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Harrison, Jeff boys basketball run Greater Lafayette top 10 power rankings

ethan hanson, lafayette journal & courier
·5 min read

Another fast-paced page was written in 2023-24 high school boys basketball season in the Greater Lafayette area.

Harrison won the IU Health Hoops Classic using its size with impressive performances from junior forward Malachi King and senior Jeffrey Williams while Lafayette Jeff and West Lafayette had productive weekends.

An action-packed first month of boys basketball has led to 10 teams being ranked based on strength of schedule, key wins and how their talent translates into a possible run for a sectional, regional, semi-state and state title.

It's time to unveil the first Greater Lafayette area boys basketball top 10 power rankings for the 2023-2024 season.

Harrison junior Malachi King (41) thunders home a dunk late in the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball championship game, West Lafayette vs Harrison, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won 84-61.
Harrison junior Malachi King (41) thunders home a dunk late in the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball championship game, West Lafayette vs Harrison, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won 84-61.

1. Harrison (4-1)

Harrison made it abundantly clear to the rest of Lafayette and West Lafayette: The Raiders aren't going anywhere. Replacing 2023 graduates Ben Henderson and Christopher Lucas is the arrival of 6-6 junior power forward Malachi King and 6-5 senior shooting guard Jeffrey Williams. King, with his length and athleticism around the basket, can also space the floor with his jumper and knock down 3-pointers at a 35-40% rate. Williams, who averaged just over three points per game, has blossomed into one of the top shooters in the area. Williams' high release point and follow-through allow him to sink shots repeatedly and shoot over most defenders. The combination of King and Williams is matched with an abundance of depth provided at point guard with junior Ray Gibson, junior Chris Ferguson has become a spark off the bench and senior Kasen Newton is a menace defensively. Harrison highlighted its successful weekend at the IU Health Hoops Classic Championship by beating West Lafayette 84-61. Williams scored 31 points on 12 of 15 shooting against West Lafayette while King was made tourney MVP. Statement made.

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Lafayette Jefferson junior Alonzo Clawson-Smith (2) nails a three during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball 3rd place game, Lafayette Jefferson vs Rensselaer Central, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Lafayette Jefferson won 66-28.
Lafayette Jefferson junior Alonzo Clawson-Smith (2) nails a three during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball 3rd place game, Lafayette Jefferson vs Rensselaer Central, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Lafayette Jefferson won 66-28.

2. Lafayette Jeff (4-2)

Lafayette Jeff is undersized on most nights but their guard play makes up for any issues the program might face in the post. Junior Alonzo Clawson-Smith has emerged as one of the top point guards in the Greater Lafayette area. Clawson-Smith has many tools in his game. His quick hand and timely reactions make him a top on-ball defender. Clawson-Smith is an improved shooter and absorbs contact when attacking the basket. Senior Ah'keem Wilson has silky ball-handling skills and makes the right pass. Junior Devion Penny is a consistent jump shooter from the right and left elbow. Senior Christian Riley can spot up from corners. The Bronchos' with their guard depth play a disciplined, fundamental style of basketball on offense that minimizes turnovers. Coach Mark Barnhizer continues to maximize his talent.

West Lafayette senior Donovan Loudermill (20) drives to the hoop during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball championship game, West Lafayette vs Harrison, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won 84-61.
West Lafayette senior Donovan Loudermill (20) drives to the hoop during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball championship game, West Lafayette vs Harrison, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won 84-61.

3. West Lafayette (4-2)

West Lafayette has the pieces to achieve in the 3A Class but needs some more time to gel on defense. Offensively the Red Devils are as equipped as any team to score at a high level. Senior Donovan Loudermill is an unselfish playmaker at point guard and junior 6-10 center Kevo St. Hilaire with his reach, size and post moves could average at least 11 points and eight rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Ben Werth gets to the rim and junior Benny Speaker provides energy off the bench.

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Chris Huerta goes up for two points in the Class 2A regional championship game against Wapahani at Lapel on March 11, 2023.
Chris Huerta goes up for two points in the Class 2A regional championship game against Wapahani at Lapel on March 11, 2023.

4. Carroll (3-1)

Senior point guard Chris Huerta leads the Cougars in 2023-2024 after averaging 15.1 points per game last season. Senior Griffin Viney is a quality 6-3 post player for Carroll which owns wins against Tri-County and Frontier.

Central Catholic forward Albert Schwartz (center) attacks the basket and is defended by Harrison guard Kasen Newton (left) and forward Jeffrey Williams (right) during the IU Health Hoops Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.
Central Catholic forward Albert Schwartz (center) attacks the basket and is defended by Harrison guard Kasen Newton (left) and forward Jeffrey Williams (right) during the IU Health Hoops Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.

5. Central Catholic (2-1)

The Knights are a scrappy bunch who will give any program a bad night on the defensive end. Senior forward Albert Schwartz is one of the toughest rebounders in the Greater Lafayette area. Junior Bobby Metzger leads Central Catholic at point guard to run his team's offense while seniors Bryce McCammon and Nick Page provide scoring from the outside.

Benton Central's Hunter Sisson drives into the paint in the first half against Fountain Central.
Benton Central's Hunter Sisson drives into the paint in the first half against Fountain Central.

6. Benton Central (4-2)

Benton Central senior guard Michael Winchester and Hunter Sisson have been heating up after losing to Central Catholic during the IU Health Hoops Classic. Both players are consistent shooters from 3-point range while senior Ryan Foster runs the point.

Twin Lakes guard Jamison Ousley (left) fires a 3-pointer over Lafayette Jeff guard Christian Riley (right) during the IU Health Hoops Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.
Twin Lakes guard Jamison Ousley (left) fires a 3-pointer over Lafayette Jeff guard Christian Riley (right) during the IU Health Hoops Classic on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.

7. Twin Lakes (4-3)

Twin Lakes senior Jamison Ousley is an entertaining player to watch. He is creative with his movement to the basket and can shoot from any spot in 3-point range. Senior Jackson Fry is evolving as a point guard, 6-3 small forward Gavin Businger is an efficient scorer at the rim and 6-3 freshman shooting guard Keaton Miller is ahead of the curve as a defender and possible third or fourth option.

Rensselaer senior Kadyn Rowland (5) drives to the basket during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball 3rd place game, Lafayette Jefferson vs Rensselaer Central, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Lafayette Jefferson won 66-28.
Rensselaer senior Kadyn Rowland (5) drives to the basket during the IU Health Hoops Classic basketball 3rd place game, Lafayette Jefferson vs Rensselaer Central, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Crawley Center in Lafayette, Ind. Lafayette Jefferson won 66-28.

8. Rensselaer Central (3-4)

Rensselaer Central is looking to find greater consistency after blowout losses to Lafayette Jeff and Twin Lakes. Senior Jack Chapman and junior Corbin Matthew are the Bombers' top scorers.

McCutcheon Mavericks Owen Souligne (14) passes the ball during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game against the Central Catholic Knights, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Ind. Central Catholic won 64-54.
McCutcheon Mavericks Owen Souligne (14) passes the ball during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game against the Central Catholic Knights, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Ind. Central Catholic won 64-54.

9. McCutcheon (1-5)

McCutcheon generated some positive momentum moving forward after beating Covington last Saturday. Junior Owen Souligne, senior Parker Sorrells and Derrick Peete individually can put up double-digit points on any given night but putting it all together to start the year has been a challenge. Four of the Mavericks' five losses have been by seven points or less.

T-10. Covington (6-3), Clinton Prairie (5-0)

Both teams have started strong in their respective ways. Covington won three straight games and battled tight with McCutcheon on the road, a program that's much better than its record might state. On the opposite side of the coin is Clinton Prairie which is undefeated but hasn't tested a Lafayette or West Lafayette school. The two schools will have to wait until Feb. 10 to play each other. Hopefully, there will be greater clarity by then.

Ethan Hanson started working for the Journal & Courier in West Lafayette, Indiana after four years at the Record Searchlight in Redding, CA. He previously freelanced with the Los Angeles Daily News for four years. Follow him on Twitter at @EthanAHanson and ethan_a_hanson on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Power rankings: Top 10 boys basketball teams in Greater Lafayette