Advertisement

IHSAA basketball preview: Team-by-team look at Class 3A in Central Indiana

kyle neddenriep, indianapolis star
·13 min read

Here is a look at the local Class 3A boys basketball sectional fields (teams ranked in order of finish, by sectional):

Defending state champion: NorthWood

Local sectional winners in 2022-23: Danville, Indian Creek, Guerin Catholic, Beech Grove

CLASS 4A: Team-by-team look at 4A in Central Indiana

IHSAA basketball preview: Everything you need to know for 2023-24 season

Sectional 24

Delta (19-10)

Yorktown (14-9)

New Castle (14-12)

Hamilton Heights (8-15) – Coach Chad Ballenger believes this team will be improved, though it will need to be able to rebound with an undersized group. Projected starters are 6-foot senior Tillman Etchison (15.2 ppg, 5.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds), 6-foot senior Sam Dawson (10.5 ppg, 40.4% 3-point shooter), 6-1 senior John Irion (7.8 ppg, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists), 6-1 senior Simon Knott (1.9 ppg, 1.5 rebounds) and 6-3 junior and Avon transfer Landen Scheiber. Tyler Champion, a 5-10 junior, will miss a few weeks after recovering from a football injury. Others projected to provide depth are 6-6 senior Isaiah Grimsey (1.8 ppg), 5-8 senior Phoenix Vondersaar (1.5 ppg, 1.3 rebounds), 5-10 junior Carson Felger, 6-2 junior Dreydin Serna and 6-1 junior Aidan Unger, a transfer from Noblesville.

Frankton (13-12)

Jay County (9-12)

Centerville (8-14)

Sectional 25

Danville High School sophomore Jace Scrafton (4) makes a pass during the first half of an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game against Guerin Catholic High School, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School.
Danville High School sophomore Jace Scrafton (4) makes a pass during the first half of an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game against Guerin Catholic High School, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School.

Danville (18-8) – Coach Brian Barber goes into his 25th season at Danville (427-152 record) with a team loaded with experience and coming off a sectional title. Expected to start are 6-2 senior Caden Collins (12.0 ppg, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals), 6-6 junior Jace Scrafton (9.6 ppg, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists), 6-7 senior Evan Lawrence (13.0 ppg, 9.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists), 6-1 senior Lukas McMahon (4.7 ppg, 3.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds) and 5-10 sophomore Eli Tricker (8.5 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals). Others in the mix to play are 6-5 senior Zachary Waits (4.9 ppg, 1.7 rebounds), 6-2 senior Owen Collier (9.2 ppg, 3.3 rebounds), 5-11 junior Steven Webb (2.1 ppg, 1.7 rebounds), 5-10 senior Braden Shelley, 6-foot junior Cameron McMahon, 5-11 junior Jack Hearld, 6-6 junior Ben Coleman and 6-foot junior Gavin Glenzy.

Tri-West (12-13) – Second-year coach Jay Doane has four starters returning from a sectional runner-up team. Returning starters are 6-foot senior Drew Miller (10.0 ppg, 5.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals), 6-2 senior Max Robertson (16.6 ppg, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals), 6-4 senior Landon Gardner (6.5 ppg, 1.9 rebounds) and 6-8 junior Wes Ward (5.6 ppg, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 blocked shots). The fifth starter is expected to be 6-2 senior Jimmy Sorgi (1.2 ppg). Other key contributors will be 6-3 senior Griffin Cole (2.7 ppg, 2.0 rebounds) and 5-10 junior Kellen Dakin.

Lebanon (15-9) – Lebanon, which graduated seven seniors from last year’s team, will look to build around a junior class led by 6-4 Jack Ferrell (9.9 ppg, 5.4 rebounds, 38% 3-pointers) and 5-11 Kaden Lark (8.5 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals). Wesley Byrd, a 6-foot junior, is another projected starter. Others expected to see playing time and possibly the other two starting spots are 5-11 junior Joel Acton, 5-10 sophomore Bryce Jones, 5-10 sophomore Owen Taylor, 6-3 sophomore Chase Perdue, 6-3 senior Reece Guyman and 6-3 junior Colin Fouts. Coach Albert Hendrix is in his 14th season with the Tigers.

Crawfordsville (9-15)

Monrovia's Tucker Rahn drives into the paint during its game with Cloverdale on Feb.8, 2022.
Monrovia's Tucker Rahn drives into the paint during its game with Cloverdale on Feb.8, 2022.

Monrovia (6-18) – Coach Nick Hinojosa goes into his third season at Monrovia with a group he expects to be much improved as four starters return, including 6-foot senior and third-year starter Tucker Rahn (9.2 ppg, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals), 6-foot senior guard Jayden Jones (10.6 ppg, 4.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds), 6-4 junior Hayden McCloud (12.3 ppg, 5.1 rebounds) and 6-2 sophomore Clay Tharp (8.5 ppg, 6.5 rebounds). The other projected starter is 6-5 senior Eli Welch. Other contributors are expected to be 5-10 junior Carter Arnold, 6-2 sophomore Hayden Najera, 5-11 sophomore Hudson McCloud and 6-1 junior Parker Hale. Hinojosa believes this group can win double-digit games and compete for a sectional championship.

Western Boone (7-16) – Third-year coach Dustin Oakley graduated his top six scorers from last season so it will be an inexperienced group returning. Projected starters are 5-9 junior Marcus Fortner, 5-9 junior Gavin Hawkins, senior Carter Hanna, 6-2 senior Drew Gott and sophomore Tristyn Faulk. Other contributors will be senior Philip Talbott, 5-10 junior Luke Adkins and 5-10 junior Eli Mitchell. Much of this group played on a 15-7 junior varsity team last season.

Sectional 26

Indian Creek High School sophomore Landon Sichting (24) reacts after scoring during the first half of an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game against Beech Grove High School, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School.
Indian Creek High School sophomore Landon Sichting (24) reacts after scoring during the first half of an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game against Beech Grove High School, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School.

Indian Creek (14-9) – The Braves are coming off somewhat of a surprising sectional championship, ending a 23-year title drought. Coach Drew Glentzer goes into his seventh season with a team that graduated just one senior and should be loaded for a sectional repeat — and possibly more. Leading the way is 6-4 junior Landon Sichting (18.0 ppg, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 35.6% 3-pointers), 6-1 junior Adam Crouch (14.7 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals), 6-foot senior Trent Volz (5.3 ppg, 4.1 rebounds), 6-foot senior Carter Modlin (5.8 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists) and 6-4 junior Bobby Emberton (6.3 ppg, 4.6 rebounds).

Edgewood (10-15)

West Vigo (12-13)

Northview (9-16)

South Vermillion (10-16)

Owen Valley (8-16)

Brown County (0-23)

Sectional 27

Brebeuf Jesuit (15-9) – There is a lot to like about Allen Glunt’s second team at Brebeuf, starting with 6-4 senior and Butler recruit Evan Haywood (14.3 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 37.1% 3-pointers), who should be an Indiana All-Star. There is a lot of experience beyond Haywood, including 6-7 senior Quinn Warren (4.5 ppg, 4.8 rebounds), 6-1 senior Javawn Brooks (5.4 ppg, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals), 6-3 senior Reis Butcher (7.9 ppg, 3.0 steals, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 steals) and 5-11 senior Will Ryan (1.2 ppg). Other players expected to have an impact are 5-10 sophomore Austin Ford (1.0 ppg), 6-1 senior Sam Sherman (1.4 ppg, 1.0 rebounds), 6-4 junior James Clark (2.0 ppg, 1.3 rebounds), 6-1 junior Owen Prenger, 6-1 junior Nick Sobek and 6-3 sophomore Jacob Strickland.

Guerin Catholic High School junior Robert Sorensen (3) and senior Kamea Chandler (10) react as time is about to expire during the second half of an IHSAA Sectional Basketball championship game against Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Monday, March 6, 2023, at Indianapolis Shortridge High School. Guerin Catholic won 53-41.
Guerin Catholic High School junior Robert Sorensen (3) and senior Kamea Chandler (10) react as time is about to expire during the second half of an IHSAA Sectional Basketball championship game against Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Monday, March 6, 2023, at Indianapolis Shortridge High School. Guerin Catholic won 53-41.

Guerin Catholic (20-9) – Coach Bobby Allen (83-43 in five seasons) has a lot of experience coming back from a state runner-up team a year ago. There are four starters returning in 6-2 senior Jack Cherry (4.8 ppg, 3.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals), 5-11 senior Robert Sorensen (14.4 ppg, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals), 6-8 junior Dylan Murans (8.0 ppg, 2.7 rebounds) and 6-8 junior Bryson Cardinal (6.1 ppg, 4.3 rebounds). Andy Caron, a 6-3 senior, is the projected fifth starter. Others in the mix for playing time are 5-8 freshman Hayden Rogers, 6-2 junior Malcolm Houze and 6-2 junior Julian Melendez (1.8 ppg, 1.4 rebounds in 14 games). Allen hopes to get Cherry back from injury by the holiday tournament in Lawrenceburg in late December.

Bishop Chatard (16-10) – Third-year coach Kenny Roseman has an inexperienced team that is coming off winning a share of the Circle City Conference championship and playing in a sectional title game, losing to Brebeuf Jesuit. The top returners are sophomore point guard Ethan Roseman (14.2 ppg, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds), 6-foot senior Colin Guy (4.0 ppg) and 6-foot senior Scotty Semler (3.8 ppg, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists). There are still a lot of decisions to be made on rotation following Chatard’s football tournament run. Others in the mix are 6-3 senior Sam Feeney (1.7 ppg, 2.4 rebounds) and 6-foot senior Aidan Arteaga (1.9 ppg), 5-10 junior Cash Moore (2.8 ppg in five games).

Heritage Christian (11-12) – New coach Tre Granger takes over a group that has some experience, led by 6-3 senior Cole Louden (4.0 ppg, 1.9 rebounds, 36.1% 3-pointers), 6-7 senior Luke Peters (3.6 ppg, 4.0 rebounds) and 6-4 senior Landon Schinppel (3.5 ppg, 2.0 rebounds, 50% field goals). Other projected starters are 5-11 sophomore Josh McGee and 6-3 senior DJ Greene (1.7 ppg in 16 games). Lincoln Taueg, a 6-2 senior, will be a key player, along with 6-2 senior Spencer Deaton and 6-6 senior Max Puntillo. Granger likes the hungry senior class that has waited its turn.

Shortridge (11-12) – New coach Donald Yates III has an inexperienced but talented team with a junior class that should grow together over the season. The top returner is 6-4 junior Kurt Moore Jr. (2.2 ppg, 1.2 rebounds), who will be joined in the starting lineup by 6-foot junior Julian DeFrantz, 6-2 junior Jalen Yates, 6-2 senior DaiRon Davis and 6-6 junior Vontrell Kittrell. Other projected contributors are 6-2 senior James Lee, 6-foot junior Corey Jackson, 6-foot junior Gavin Lowery, 5-7 sophomore Jamonte White and 5-10 senior Adam Taylor-James. This is basically an entirely new team with a new coaching staff.

Herron (2-18) – Scott Adams returns as coach after leading Herron for four seasons from 2012-16. He hopes to build a program and culture that can sustain moving forward, starting with this team. Projected starters are 6-1 senior Miles Officer, 6-1 junior Israel Cozart, 5-10 senior Gavin Yarborough, 5-9 junior Leo Strother and 5-9 sophomore Jaden Parker. Also in the main rotation will be 6-3 junior Kevin Flanagan and 5-10 freshman Osay Ekhosuehi.

Sectional 28

Cardinal Ritter (11-13) – Derrick Williams goes into his second season as coach with an experienced and deep group he believes can compete for a sectional championship and potentially beyond. Projected starters going into the season are 5-11 junior Nate Smith, 6-foot junior Marshawnn Henderson, 6-2 junior Mekhi Campbell, 6-4 senior Kasien Stephenson (5.4 ppg, 2.6 rebounds) and 6-6 freshman Devin Bolden. A deep rotation will also include 6-foot senior Adrion Gregory (2.8 ppg, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals), 5-11 senior Dylan Hopf (3.7 ppg, 2.0 assists, 1.1 rebounds), 5-11 senior Xavier Highbaugh (7.9 ppg, 1.9 steals), 6-1 sophomore Cheick Wade (4.6 ppg), 6-7 senior Cooper Stephanoff (3.3 ppg), 6-4 sophomore Sebastian Sherrod, 6-4 senior Maddox Sykes and 6-2 junior Marquees Savage.

Beech Grove High School senior Jaleel Edwards (10) celebrates with his teammates after defeating Indian Creek High School in an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School. Beech Grove won 65-56.
Beech Grove High School senior Jaleel Edwards (10) celebrates with his teammates after defeating Indian Creek High School in an IHSAA Class 3A Regional championship game, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Lebanon High School. Beech Grove won 65-56.

Beech Grove (17-7) – The Hornets graduated a lot of talent and experience from Joe Rihm’s first season as coach. This group played together last year on the junior varsity team and will play a fast, defensive-minded style. Projected starters are 6-1 senior Simeon McIntosh (1.3 ppg), 5-9 senior JJ Murry, 6-6 senior Cantrell Byrd (1.0 ppg, 1.2 rebounds), 6-2 junior Tyquan Lee (1.0 ppg, 1.0 rebounds) and 6-3 junior Tyris Reid. Rounding out the rotation are 6-3 junior Marcellus Bradford, 6-foot junior Jeremiah Lee, 6-4 junior Griffin Matracia and 5-11 senior Devion Miller. The Hornets will play a tough schedule and should improve with experience.

Christel House (12-10) – Third-year coach Robert Orkman has a solid group to build around, starting with 6-1 sophomore combo guard David Brigham Jr. (14.0 ppg, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds), 6-3 senior Jaden Davis (9.4 ppg, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals) and 6-1 junior Joisha Jackson (6.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds). The other two starting spots will likely go to 5-11 junior Terrance Meredith and 6-8 junior Lamar Jones. Orkman hopes to continue to build on back-to-back winning seasons.

Speedway (4-19) – Coach Chuck Bennett goes into his 21st season with a team that will rely on defense and rebounding to have success. The top returners are 6-4 senior Landon Short (6.3 ppg, 5.4 rebounds) and 5-10 senior Devin Robinson (8.3 ppg, 3.8 rebounds). Other seniors are 5-9 Toby Cork and 6-1 guard Cam Reich, a transfer from Brownsburg. Drew Matelic, a 6-3 sophomore, is coming off a season that saw him average 7.3 points. Others in the rotation will be 6-1 junior Camden Bennett (1.5 ppg, 1.7 rebounds), 6-foot sophomore Jazz Coleman and sophomore Kendrick Kiser.

Washington (6-18) – Fourth-year coach Aaron Hogg had a young and inexperienced team a year ago that should benefit from experience going into this season. Continuity will be a plus with 6-4 guard Jordan Stratton (5.4 points, 3.6 assists in seven games), 5-10 senior Wes Stelus (6.2 ppg, 33 3-pointers), 6-1 senior Dave Leye (6.1 ppg) and 6-11 senior Clem Butler 7.0 ppg, 6.9 rebounds) all returning as starters. The fifth starter, 6-1 senior Carmello Howard, averaged 14.4 points and 3.7 rebounds last season at Indiana Math & Science. A deep bench includes 6-2 sophomore Roosevelt Franklin (9.9 ppg, 2.7 rebounds last year at Indiana Math & Science), 6-2 senior Malique Starks (9.7 ppg, 2.3 assists), 6-2 sophomore Cameron Brewer, 6-foot senior Mirko Dedeic (4.9 ppg, 3.5 rebounds) and 5-10 junior Zamarion Shackleford (4.7 ppg).

Purdue Poly (17-7) – Second-year coach Aaron Story has put together a tougher schedule to help the team prepare for sectional play. There is a solid group of returnees with 5-11 senior Kaleb Tate (8.3 ppg), 6-1 senior Antwan Dorsett (6.2 ppg) and 6-3 junior Damion Green (8.2 ppg, 1.5 blocked shots) returning with significant experience. The other projected starters are 5-9 senior Devin Chase and 6-1 senior Eddie Williams with 6-2 sophomore TJ Williams coming off the bench. This is the second season for sectional eligibility for the Techies.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school basketball preview: 3A predictions, top players