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60 high school boys basketball players to watch in SW Indiana for 2023-24 season

kyle sokeland, evansville courier & press
·9 min read

EVANSVILLE — The IHSAA 2023-24 boys basketball season officially begins next week. The Courier & Press will roll out its preseason content in the coming days, starting with what this state is known for best: Basketball talent.

In alphabetical order, let's take a look at 60 players to watch from Southwestern Indiana this winter. Several are household names. Some are returning starters or stepping into expanded roles. Others not on the list, such as freshmen who play immediately, may surprise us come March.

KeAmare Barnes, North

The senior guard is one of five returning starters for the Huskies. Averaged 10.0 points and 2.8 rebounds.

North’s KeAmare Barnes (1) looks for a pass as Springfield Southeast Spartans defenders put pressure on him during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.
North’s KeAmare Barnes (1) looks for a pass as Springfield Southeast Spartans defenders put pressure on him during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.

Raden Benson, Vincennes Lincoln

The 6-0 senior is one of several returners for the Alices. Averaged 9.1 points last season.

Jace Berg, Forest Park

The 6-0 senior is one of five returning starters for the sectional champions. Averaged 14 points and Second Team All-PAC selection.

Gavin Bigham, Wood Memorial

The 6-7 senior should be one of the top post players in the Blue Chip. First Team All-Conference selection.

Ty Brown, South Spencer

The 6-0 junior was one of the top guards in the PAC last season. Second Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Nicot Burnett, Mount Vernon

One of the top returners in the PAC. The 6-1 senior averaged 17.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists. First Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

North’s Bryson Chapman (30) attempts to shoot the ball as he’s defended by Springfield Southeast’s Seth Doss (34) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.
North’s Bryson Chapman (30) attempts to shoot the ball as he’s defended by Springfield Southeast’s Seth Doss (34) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.

Bryson Chapman, North

The 6-4 sophomore averaged 7.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in his debut season for the Huskies.

Jackson Chesser, Evansville Christian

The 6-4 senior averaged 8.6 points and 5.8 rebounds with 21 three-pointers for the Eagles.

Jackson Clowers, Mount Vernon

The 6-0 senior gives the Wildcats a strong backcourt. Averaged 15.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists. All-PAC Honorable Mention and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

South Future All-Star Josiah Dunham (5), a junior from Evansville Christian High School, shoots during the second half of an boys’ Indiana High School Future All-Stars basketball game, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis.
South Future All-Star Josiah Dunham (5), a junior from Evansville Christian High School, shoots during the second half of an boys’ Indiana High School Future All-Stars basketball game, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis.

Josiah Dunham, Evansville Christian

One of the top seniors in the state. The 6-0 guard averaged 24.6 points, 5.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.5 steals. All-State selection. Has a Division I offer from SIU-Edwardsville.

DJ DuPont, Tecumseh

The 5-8 senior is one of two returning starters for the Braves. Averaged 5.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Luke Ellspermann, Memorial

The 5-11 junior was one of the top guards in the area last season. Averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists. First Team All-SIAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

North’s Cayden Gehlhausen (33) defends the ball from Springfield Southeast’s Justin Douglas (21) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.
North’s Cayden Gehlhausen (33) defends the ball from Springfield Southeast’s Justin Douglas (21) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.

Cayden Gehlhausen, North

The 6-6 senior was a breakout player last season. Averaged 11.8 points and 9.1 rebounds.

Julian Gish, Pike Central

The 6-1 senior had a breakout season for the Chargers with 15.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Second Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Bosse's Chris Glover II (24) drives to the basket past Castle's Xander Niehaus (12) during their game at Bosse High School Thursday night, Feb. 2, 2023.
Bosse's Chris Glover II (24) drives to the basket past Castle's Xander Niehaus (12) during their game at Bosse High School Thursday night, Feb. 2, 2023.

Chris Glover, Bosse

The senior guard helps form one of the top backcourts in the city. Averaged 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists after transferring from Owensboro.

Grant Goller, Northeast Dubois

The 6-0 senior led the sectional champions with 11.0 points per game. All-Blue Chip Conference selection.

Jackson Graff, North Posey

The senior was one of the top scorers in the area last season. First Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Mater Dei’s Blaine Herr (40) reaches for the rebound during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.
Mater Dei’s Blaine Herr (40) reaches for the rebound during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.

Blaine Herr, Mater Dei

The 6-3 senior is the top contributor returning for a young Mater Dei team. Averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Edwin Holmes, Princeton

The 6-5 sophomore has plenty of potential for the Tigers. Averaged 10.1 points and 4.7 rebounds. All-PAC Honorable Mention selection.

Heritage Hills’ Colten Hopf (32) shots against Mater Dei’s Mason Wunderlich (42) as the Mater Dei Wildcats play the Heritage Hills Patriots Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.
Heritage Hills’ Colten Hopf (32) shots against Mater Dei’s Mason Wunderlich (42) as the Mater Dei Wildcats play the Heritage Hills Patriots Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.

Colten Hopf, Heritage Hills

The 6-2 junior averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists. All-PAC Honorable Mention selection.

Reid Howard, Forest Park

The 6-1 senior averaged 15 points for the sectional champions. Second Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

South Future All-Star Taray Howell (0), a junior from Evansville Bosse High School, brings the ball up court during the second half of an boys’ Indiana High School Future All-Stars basketball game, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis.
South Future All-Star Taray Howell (0), a junior from Evansville Bosse High School, brings the ball up court during the second half of an boys’ Indiana High School Future All-Stars basketball game, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis.

Taray Howell, Bosse

One of the top seniors in the state. The 5-7 guard averaged 23.2 points, 4.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals. First Team All-SIAC, All-State and Junior All-Star selection.

Brayden Huebner, North

The 6-1 senior was one of the top scorers in the SIAC. Averaged 17.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Second Team All-SIAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

North’s Brayden Huebner (10) drives the ball to the net as he’s defended by Springfield Southeast’s Marquez Small (43) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.
North’s Brayden Huebner (10) drives the ball to the net as he’s defended by Springfield Southeast’s Marquez Small (43) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.

Jace Jenkins, Princeton

The junior has the potential to be a top perimeter player in the PAC. Averaged 12.0 points and 2.7 rebounds. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Dylen Kendrick, Memorial

The 5-10 sophomore saw limited time last season is a potential breakout player for the Tigers. Averaged 1.7 points and 1.8 assists.

Braydon Knepp, Barr-Reeve

The 6-1 senior led the Vikings with 11.6 points and 42 three-pointers last season. All-Blue Chip Conference selection.

Reitz’s Braylen Langley (20) dunks the ball as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.
Reitz’s Braylen Langley (20) dunks the ball as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

Braylen Langley, Reitz

The 6-7 sophomore could emerge as one of the top players in the city. Averaged 7.7 points and 6.5 rebounds for the sectional champions. Has Division I offers from Bryant, Youngstown State and Jacksonville.

Gibson Southern’s Brodey Lamb (3) leaps for a basket against the Boonville Pioneers during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.
Gibson Southern’s Brodey Lamb (3) leaps for a basket against the Boonville Pioneers during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.

Brodey Lamb, Gibson Southern

The 6-2 junior is in line for a potential breakout for the Titans. Averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds off the bench for the sectional champions.

Ayden McAtee, Castle

The 6-8 senior gives the Knights size and the ability to step out on the wing. Averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds on 55 percent shooting.

Bosse's Chris Glover II (24) shoots over Castle's Ayden McAtee (35) during their game at Bosse High School Thursday night, Feb. 2, 2023.
Bosse's Chris Glover II (24) shoots over Castle's Ayden McAtee (35) during their game at Bosse High School Thursday night, Feb. 2, 2023.

Gus McCrary, Vincennes Lincoln

The 6-7 senior gives good size to what should be an improved Vincennes team. Averaged 8.0 points.

Reggie McIntyre, Princeton

The senior guard averaged 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 48 percent shooting.

Reginald McIntyre, Princeton

The senior forward averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds on 48 percent shooting. All-PAC Honorable Mention selection.

Harrison’s Malachi McNair (44) eyes the net as the Harrison Warriors play the Rock Creek Lions during the 3rd annual Banterra Bank Warrior Showcase at Harrison High School Friday evening, Jan. 13, 2023.
Harrison’s Malachi McNair (44) eyes the net as the Harrison Warriors play the Rock Creek Lions during the 3rd annual Banterra Bank Warrior Showcase at Harrison High School Friday evening, Jan. 13, 2023.

Malachi McNair, Harrison

The senior emerged as one of the top post players in the city. Averaged 13.2 points and 8.9 rebounds. First Team All-SIAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Hunter Meredith, Heritage Hills

The 6-0 junior will be a top perimeter option for the Patriots. Averaged 7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

Donnie Miller, Barr-Reeve

The 6-2 senior averaged 10.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists. All-Blue Chip Conference selection.

Jaylan Mitchell goes up for a layup at Peach Jam.
Jaylan Mitchell goes up for a layup at Peach Jam.

Jaylan Mitchell, Reitz

One of the top incoming freshmen in the state. The 6-6 wing already has Division I offers from Missouri, Arizona State, Illinois, Southern Indiana and Evansville.

Zaryen Moore, Central

The 6-2 junior is a key piece for the Bears this winter. Averaged 7.7 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Quade Morton, Pike Central

One of the top returning seniors in the area. The 5-11 guard averaged 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists. First Team All-PAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Collinsville’s Jamorie Wysinger (5) is defended by Castle’s Xander Niehaus (12) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.
Collinsville’s Jamorie Wysinger (5) is defended by Castle’s Xander Niehaus (12) during the Bosse Winter Classic at Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., Saturday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2022.

Xander Niehaus, Castle

The 6-3 junior is a second-year starter in the backcourt. Averaged 5.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists with a team-high 25 three-pointers.

Andrew Noblitt, Jasper

The 6-3 senior is the Wildcats' top returner in the backcourt. Averaged 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from deep.

Jasper’s Andrew Noblitt (31) assists Harrison’s Jesiah Sloss (22) back to his feet after falling on the court during their game at North High School in Evansville, Ind., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
Jasper’s Andrew Noblitt (31) assists Harrison’s Jesiah Sloss (22) back to his feet after falling on the court during their game at North High School in Evansville, Ind., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

Brady Reiter, Castle

The 6-0 junior saw time off the bench last season. Averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 assists and hit 17 three-pointers.

Landyn Richason, Central

The junior guard has breakout potential for the Bears. Averaged 9.2 points and 2.3 rebounds.

Joel Sanders, Vincennes Lincoln

The 6-2 junior is the top returner scorer for the Alices at 11.5 points per game.

Colin Schipp, North Posey

The senior guard gives the Vikings a second scoring option. All-PAC Honorable Mention selection.

Harrison’s Shane Sims (23) puts up shot as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.
Harrison’s Shane Sims (23) puts up shot as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

Shane Sims, Harrison

One of the top shooters in the area. The 6-3 junior averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds with 43 three-pointers. First Team All-SIAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Sam Singleton, South Knox

The 6-7 junior is the Spartans' top returner. Averaged 11.9 points. All-Blue Chip Conference selection.

Heritage Hills’ Trent Sisley (40) takes a shot against Mater Dei’s Mason Wunderlich (42) as the Mater Dei Wildcats play the Heritage Hills Patriots Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.
Heritage Hills’ Trent Sisley (40) takes a shot against Mater Dei’s Mason Wunderlich (42) as the Mater Dei Wildcats play the Heritage Hills Patriots Friday, Jan. 27, 2023.

Trent Sisley, Heritage Hills

The 6-7 junior is one of the top players in the Class of 2025. The four-star prospect has scholarship offers from most of the Big Ten. Averaged 26.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.4 blocks. First Team All-PAC and All-State selection.

Ashton Smallwood, North

The senior forward averaged 7.1 points and 7.1 rebounds last season. A transfer from Bosse.

Eli Speer, Harrison

A versatile shooter and defender. The senior guard averaged 11.1 points, 3.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds with a team-high 61 three-pointers.

Harrison’s Eli Speer (20) takes a three-point shot as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.
Harrison’s Eli Speer (20) takes a three-point shot as the Harrison Warriors play the Reitz Panthers at Harrison High School in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.

Colton Stowers, Washington

The senior has the potential to have a strong season for the Hatchets. All-PAC Honorable Mention selection.

Jayce Swanson, Reitz

The junior point guard is a transfer from Gonzaga Prep in Washington. All-Greater Spokane League Honorable Mention selection.

Brooks Thomas, Harrison

The 6-7 junior should see an increased role on an experienced Warrior team. Averaged 4.2 points and 4.3 rebounds off the bench.

Boonville’s Lavell Tinsley (4) drives the ball down the court toward the Titans’ basket during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.
Boonville’s Lavell Tinsley (4) drives the ball down the court toward the Titans’ basket during the class 3A boys basketball sectional at Boonville High School on Friday night, March 3, 2023.

Lavell Tinsley, Boonville

The 6-3 athletic junior is the only returning letter winner for the Pioneers. Averaged 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds.

Tizhaun Tomlinson, Bosse

The junior guard averaged 8.7 points and 4.2 rebounds with 20 three-pointers for the Bulldogs.

Bosse Head Coach Shane congratulates Memorial's Tucker Tornatta (35) and Connor Agler (22) on their game after their Class 3A sectional championship at Boonville High School Saturday night, March 5, 2022.
Bosse Head Coach Shane congratulates Memorial's Tucker Tornatta (35) and Connor Agler (22) on their game after their Class 3A sectional championship at Boonville High School Saturday night, March 5, 2022.

Tucker Tornatta, Memorial

One of the top post players in Southern Indiana. The 6-8 senior averaged 12.9 points and 11.7 rebounds. Second Team All-SIAC and All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Elijah Wagner, Bosse

Not only a talented athlete on the football field. The 5-11 senior guard averaged 9.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists. All-State Honorable Mention selection.

Harrison’s Jesiah Sloss (22) guards Jasper’s Will Wallace (51) during a play in the final period of their game held at North High School in Evansville, Ind., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
Harrison’s Jesiah Sloss (22) guards Jasper’s Will Wallace (51) during a play in the final period of their game held at North High School in Evansville, Ind., on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.

Will Wallace, Jasper

The senior forward gives the lineup toughness inside. Averaged 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds.

Tate Whitehead, Southridge

The junior guard is the top returner for the Raiders and a strong shooter. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Evansville Day School’s Kane Wilsey (11) drives the ball as he’s pursued by Tell City’s Talon Jennings (11) as the Evansville Day School Eagles play the Tell City Marksmen at Evansville Day School in Evansville, Ind., Friday evening, Dec. 9, 2022.
Evansville Day School’s Kane Wilsey (11) drives the ball as he’s pursued by Tell City’s Talon Jennings (11) as the Evansville Day School Eagles play the Tell City Marksmen at Evansville Day School in Evansville, Ind., Friday evening, Dec. 9, 2022.

Kane Wilsey, Day School

The senior guard is the top returner for the Eagles. Averaged 13 points and four rebounds.

Maxx Wilson, Gibson Southern

The 6-5 senior is the top returner for the defending sectional champions. Averaged 4.3 points and 5.5 rebounds.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA boys basketball: 60 players to watch in SW Indiana for '23-24