Way Too Early Preview – Four Sleeper Teams to Watch, Class 4A

<!-- wp:html --> <div class="block-core/paragraph" style="margin-top: 0px;font-size: 16px;white-space: normal"><p class="wp-block-paragraph" style="margin: 1.25em 0px;line-height: 1.6">We recently revisited the "way too early" previews that we released prior to the Charlie Hughes Showcase. In this update we gave fresh takes on the top five state title contenders in each class along with some additional teams to watch. We also released a first look at a "way too early" summer edition of the Prep Hoops Indiana Top 20 Super Poll. Now let's dive even deeper and highlight five additional teams beyond any of those that have been mentioned yet that could make some noise in various classes this season.</p></div> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:html --> <div class="block-core/separator" style="font-size: 16px;white-space: normal"></div> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elkhart Lions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are several reasons why Elkhart could be a sleeper going into the 2026-2027 season. Sectional 4 should be much more open this year after what Northridge lost to graduation. The Lions also bring back a very talented core of players including seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2426066' first='Samarcus' last='Gipson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='3633239' first='Quinn' last='Chandler'], junior Damon Peak, and sophomore star [player_tooltip player_id='2442330' first='Kaleb' last='Anderson']-Mitchell. Anderson-Mitchell is one of the most talented players in the state that a lot of people probably still haven't heard of yet. Don't be surprised to see Elkhart take a major step forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fort Wayne South Side Archers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In theory this team is a little over-qualified to be considered a sleeper. The Archers started last season 12-0 and were 16-1 at one point before stumbling a bit down the stretch. However, they played Homestead to single digits both times they played them and bring enough back to be a serious contender in the Fort Wayne area once again. Rising senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='2140445' first='Terrance' last='Jordan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2414963' first='Jayvon' last='Irby'] return as the two top performers from last season. [player_tooltip player_id='2560634' first='Joshua' last='Sandoval'] and Corte Wallace are among another group of rising seniors that will bring back a good deal of production as well. Fort Wayne South Side will not be an easy team to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lawrence Central Bears</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears finally clicked at the right time down the stretch of last season ultimately winning the Sectional 10 title with a win over rival Lawrence North. Their roster will look different this season, but that doesn't mean there won't be talent. Rising seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2140390' first='Jeremiah' last='Bellamy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2622052' first='AJ' last='Jones'] will likely be the top primary offensive weapons. This is a team that will get up and down the floor, bother you defensively, and likely knock off of couple teams that they are not supposed to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Zionsville Eagles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2141011' first='Preston' last='Johnson'] recently sustained an injury in football that will likely keep him out at least through the start of basketball season as well, but this Zionsville team could still very well sneak up on some people. [player_tooltip player_id='2140435' first='Rylon' last='Gore'] is an oustanding shooter with plenty of experience in the backcourt. 6'4" wing [player_tooltip player_id='2140338' first='Camden' last='Moore'] is quietly one of the best returning players in the area as well. Look for other returners such as [player_tooltip player_id='2807774' first='Nick' last='Snively'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2859673' first='Zack' last='Green'] could slide into larger roles this season. Even without Johnson there are enough proven returning pieces to make Zionsville a dangerous team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->