Indiana high school basketball: What you need to know about Class 4A Indy-area teams
Here is a look at the Class 4A area boys basketball sectional fields (teams ranked in projected order of finish, by sectional):
Super Team: Check out Central Indiana's top ballers
Class 3A: What you need to know about Class 3A Indy-area teams
Class 2A: What you need to know about Class 2A Indy-area teams
Class A: What you need to know about Class A Indy-area teams
Sectional 8
Carmel (26-2) – The defending state champions return a strong core for coach Ryan Osborn, led by returning starters in 6-4 senior Peter Suder (11.5 ppg, 6.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists), 6-1 senior Josh Whack (4.5 ppg, 2.5 rebounds, 42% 3-pointers) and 6-10 senior Charlie Williams (7.0 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 55% field goals). Other projected starters are 6-8 junior Sam Orme (5.8 ppg, 2.2 rebounds, 48% 3-pointers) and 6-4 junior Spencer White (1.2 ppg, 1.0 rebounds). Depth will be provided by 6-5 junior Jared Bonds, 6-1 junior Jake Griffin, 6-foot senior Burke Weldy, 6-4 junior Garwey Dual, 6-3 senior Josh Rauh and 6-4 junior Clay Richards. Carmel, also the 2019 state champions, are riding a 15-game tournament winning streak.
Westfield (18-5) – Coach Shane Sumpter goes into the season with a team that should compete for Hoosier Crossroads Conference and sectional titles. The Shamrocks will be led by 6-1 senior and Purdue recruit Braden Smith (22.0 ppg, 6.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 steals). There is also experience returning with 6-2 senior Cam Haffner (12.0 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists) and 6-1 senior Nic Depasquale (8.0 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists). Westfield reached the sectional championship game a year ago before falling to Carmel.
Fishers (14-7) – Garrett Winegar goes into his second season as coach with four returning starters in 6-6 senior Jeffrey Simmons (16.6 ppg, 6.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals), 6-foot senior Charlie Smith (10.6 ppg, 5.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals), 6-foot senior Bryce Williams (10.1 ppg, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists) and 6-1 junior Myles Stringer (4.6 ppg, 1.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals). Sean Millsaps, a 5-10 senior, averaged 6.0 points and 1.5 rebounds and 6-6 senior Matt Brewer (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds) also returns with 5-7 senior Josh Forbes (2.2 ppg). Jalen Haralson, a 6-6 freshman, already has offers from Indiana and Maryland and will be a factor. Others in the mix are 6-6 senior Payton Weemer, 6-foot junior Aidan Zimmer and 6-foot freshman JonAnthony Hall.
Zionsville (14-8) – Coach J.R. Howell will go into his second season with a pair of junior standouts in 6-4 guard Logan Imes (13.5 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists) and 6-9 forward Nick Richart (10.6 ppg, 6.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocked shots) leading the way. The rest of the starting lineup also has experience with Huntington recruit and Greenwood Christian transfer Isaiah Davis, a 6-8 senior, along with 6-1 senior Johnathan MacAbee (7.2 ppg, 42% 3-pointers) and 6-4 junior Edward Thomas (2.0 ppg, 1.0 rebounds). Others in the rotation are 6-3 junior Matthew Wleklinski, 5-9 senior Donovan Visor, 6-foot senior Preston Gadd, 6-3 senior Brendon Wood and 6-1 junior Lucas Louiso. Imes, Richart and MacAbee were the Eagles’ top three scorers last season.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 9 Zionsville building with talented core back
Hamilton Southeastern (12-11) – John Ashworth makes the move from Decatur Central to Hamilton Southeastern and will take over a program that is replacing several graduated seniors. Projected starters include 6-4 senior Sam Jacobs (8.5 ppg, 3.0 rebounds), 5-10 senior Caleb Smock and 6-7 junior Reph Stevenson. Others competing for the two starting spots and time in the rotation are 6-foot sophomore Deion Miles, 6-2 senior Tyler Lacy, 5-10 senior Joshua Jones, 6-4 sophomore Eli Robinson, 6-3 junior Alex Troutman, 6-3 sophomore Donovan Hamilton and 5-8 senior Kasey Ash-Simpson, a transfer from University.
Noblesville (11-11) – Coach Scott McClelland took the job after several successful seasons at Morristown and is optimistic with starters returning in 6-foot senior E.J. Smith (12.1 ppg, 3.1 assists, 1.8 rebounds), 6-3 junior Luke Almodovar (11.0 ppg, 3.0 rebounds) and 6-4 junior Preston Roberts (5.1 ppg, 3.5 rebounds). Aaron Fine, a 6-1 sophomore who averaged 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists, is another projected starter. Other contributors will include 5-10 senior Luke Wilson (1.1 ppg), 6-3 junior Cooper Bean and 6-6 senior Cameron Karns.
Sectional 9
Mt. Vernon (17-7) – The Marauders looked to build on last year’s sectional championship with a veteran team for coach Ben Rhoades. Five seniors projected to start are 6-4 guard Amhad Jarrard (12.9 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists), 6-3 senior Armon Jarrard (12.8 ppg, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 42% 3-pointers), 6-3 forward Razhaun Wells (10.4 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists), 6-2 guard Cooper Galli (8.0 ppg, 2.9 rebounds, 41% 3-pointers) and 5-9 guard Avery Williams (5.6 ppg, 41% 3-pointers). Other projected contributors are 6-3 junior Eli Bridenthal (7.0 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, 46% 3-pointers), 6-3 senior Gavin Sullivan, 6-2 senior Darren Smith, 6-foot senior Charlie Bostic and 6-4 junior George Burhenn.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 11 Mt. Vernon returns Jarrard twins, plenty more
► Stronger together: Mt. Vernon's Jarrard twins ready to help IUPUI rebuild
New Palestine (14-9) – Coach Trent Whitaker expects improvement with two top scorers returning in 6-5 senior Steele Brasfield (17.3 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, 41% 3-pointers) and 5-11 junior Blaine Nunnally (16.7 ppg, 4.2 assists, 3.0 rebounds). Other projected starters are 6-5 junior Ian Stephens (3.4 ppg, 3.1 rebounds), 6-5 senior Logan Strong and 5-11 junior Bryant Nunnally. Others in the mix are 6-2 senior Damon Hockett (3.1 ppg, 1.1 assists), 6-foot senior Jaret Whitaker (1.4 ppg), 6-1 junior Eian Roudebush, 5-11 senior Matthew Barada and 5-11 senior Kendall Hill. The Dragons were knocked out in the first round of the sectional last season by Greenfield-Central.
Anderson (11-11)
Greenfield-Central (14-10) – Coach Luke Meredith goes into his third season coming off the program’s second winning season in 17 years. It will not be a big team, but does have talented players returning, starting with 6-2 junior Dylan Moles (14.2 ppg, 3.1 rebounds, 44% 3-pointers), 6-1 senior Adam Lester (9.4 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 55% 3-pointers), 6-1 senior Joey Roland (5.4 ppg, 3.8 rebounds) and 6-1 senior Rashawn Street (3.3 ppg, 1.5 rebounds). Braylon Mullins, a 6-4 freshman, has a chance to have an impact right away. Rune Carpenter-Jones, a 6-1 senior, averaged 8.2 points and 2.7 rebounds last season at International. Others competing for playing time are 6-foot junior Tyler Kerkhof, 6-2 sophomore Braden Robertson, 6-1 senior Benjamin Montgomery, 6-4 freshman Dallas Freeman, 6-foot junior Owen Anderson, 6-foot junior Nathan Gaspirrini and 6-2 junior Will DeJarnett.
Pendleton Heights (8-15) – Coach Adam Ballard goes into his second season with five of his top six players returning. The Arabians will be led by 6-foot senior Jamison Dunham (18.6 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 45% 3-pointers), 6-foot senior Luke Candiano (10.9 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, 45% 3-pointers), 6-7 sophomore Josiah Gustin (5.7 ppg, 3.5 rebounds) and 6-3 junior Gabe Simons (5.6 ppg, 3.4 rebounds). Adding depth will be 6-foot sophomore Aaron Cookston and 5-10 sophomore Caden Sims. Ethan Ross, a 6-foot senior, averaged 4.7 points and 4.1 rebounds last season but is currently injured. Pendleton Heights is looking for its first winning season since 2016-17.
Richmond (10-10)
Muncie Central (0-21)
Sectional 10
Cathedral (18-3) – Is this the year Cathedral can break through in Sectional 10? Coach Jason Delaney’s team is loaded with talent with projected starters in 6-1 senior Tayshawn Comer (15.0 ppg, 6.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds), 6-6 senior Jaxon Edwards (10.7 ppg, 5.6 rebounds), 6-5 junior Jake Davis (9.0 ppg, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists), 6-5 junior Jaron Tibbs (5.4 ppg, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists) and 6-11 junior Xavier Booker (4.0 ppg, 3.2 rebounds). The Irish are deep with 6-1 junior Sincere Germany (3.3 ppg) and 6-6 senior Jaiden Malachi (1.4 ppg) as experienced players off the bench. Other contributors will be 6-2 sophomore Anthony Fields, 5-10 freshman Deric Cannady, 5-10 freshman Lebron Gough, 5-10 senior Luke Hern, 6-foot senior Gabe Rodriguez and 6-4 senior Jerren Conway.
Warren Central (19-7) – Second-year Warren Central coach D’Andre Davis brings back two of the area’s top players in 6-7 senior and Louisville commit Tae Davis (13.5 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals) and 6-5 senior and Illinois-Springfield commit Chandler Jackson (10.3 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 43% 3-pointers). The Warriors were hit hard by graduation, however, and the rest of the rotation is a bit uncertain. Among those competing for playing time will be senior guard Paul Chandler (1.1 ppg in 12 games), 6-5 junior Joe Walker, 6-2 junior Devaon Holman, junior guard Brandon Snodgrass, junior Antonio Sims and sophomores Cordell Edwards and Josiah Evans. Tyler Horton, a 6-7 junior, and 6-4 freshman Jevon Guess will also factor into the mix.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 6 Warren Central has talented duo, but what else?
Lawrence North (28-3) – Coach Jack Keefer will be without his top player to start the season as 6-5 senior and Indiana recruit C.J. Gunn (13.9 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists) is dealing with a broken big toe on his right foot. Gunn should not miss much time, however, and will lead a team that returns 6-1 senior Omar Cooper Jr., a key player as a sophomore who missed last season due to a knee injury, and 6-3 senior Macoyion Brown (3.3 ppg, 1.0 assists). Azavier Robinson, a 6-foot freshman, will step into a big role at guard. Also in the mix for playing time are 6-6 junior Nathan Schmadeke, 6-3 junior Mase Hughes, 6-3 senior Danny Royster, 5-8 senior A.J. Branigan, 6-1 junior Ty Cunningham, 5-9 sophomore Myles Good, 5-10 sophomore Myles Baker, 5-10 sophomore Kobe Bowles and 6-3 senior Brysen Bond. The Wildcats, a state finalist last year, are looking for a third consecutive sectional title.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 7 Lawrence North may take a little time to get revved up
North Central (13-10) – First-year coach Kevin Gant returns to his alma mater with a group that should improve throughout the season. The Panthers will be led by 6-6 junior Joey Brown (8.0 ppg, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists), who has several Division I offers. Other projected starters are 6-1 senior Davis Olson (3.0 ppg), 6-6 senior and Noblesville transfer David Lloyd (5.9 ppg, 3.0 rebounds), 5-9 sophomore Mason Lewis and 5-11 sophomore Christian Woodson. Others projected for the rotation are 6-1 senior Blake Fleming, 6-1 senior Charles Jolliffe and 5-10 senior Jahmyre Jackson. North Central played for a sectional title last season, but lost one of the state’s best players when Leland Walker transferred to Hargrave Military Academy.
► Preseason Fab 15: New-look North Central looks to be contender by March
Tech (11-12) – Tech is going to look entirely different than a year ago under coach Damon Turner, although the Titans do return a couple of top players in 6-foot senior Dayveon Turner (18.2 ppg, 4.2 assists) and 6-8 senior Matthew Spears (6.1 ppg, 4.5 rebounds). Tech brings in notable newcomers in 6-4 senior Reggie Bass, a Division I guard originally from Muncie who played last season at Elevation Prep in Fort Wayne. Other transfers are 6-7 senior Antonio Lisenbee, 6-6 senior RaSheed Jones and 5-11 senior Tylan Harris. Jones averaged 15.5 points and 4.6 rebounds as a sophomore at Marion before transferring to Elevation Prep. Harris averaged 12.4 points and 2.9 assists as a junior at Richmond. Senior Faybo Pittman (3.7 ppg, 5.4 rebounds) also returns.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 10 Tech has intriguing mix of returners, newcomers
► Insider: Tech hasn't had a winning season in 6 years. So why does think it can be state's best?
Lawrence Central (12-10) – Coach Al Gooden has an impressive junior class led by 6-5 forward Joshua Mickens (11.8 ppg, 5.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists), 6-3 guard Jacob Franklin (4.6 ppg, 1.6 rebounds), 6-3 guard Kamari Jones (4.9 ppg, 1.2 rebounds), 6-2 guard D’John Craig (1.5 ppg) and 6-3 forward Braylon Russell (0.9 ppg). Other contributors will be 6-4 senior Tashuan Coleman and 6-4 sophomore Jaden Stokes. Gene Hooten, a 5-8 senior, averaged 3.1 points and 1.4 assists as a junior, but is injured to start the season.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 12 Lawrence Central led by strong junior class
Crispus Attucks (18-7) – The Tigers lost a lot of production to graduation and the transfer of junior standout Jalen Hooks, but coach Chris Hawkins’ team does have plenty of talent. The projected starters are 6-4 senior Christian Nunn, who averaged 22.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists last year at Liberty Christian, 6-2 senior James Smith (11.9 ppg, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals), 5-10 senior Willie Mays (3.0 ppg, 2.0 assists, 1.4 rebounds), 6-2 sophomore Ron Rutland and 6-7 freshman Dezmon Briscoe. Other contributors will be 6-7 senior Kenny Harris, 6-2 senior Latrell Williams (2.2 ppg, 1.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists), 6-2 sophomore Demetrius Jenkins, 6-foot freshman Chris Hart, 6-4 freshman De’Andre Lott-Hancock, 6-3 senior James Lewis, 6-2 sophomore Jacson Payton and 6-foot freshman Brandon Rogers.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 13 Crispus Attucks has pieces to be dangerous
Sectional 11
Ben Davis (14-12) – Coach Don Carlisle’s team took some lumps early last year, but improved throughout the season and ended up winning a sectional title. Now, the Giants are a much more experienced team – yet still somewhat young. Projected starters are 6-3 junior Sheridan Sharpe (10.5 ppg, 5.3 assists, 2.0 rebounds), 6-foot Clay Butler (11.4 ppg, 3.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists), 6-9 junior Zane Doughty (7.2 ppg, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocked shots), 6-3 sophomore K.J. Windham (4.5 ppg, 1.5 rebounds) and 6-5 junior Shaun Arnold (2.0 ppg, 3.0 rebounds). Other expected contributors are 6-6 junior Jesse Faires (2.0 ppg, 2.1 rebounds), 6-1 senior Ghakel Weathers (1.4 ppg, 2.0 rebounds), 6-7 senior Tionne Spates (2.0 ppg, 4.5 rebounds), 6-4 senior Raheim Twyman (2.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds), 6-2 senior Kenny Troutman (4.5 ppg) and 6-2 senior Shawn Footman (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds).
Pike (12-11) – Coach Bill Zych lost quite a bit to graduation and transfers, but does return one of the best starting backcourts in the area in 6-3 senior and South Florida commit Ryan Conwell (16.4 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists) and 5-10 junior Devon Woods (9.0 ppg, 3.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds). Charles Chanin, a 6-4 senior, is another projected starter who averaged 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds last season. Also fitting into the rotation will be 6-foot senior Jonah Pennington, 6-6 senior Dante Porch (injured last season), 6-6 senior Anthony Robey (injured last season), 6-foot junior Josh Woods (injured last season), 6-6 junior Joseph Annan, 6-4 sophomore Cameron Casky, 6-5 sophomore Eugene Young and 6-4 sophomore LaKendrick Suttles.
► Preseason Fab 15: No. 14 Pike returns one of area's top backcourts
Southport (5-17) – Coach Eric Brand has a core of three juniors returning in 6-1 guard Anthony Dancler (15.2 ppg, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists), 6-foot guard Keyon Miller (15.0 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists) and 6-6 forward Nickens Lemba (7.2 ppg, 7.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists). Other projected starters are 6-1 senior Jaevion Mabrey and 5-9 senior Donte McDonald (2.4 ppg). The bench will include 6-foot junior Tanner Percifield (2.3 ppg), 6-3 junior Shane Handlon (3.0 ppg), 6-1 senior Van Lian and 6-5 senior Tre Mickens. Brand is expecting the Cardinals to compete for a sectional title.
Decatur Central (9-13) – First-year coach Bryan Surber moves over from the assistant chair with an experienced group that includes returning starters in 6-1 senior Javon Tracy (18.7 ppg, 4.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.0 steals), 6-4 senior Brandon Smith (12.6 ppg, 7.2 rebounds), 6-1 sophomore K.C. Berry (6.6 ppg, 3.2 rebounds), 5-10 senior Jamal Thomas (4.4 ppg, 2.1 rebounds) and 6-3 senior Jathyn Price (4.2 ppg, 3.2 rebounds). Other contributors will be 6-6 sophomore Ayden Lawson, 6-1 senior Andy Gibson, 5-9 senior Monte’l Stone, 6-2 freshman Eric Hopson, 6-foot senior Keelan Dyson and 6-5 junior Steven Rogers. The Hawks should be competitive.
Roncalli (8-14) – After three consecutive losing seasons, coach Michael Wantz is expecting the Royals to take a step forward. Projected starters are 6-2 senior Aidan Leffler (6.0 ppg, 3.9 rebounds), 6-4 junior Luke Kegerreis (2.4 ppg, 2.0 rebounds), 6-2 senior Michael Hegwood (1.9 ppg), 6-2 senior Alex Moll and 6-2 junior Nolan Tunny. Moll and Tunny are moving up from the junior varsity. Also in the mix as contributors will be 6-foot senior Caden Gore (1.8 ppg), 6-1 junior Nicholas Stewart (returning from injury), 6-1 senior Gabe Horn, 6-2 sophomore Drew Kegerreis and 5-10 sophomore Xavier Highbaugh.
Perry Meridian (12-9) – It will be a rebuilding year for coach Mark James and the Falcons with little experience returning. The only players with varsity time from last year’s team are 5-8 senior Izaiah Brinker (2.4 ppg) and 6-6 junior Patrick Schott (2.2 ppg, 2.0 rebounds). James will look to 6-4 senior Wes Vanek, 6-4 senior Connor McNabb, 6-6 senior Dagan Knight, 6-3 senior Seth Bradbury, 6-4 senior Richard Dube, 6-foot junior Brayden Jones and 5-9 junior Spencer Gayheart to contribute.
Sectional 12
Brownsburg (13-9) – Coach Steve Lynch goes into the season with a team that will be reloading after the graduation of Indiana All-Star Pierce Thomas, along with seniors Quentin Bragg, Tyray Lackey and Luke Lacey. Leading the returning group is 6-9 senior and University of Indianapolis recruit Shon Tupuola (4.4 ppg, 3.4 rebounds). Also returning are 6-2 junior Elhadj Diallo (4.9 ppg, 2.8 rebounds), 6-4 senior Matt Scholz (1.7 ppg), 6-1 senior Derek Fudge and 6-2 junior Jayden Whitaker return and 5-10 junior Carson Knox could see a larger role. Several sophomores, including Grant Porath and Spencer Porath, Kanon Catchings, Drew Thompson, Camren Reich and Brendan Lattimer, could see playing time.
► Preseason Fab 15: Some new faces, but same philosophy for Brownsburg
Plainfield (24-3) – Coach Andy Weaver’s program is 63-14 over the past three seasons, including a breakthrough last season with a sectional championship and regional final appearance. Only one starter returns from that team in 6-6 senior and Iowa football recruit Cael Vanderbush (12.7 ppg, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists). The starting lineup is uncertain, though Weaver will look to a group that includes 6-5 sophomore Collin Schmidt, 6-4 sophomore Caden Vanderbush, 5-10 junior Durray Smith (1.9 ppg), 5-11 junior Grant Irwin (1.8 ppg), 5-9 sophomore Eli Ellis, 5-10 junior Garrett Irwin, 6-2 junior Cameron Young, 6-1 junior Cooper Martin (1.1 ppg) and 6-foot junior Blake Woodard.
Avon (6-15) – Coach Drew Schauss, who makes the move from Logansport, will take over a program with a lot of talent in the system. Chrishon McCray, a Kent State football recruit, is the team’s top returning scorer (15.9 ppg, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists). He will be joined in the starting lineup by 6-4 junior Daniel Eck (6.8 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 44% 3-pointers), 6-3 senior Nick Walker (3.1 ppg, 1.8 rebounds), 6-2 sophomore Jordan Lomax and 6-1 junior Keilyn Moore (4.6 ppg, 45% 3-pointers). Others in the mix for playing time are 5-10 senior Timmy Pepper (2.8 ppg), 6-5 senior Andrew Gray (3.3 ppg), 6-4 junior Elijah Collier and 6-1 junior Aiden Chavis.
Mooresville (12-11) – First-year coach Shabaz Khaliq believes he has a team that can compete for championships in the Mid-State Conference and the sectional. Projected starters are 5-10 senior Zach Woodson (7.8 ppg, 3.9 assists, 36% 3-pointers), 6-2 senior Ashtyn Holtzclaw (3.3 ppg, 3.9 rebounds), 6-2 junior Nick Patterson (injured last season), 6-5 freshman A.J. Defur and 6-6 senior Nick Wiley (2.5 ppg, 2.3 rebounds). Other contributors will be 6-9 senior Dayton DeVaughn (2.5 ppg, 2.1 rebounds), 6-4 junior Wesley Reeves, a transfer, and 5-11 sophomore Hogan Denny.
Terre Haute North (12-12)
Terre Haute South (5-19)
Sectional 13
Center Grove (14-7) – Coach Zach Hahn has a skilled team he expects to be competitive if it limits turnovers and commits to rebounding. Projected starters are 6-3 junior Marcus Ankney (5.6 ppg, 2.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists), 6-1 junior Ethan McComb (45% 3-pointers), 6-2 senior Tyler Cerny (5.5 ppg, 1.3 rebounds), 6-6 senior Jordan Vaughns (2.1 ppg, 3.0 rebounds) and 6-5 senior Shane Bennett (3.4 ppg, 1.5 rebounds). Others in the mix for playing time are 5-11 sophomore Jalen Bundy, 6-foot sophomore Joey Schmitz, 6-5 sophomore Will Spellman, 6-3 Ajay Holubar, 6-5 junior Garrett Messer and 5-11 junior Owen Baker. The Trojans won the sectional last year.
Franklin Central (9-13) – Top returners for coach Criss Beyers are 6-3 senior Bryan Marshall (10.0 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists) 5-11 senior T.J. Williams (6.9 ppg), 6-4 sophomore Lyna Brooks (6.4 ppg, 2.0 rebounds), 6-2 senior Rynell Echols (4.2 ppg, 2.3 rebounds) and senior Owen Leck. Sophomore guard Dhani Flannigan transferred from Cathedral.
Whiteland (12-10) – Coach Nate Cangany had a young team a year ago and will return his seven top scorers. Leading the way will be 6-2 senior Logan Willoughby (15.9 ppg, 2.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists), 6-6 junior Maxwell Sullivan (14.0 ppg, 7.0 rebounds, 40.9% 3-pointers), 6-2 junior Kyson Jones (5.1 ppg, 2.7 rebounds), 6-3 sophomore Austin Willoughby (6.2 ppg, 2.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists) and 6-3 junior Drew Higdon (2.3 ppg, 1.2 rebounds). Other contributors will be 6-1 senior Quinten Gillespie (4.3 ppg, 1.3 rebounds), 6-1 senior Jacob Preilis (2.7 ppg, 1.9 rebounds), 5-11 junior Dylan Gross (1.8 ppg), 6-1 senior Jacob Griffith (1.5 ppg, 1.9 rebounds), 6-4 sophomore Brady Stanifer, 5-11 senior Kayden Welling and 5-11 junior Ethan Tanner.
Franklin (7-15) – It should be exciting under new coach Adrian Moss, who has some good pieces to the puzzle. Projected starters are 6-6 junior Dylan Beverly, 6-3 junior John Shepard (8.0 ppg, 4.0 rebounds), 5-10 senior Carson Hunter (10.0 ppg), 6-1 sophomore Micah Davis (averaged 13.6 points as freshman for Indy Wildcats’ home school team) and 5-11 sophomore Wyatt Nickleson. Other contributors will be 6-1 senior Sam Auger, 6-6 senior Tristan Coleman, 6-3 junior Chase Stanger, 6-3 senior E.J. Phillips, 5-11 junior Bryce Richardson, 6-4 senior Thomas Crowe, 6-4 senior Jumpshot Warner and 6-3 junior Kage McCorkle, a transfer from Greenwood Christian who averaged 4.6 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Greenwood (18-6) – Coach Joe Bradburn will be reloading behind returning letterwinners in 6-5 junior Carter Campbell (8.0 ppg, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists), 6-1 senior Noah Apgar (3.5 ppg, 3.0 rebounds), 6-6 senior Adam Ellinghausen (1.5 ppg, 2.0 rebounds), 6-1 senior Gavin Ruppert and 6-foot sophomore Jake Mosemann. Potential newcomers to make an impact are 6-1 sophomore Cade Kelly, 6-4 senior Luke Fiesel, 6-1 junior Nash Peterson, 6-foot junior Jackson Kidwell, 6-2 senior Lucas Sullivan and 5-10 sophomore Jakeb Hornbeak. There are new faces in new roles for the Woodmen.
Shelbyville (8-14) – Coach John Hartnett will have a young group led by 6-2 junior Oliver Sandman (8.0 ppg, 1.8 rebounds) and 6-foot senior Jakob Heaton (5.6 ppg, 2.5 rebounds). Other projected starters are 5-10 sophomore Luke Brinkman, 5-10 senior Nolyn Smothers and 6-2 sophomore Ethan Lambert. Other projected contributors are 5-11 junior Aidan Asher, 6-2 junior Jackson Parker, 6-1 junior Thomas Macaluso and 6-foot freshman Damon Badgley.
Sectional 14
Bloomington North (13-5)
Bloomington South (25-5)
Columbus North (11-5)
East Central (14-10)
Martinsville (3-19) – Coach Kip Staggs has a team with no players over 6-2. Leading the way will be 5-11 senior Landon Myers (12.0 ppg), who enters his third year as a starter. He will be joined by a talented junior class with 6-2 Jack Wolff, 6-2 Brody Staggs, 6-1 Will Bastin and 6-foot Skylar Pruitt projected as starters. Adding depth will be 6-2 junior Luke Cheatham, 5-11 senior Thatcher Anderson and 5-11 senior Isaiah Marlett. Caleb Cheatham, a 6-1 junior, was a starter last season but is out due to a knee injury.
Columbus East (1-18)
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school basketball preview: Class 4A top players, lineups
