lampley'] (Pike H.S. 2028) - Arguably the best prospect in the state regardless of class, Lampley is back at Pike High School for his junior year. The 6'6" is so big and strong while possessing legitimate lead-guard skills. He can bully defenders off of the dribble, make any play as a passer, and is versatile on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2888227' first='Karson' last='Stoudemire'] (New Albany H.S. 2029) - New Albany High School has so much talent, including young talent, coming through their program right now. Stoudemire is a big part of setting their pace both offensively and defensively. The 6'2" guard is so athletic and strong off of the dribble and is probably the best rebounding guard in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2140419' first='Max' last='Vise'] (Mt. Vernon Fortville H.S. 2027) - Vise was a big part of Mt. Vernon (Fortville) winning the Class 4A State Championship last season. The 6'8" forward has attracted a good deal of mid-major interest due to his skill level. He is an excellent ball handler and passer for his size often serving as at the hub of the Marauders offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2382148' first='Noah' last='Washington'] (New Albany H.S. 2028) - Another piece of New Albany High School's excellent 2026-2027 roster, Washington has been a star through his freshman and sophomore seasons. The 6'5" guard is an athletic, strong driver that can knock down tough jump shots as well. He is ranked #2 in Indiana's Class of 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2932419' first='Mack' last='Welker'] (Homestead H.S. 2027) - Welker recently committed to Wright State University. He earned Indiana Junior All-Star honors last season averaging a 20 and 10 double-double for Homestead High School. The 6'7" forward has impressive versatility and is coming off of an excellent summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2140345' first='Cooper' last='Zachary'] (Fishers H.S. 2027) - One of the front-runners for Indiana Mr. Basketball this season, Zachary has done a ton of winning in his career. He is an elite shooter, an excellent passer, and a tenacious defender. The 5'10" point guard recently announced his commitment to Florida Gulf Coast University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five Other Names to Know: Varshon Clark (Hamilton Southeastern H.S. 2028), [player_tooltip player_id='2140349' first='Derrick' last='Cross Jr']. (Bloomington H.S. North 2027), [player_tooltip player_id='2140341' first='Cash' last='Daniels'] (Carmel H.S. 2027), [player_tooltip player_id='2266897' first='Kenneth' last='Lampley'] (Pike H.S. 2027), [player_tooltip player_id='2140346' first='Dakori' last='Parker'] (South Bend Riley H.S. 2027)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->