4 Indiana high school basketball playoff sectional games to watch in the Lafayette area

LAFAYETTE — The stages are set for the IHSAA boys basketball sectional championships. Each win is one step closer to a state title and glory to their respective communities.

But which games are going to have the highest level of intensity in the first round? And which contenders might be receiving an early exit?

Included in this list will be a game featuring McDonald's All-American Flory Bidunga along with the four most competitive matchups in each class.

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From 4A to 1A it's time to unlock the four games every high school basketball fan should watch in the Greater Lafayette Area.

1. 4A: Harrison (12-11) vs. No. 4 Kokomo (22-3)

Harrison receives its toughest test of the year facing Kokomo led by 6-foot-9 McDonald's All-American Flory Bidunga. A Kansas commit favored to win Mr. Indiana, Bidunga scored 32 consecutive field goals this season, an IHSAA record. Bidunga, originally born in Congo, is a generational athlete who dominates at the rim. A monstrous dunker and shot blocker, Bidunga can also space the floor evenly with his midrange jumper. He also possesses high stamina and fitness.

A big man that can play plenty of minutes thanks to his background as a soccer player. Harrison — despite being blown out by 34 points at home by Kokomo — carries the biggest threat of upsetting the 4A State contenders. Junior 6-foot-6 forward Malachi King (17.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 45% shooting, 36% 3-point range) is a streaky shooter from the outside and can attack at the rim.

Junior point guard Ray Gibson (9.7 PPG, 38% shooting) is Harrison's best passer and ball handler. Senior forward Jeffrey Williams (8.1 PPG) is a quality post defender. But Harrison will need to play a near-perfect game to compete with Kokomo. Besides worrying about Bidunga (18.4 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.4 APG, 4.6 SPG, 82% shooting, 59% FT), Harrison will have to contend with defending 6-foot-6 Kokomo power forward Karson Rogers. A career 8.5 PPG and 5.1 RPG, Rogers has seen a massive production leap in 2024 averaging a career-high 18.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG while shooting 67% from the floor.

Kokomo should win handily but Harrison with its size will pose the biggest threat of an upset during this sectional. Tipoff starts Tuesday 6 p.m. at Lafayette Jeff.

2. 3A: West Lafayette (16-6) vs. Benton Central (15-8)

As can be the case during sectionals, sometimes the two best teams end up meeting in the first round. Such is the case for two consistent teams in West Lafayette and Benton Central.

West Lafayette, in many ways, is ahead of schedule with four underclassmen in its starting lineup. Sophomore point guard Drew Whitlock averages between 12-15 PPG with four assists, takes smart and open shots and rarely turns the ball over. Junior Benny Speaker is a patient attacker who can score through contact. Sophomore Ben Werth has increased his production as a 3-pointer shooter and junior 6-foot-10 center Kevo St. Hilaire has drastically improved his hand-eye coordination to become one of West Lafayette's leading scorers and rebounders.

Adding to the Red Devils' guard depth is the keen and calm senior Donovan Loudermill who stretches the floor with his pull-up jumper and creativity in mid-air. Benton Central counters West Lafayette with four seniors and a junior in its starting lineup. Leading Benton Central's scoring is junior Hunter Sisson. Sisson is a consistent jump shooter and rarely gets displaced when rebounding in the paint. Senior Michael Winchester, a transfer from Seeger, compliments Sisson as one of the Bison's leading 3-point shooters. Seniors Cayden Hardebeck, Joe Widmer and Ryan Foster compliment their team's offense and patient ball handlers, passers and 3-point shooters.

The season is series is split 1-1. West Lafayette won the first matchup 55-47 on Nov. 28 and Benton Central took the rematch 80-69 on Dec. 15. It's West Lafayette's athleticism against Benton Central's senior depth and experience. Tipoff starts Wednesday 6 p.m. at Case Arena.

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2A: Carroll (14-9) vs. Delphi (11-12)

Two small-town teams with feverishly loyal fanbases? That's the definition of an Indiana playoff classic. The two teams battled to the final minute before Carroll took the win at home 60-57. Carroll is led by impressive 6-foot shooter Chris Huerta.

Delphi has played better basketball in the second half of the season led by senior Chase Almager (19 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 49% shooting) and junior Walker Jones (16.6 PPG, 3.3 APG). Both programs get to meet on neutral ground for the right to play Covington in the semifinals on Friday. Tipoff starts Tuesday 7:30 p.m. at Central Catholic.

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1A: West Central (3-19) vs. North White (5-17)

How about a little twist? Two teams with poor records and talented individuals who would make significant impacts at bigger schools. North White 6-foot-3 senior Dane Hood (16.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.3 SPG, 45% shooting) has a quality spot-up jumper. West Central 6-foot-2 junior Brian Nannenga (18.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 46% shooting) has crisp form and is active on the glass.

West Central boat raced North White to a 75-48 at home in game one on Dec. 30. North White took game two 45-44 on Feb. 16. Forget the records, West Central and North White will be a memorable barn burner. Tipoff starts Tuesday 7:30 p.m. at Caston.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Indiana high school boys basketball playoffs sectionals to watch 2024