IHSAA basketball preview: Team-by-team look at Class 4A in Central Indiana
Here is a look at the local Class 4A boys basketball sectional fields (teams ranked in order of finish, by sectional):
Defending state champion: Ben Davis
Local sectional champions in 2022-23: Noblesville, New Palestine, Cathedral, Ben Davis, Brownsburg
Indiana high school basketball preview: Everything you need to know for 2023-24 season
Sectional 8
Noblesville (19-7) – The Millers earned their first sectional title last season in 13 years and bring back a strong core for third-year coach Scott McClelland. Noblesville returns three starters in 6-3 senior Aaron Fine (13.8 ppg, 3.5 assists, 3.4 rebounds), 6-5 senior Hunter Walston (8.3 ppg, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists) and 6-4 junior Aiden Brewer (3.0 ppg, 2.9 rebounds). Justin Curry, a 6-2 sophomore, averaged 3.0 points and 1.7 rebounds last season and could be poised for a breakout year. Others in the mix for playing time are 6-5 senior Will Smits (1.0 ppg, 1.1 rebounds), 6-5 senior Luke Etchison (1.0 ppg, 1.5 rebounds), 6-foot junior TJ Davison, 6-2 junior Max Miller, 6-3 junior Ryan Vetor, 6-1 sophomore Adam Fine and 6-2 sophomore Baron Walker.
Fishers (14-12) – The Tigers might have been one of the favorites to win a Class 4A state title until stellar junior Jalen Haralson transferred to La Lumiere. Coach Garrett Winegar goes into his fourth season still with an experienced lineup of 6-6 senior Keenan Garner (8.2 ppg, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists), 6-2 senior Taden Metzger (10.0 ppg, 44.7% 3-pointers), 6-2 junior JonAnthony Hall (7.0 ppg, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists), 6-2 junior Millen McCartney (4.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds) and 6-3 junior Justin Kirby (1.5 ppg, 1.0 rebounds). Others in the mix for playing time will be 5-9 freshman Cooper Zachary, 6-foot freshman Jason Gardner Jr., 6-4 senior Parker Perdue, 6-6 junior Nathan Baker (missed last season due to injury), 6-4 senior Grant Haworth, 6-2 senior Bryson Seymour and 6-6 junior Logan Sigler.
Westfield (16-8) – Coach Shane Sumpter enters his ninth season as coach with a couple of talented seniors to build around in 6-foot guard Trey Buchanan (14.3 ppg, 3.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 37.9% 3-pointers) and 6-8 forward Nic Book, a native of New Zealand who transferred from Oak Hill Academy (Va.). Other projected starters are 6-3 senior Charles Farrell (4.8 ppg, 2.6 rebounds), 6-2 senior Caleb Wise and 6-1 junior Durante Morton (2.5 ppg, 3.9 rebounds in eight games). Others in the rotation will be 6-1 sophomore Drew Haffner, 5-9 junior Will Harvey, 6-2 junior Rylan Rauch and 6-3 junior Carsen Melvin. Westfield should be a top contender in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference and the sectional.
Carmel (15-8) – Coach Ryan Osborn goes into his seventh season as coach with a group that has some veteran leadership and experience but a lot of newcomers. Leading the way will be 5-9 senior Ryan Clevenger (3.3 ppg, 1.9 assists, 1.3 rebounds), 5-10 junior Alex Couto (8.1 ppg, 1.7 assists, 38.5% 3-pointers) and 6-7 sophomore Evan Harrell in the starting lineup. The other two spots are up for grabs with 6-5 senior Mitchell Mulloy, 5-10 sophomore Jamichael Fountain, 6-2 sophomore Julian Vogt, 6-3 senior Quinn Murphy and 6-5 senior Max Winders as possibilities and main rotation players. It will be a tough schedule but Carmel has some good pieces to build around, especially Couto and Harrell.
Zionsville (15-9) – Third-year coach J.R. Howell has a young team but does return three starters in 6-5 junior Drew Snively (8.8 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 37% 3-pointers), 6-6 junior Maguire Mitchell (8.3 ppg, 2.3 rebounds, 34.2% 3-pointers) and 6-1 junior Jackson Tielker (2.9 ppg, 1.3 rebounds). Luke Reasoner, a 6-6 senior, is another projected starter. The other starter could be 6-1 junior Will Allen or 6-2 junior Eugene Hilton. The Eagles played for a sectional title last year against Noblesville but will have a lot of points to replace after the graduation of Indiana All-Star Logan Imes and 6-9 Nick Richart.
Hamilton Southeastern (7-18) – Coach John Ashworth goes into his third season with 6-4 senior Donovan Hamilton (10.7 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists), 6-3 senior Michael Griffith (2.9 ppg, 2.3 rebounds) and 6-2 junior Braeden Totton (7.5 ppg, 1.7 assists) returning as key contributors. Nate Orr, a 6-2 senior guard, is a transfer from La Lumiere who should be a major addition. Others in the mix are 6-5 senior Kameron Anthony and 5-11 senior Deion Miles (3.4 ppg, 3.3 assists). The Royals did not shoot it great from the 3-point line last season.
Sectional 9
Mt. Vernon (16-9) – New coach Joe Bradburn takes over after six seasons at Greenwood with a talented young team led by a sophomore backcourt of 6-2 Luke Ertel (13.5 ppg, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists) and 6-1 Julien Smith (13.1 ppg, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists). Other projected starters are 6-5 senior Brady Fitzgerald (2.2 ppg, 1.5 rebounds), 6-2 junior Tanner Teschendorf (6.7 ppg, 3.1 rebounds) and 6-4 sophomore R’mani Wells (4.8 ppg, 3.3 rebounds). Ertel is coming off an injury from football as the season begins. Other potential newcomers are juniors Charlie Cross, Aden Daugherty, Tyler Davis and sophomores Elijah Parra and Dillon Wright. There will be high expectations for the Marauders, who won the sectional two years ago before falling to New Palestine in last year’s sectional championship.
Richmond (16-7)
New Palestine (23-3) – The Dragons are coming off a special season for ninth-year coach Trent Whitaker, breaking the school record for wins (21) that stood since 1988-89. Whitaker (116-84 record) will likely become the program’s leader in all-time wins this season. The Dragons graduated cornerstones Blaine Nunnally and Ian Stephens but do return a trio of juniors in 5-9 Moses Haynes (3.5 ppg, 2.6 assists), 6-4 Ben Slagley (10.0 ppg, 6.7 rebounds) and Julius Gizzi (8.9 ppg, 43% 3-pointers) who played major roles last season. Keagan Harrison, a 6-3 junior, is the projected fourth starter. Others in the mix are 6-foot senior Brady Armstrong, 6-3 junior Austin McMahan, 6-foot junior Rigg Mahurin, 6-foot junior Alex Guhl, 6-1 junior Landon Seib and 5-10 sophomore Evan Darrah. The core of the team is strong but the level of success will depend on how newcomers can fill roles.
Greenfield-Central (21-2) – The Cougars lose four starters from the winningest team in program history, but coach Luke Meredith does bring back one of the top players in the state in 6-6 junior Braylon Mullins (16.9 ppg, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 2.3 assists, 47% 3-pointers). Projected to join Mullins in the starting lineup are 6-2 senior Braden Robertson (3.2 ppg, 1.4 assists), 6-4 junior Dallas Freeman, 6-3 senior Jake Hinton (2.5 ppg, 1.7 rebounds) and 5-8 junior Boston Willard. Others in the main rotation will be 6-5 junior Cooper Robertson and 6-1 guard Tucker Brown. There could be some growing pains this season as players adjust to bigger roles, but Mullins is a big-time player to build around.
Anderson (20-5)
Pendleton Heights (8-17) – Joe Buck returns to coach at Pendleton Heights, which will name the court in his honor at the Dec. 1 game vs. Lapel. Buck won a program record 189 games and six sectional championships between 1994 and 2004, including the only regional championship in school history in 2000. The Arabians are coming off back-to-back 8-win seasons but will bring back several lettermen, including 6-7 senior Josiah Gustin (13.3 ppg, 7.6 rebounds), 6-3 junior Evan Mozingo (11.3 ppg, 4.0 rebounds), 6-2 senior Aaron Cookston (7.5 ppg, 1.8 rebounds), 5-8 senior Isaac Wilson (6.2 ppg, 2.1 rebounds) and 5-7 senior Dontrez Braxton (4.6 ppg, 1.7 rebounds). Also in the mix will be 6-6 Westfield transfer Seth LaRavia (5.0 ppg, 2.2 rebounds at Westfield), 6-4 senior Reese Caplinger (1.8 ppg, 1.8 rebounds) and 6-4 junior Joe Estes.
Muncie Central (15-8)
Sectional 10
Lawrence North (18-8) – Second-year coach Chris Giffin might have the best team in the sectional and possibly the state. The Wildcats have a top-notch backcourt of 6-foot junior Azavier Robinson (20.3 ppg, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.6 steals) and 6-1 senior Kobi Bowles (13.8 ppg, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.5 steals). Rounding out the starting lineup will be 5-10 senior Myles Baker (7.5 ppg, 40.1% 3-pointers), 6-6 sophomore Brennan Miller (7.0 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, 41.5% 3-pointers) and 6-8 sophomore Kai McGrew, who transferred in from Colorado, where he averaged 10.6 points and 8.5 rebounds. Other projected contributors will be 6-2 junior guard Davion Hampton, 5-8 sophomore guard Cam Webster, 6-1 senior guard Kendal Bell, 6-5 sophomore Jamar Thomas and 6-3 freshman Kaleb Elkins.
Crispus Attucks (18-8) – Coach Chris Hawkins has a lot to be excited about with a strong core returning from a City championship and a team picked in the preseason to do it again. Leading the way will be 6-2 senior and UIndy commit Ron Rutland (18.0 ppg, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists) and 6-9 junior Dezmon Briscoe (15.6 ppg, 11.1 rebounds, 4.0 blocked shots). That dynamic duo will be joined in the starting lineup by 5-8 senior and North Central transfer Mason Lewis (8.3 ppg, 2.0 assists), 5-10 junior Chris Hurt (7.2 ppg, 5.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds) and 6-6 junior and Warren Central transfer Eric Jackson. Others in the mix will be 6-2 senior Jacson Payton (5.2 ppg, 2.1 rebounds), 6-2 senior Demetrius Jackson (2.6 ppg, 1.7 rebounds), 5-6 senior Rishon Butts, 6-4 junior Ronsione Thomas, 6-2 junior Julian Norwood (3.1 ppg, 1.2 rebounds), 6-1 junior and Shortridge transfer Ethan Martin (8.1 ppg, 2.7 assists, 2.1 rebounds), 6-4 junior and Lutheran transfer DeVaughn Vales, 6-7 sophomore Justin Cain and 5-9 freshman guard Octavius Comer.
Cathedral (19-6) – Coach Jason Delaney will have much different team than last year’s sectional championship squad, which graduated its top four scorers. But expectations are still high with this group, including a talented projected starting lineup of 6-foot junior LeBron Gough (3.8 ppg, 2.6 rebounds), 6-1 junior Deric Cannady (3.0 ppg), 6-2 senior Anthony Fields (2.5 ppg, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals), 6-9 junior Brady Koehler (6.4 ppg, 2.5 rebounds) and 6-2 sophomore Keaton Aldridge (1.8 ppg in 11 games). Other projected contributors will be 6-3 junior Aidan Hughes, 6-2 senior Emmett Hern, 6-7 senior Sheldon Rodgers, 5-10 freshman Cash Daniels and 6-5 junior Albren Johnson. Cathedral is coming off back-to-back sectional titles (the Irish won the state title in 2021-22) for the first time in class basketball.
Warren Central (14-10) – Coach Criss Beyers returns after four seasons at Franklin Central to lead a program he led to an undefeated state championship in 2017-18. The Warriors will be led by 6-3 senior Robert Walker (8.1 ppg), 6-6 junior Jevon Guess (8.4 ppg, 5.3 rebounds) and 5-9 junior guard Zeek Kirby (5.6 ppg, 1.6 assists). Others in the mix for starting jobs and in the main rotation are 6-4 senior Diggy Smith, 6-1 senior Damien Keys, 6-5 senior Nick Glover, 6-3 junior Keshaun Harlan, 6-foot junior Madden Beriault and 6-2 freshman J.J. Craig. Beyers, who coached at Warren Central for four seasons from 2015-19, has some good players here to get started.
North Central (13-9) – The Panthers will not be a big team under third-year coach Kevin Gant but there is versatility and skill at the guard position. Expected starters are 6-3 senior Jaxson Bell (12.0 ppg, 4.5 rebounds, 61% field goals), 6-1 junior Papi Rivera (10.0 ppg, 2.5 rebounds, 44% 3-point shooter), 6-1 junior Nijah Jewell (7.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 39.5% 3-pointers), 6-1 senior Tim Williams (5.1 ppg, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists) and 6-5 junior Carter Klaus (1.2 ppg, 1.2 rebounds). Gant has talented options off the bench, too, with 6-2 junior Denhm Holt (4.5 ppg), 6-3 sophomore Gavin Petty (3.2 ppg), 6-4 sophomore Chrishon Woodward (1.4 ppg, 1.1 rebounds) and 6-3 freshman Jeremiah Bellamy.
Lawrence Central (15-8) – New coach Phil Washington is familiar with the personnel after serving as a Bears’ assistant previously. He expect this team to be competitive, though there is not a lot of experience on the roster. Projected starters are 6-foot senior Bryson Luter (4.7 ppg, 2.7 assists, 2.3 steals), 6-2 sophomore Albert Gooden III (4.1 ppg, 2.5 rebounds), 6-4 senior Jaden Stokes, 6-1 senior Greg Martin and 5-10 sophomore Doron Harris. Others projected in the rotation will be 6-1 senior Robert Puckett, 5-10 senior Cordale Edwards, 6-3 junior Che Brownlow and 6-5 junior Robert Stewart. The Bears lost promising 6-6 junior Nizyi Davis (3.3 ppg, 2.4 rebounds) to a season-ending injury. There are a lot of under-the-radar and unproven players but talent, too.
Tech (9-15) – The Titans will be young but coach Damon Turner goes into his fourth season with a group that he believes will mesh well together and grow by the end of the year. The projected starters will be 5-11 sophomore Elexander Harris (9.1 ppg, 3.2 assists), 6-6 senior Jayden Ford (3.0 ppg, 1.4 rebounds in 10 games), 6-6 senior Ananias Evans (1.6 ppg, 1.4 rebounds), 6-5 junior Devon Craig and 5-10 junior Brandon Rogers (3.6 ppg, 1.4 assists). Others expected to contribute are 5-7 sophomore Malik Sims (3.2 ppg, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals), 6-foot sophomore Tamarkus King and 6-6 senior Elijah Sanders. Turner said this group has an “all for one and one for all” attitude.
Sectional 11
Ben Davis (33-0) – Interim coach Corey Taylor, an assistant on last year’s state championship team, has a strong mix of veterans and promising newcomers to keep things rolling. The top returners are 6-4 senior and Northwestern commit KJ Windham (8.4 ppg, 1.5 assists, 35% 3-pointers), 6-1 junior Mark Zackery (6.6 ppg, 2.4 assists) and 6-4 senior Mark White (4.7 ppg, 2.1 rebounds). Other starters are expected to be 6-5 senior Ramone Enis and 6-7 junior Tavion Williams. Adding depth will be 6-10 junior and Scecina transfer Kaleb Milan (10.4 ppg, 5.2 rebounds at Scecina), 6-foot senior Dhani Flannigan, 6-foot senior Justin Harrington and 6-foot junior Jahmir Avery. It will be interesting to see how it meshes together for a program that had great chemistry last year.
Pike (16-9) – It is a new start for Pike with alum and former NBA standout Jeff Teague taking over as coach. Teague expects some ups and downs with the top three scorers gone. But the Red Devils do bring back 6-1 junior Damon Howard (7.3 ppg, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, 37% 3-pointers) and 5-10 senior Coryell Spates (6.4 ppg, 46.6% 3-pointers) in the backcourt and will have 6-3 sophomore DeZhon Hall joining the mix from Tindley after averaging 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals as a freshman. The other projected starters are 6-5 junior Jaylen Ashley (1.1 ppg in eight games) and 6-10 freshman Isaiah Hill. Other contributors will be 6-5 junior Titus Hunter, 6-4 sophomore Dayton Stephens, 5-9 sophomore TJ Davis and 5-9 freshman Aiden Woods. “We will be disciplined and fun to watch,” Teague said.
Decatur Central (12-11) – Third-year coach Bryan Surber expects the Hawks to contend for another Mid-State Conference title after earning a share each of the past two seasons. Leading scorer KC Berry, a 6-foot senior, returns after averaging 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals last season. Joining Berry in the starting lineup will likely be 6-5 junior Melakih Cunningham (8.5 ppg, 6.0 rebounds), 6-3 junior Ty’reese Burnett (3.1 ppg, 3.1 assists), 6-2 junior Eric Hopson (3.1 ppg in eight games) and 6-7 senior Ayden Lawson (3.3 ppg, 3.0 rebounds). Rounding out the rotation will be 5-8 senior Antawn Price, 6-foot freshman Nash Sigmund, 6-foot sophomore Carson Ison, 6-3 sophomore Alec Surber and 6-2 sophomore Isaac Beck.
Franklin Central (4-19) – New coach Kyle Ballard comes from Triton Central and takes over a young team that returns 5-11 senior Josh Moriarty (8.2 ppg, 2.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists), 6-7 sophomore EJ Hazelett (7.1 ppg, 3.7 rebounds) and 6-6 junior Darius Helm (3.5 ppg, 2.6 rebounds). The other two starting spots will likely go to 6-foot senior Valen Mosley and 6-1 junior Carson Back with 6-5 junior Elijah Thompson, 6-3 senior Nemo Smith and 5-11 junior Dante Edwards also key contributors. The Flashes lost seven games last year by seven points or less. The schedule is daunting, especially early.
Southport (14-10) – Coach Bill Zych goes into his first season after 13 years at Pike with basically an entirely new team from a year ago. The top returning scorer is 6-1 junior Michael Johnson, who averaged 1.9 points in nine games. The starting lineup could include Johnson and any four of seven others, including 5-10 junior Cristian Webster, 6-3 junior Nilyn Compton, 5-11 senior Jye Rudolph, 5-11 senior Imon Cousins, 6-5 junior Donovan Brewer, 6-4 junior Jack Turner and 6-6 sophomore James Kalala, who averaged 9.2 points and 5.6 rebounds as a freshman at Victory Christian Center in Charlotte, N.C. Others who could see playing time are 5-10 senior Caleb Wolsiffer and 6-5 sophomore Sam Lloyd.
Roncalli (9-14) – Jamin Wernke will have a young team in his second season but one that will be led by talented 6-3 senior Drew Kegerreis (13.6 ppg, 3.8 rebounds, 43.9% 3-pointers). There is almost no varsity experience beyond Kegerreis, though. Other expected starters are 6-3 junior Noah Schmaltz, 6-2 sophomore Conner Kesler, 6-6 sophomore Joe Taylor and 6-1 freshman Will Hegwood. Others in the mix for the rotation are 6-2 senior Charlie Elsener, 5-10 junior Judd Selke, 6-foot junior Eli Lauck, 6-2 junior Luke Greene and 5-10 sophomore Zach Dozier. The Royals had some nice wins last season, including over Whiteland, North Central and Brebeuf Jesuit.
Perry Meridian (4-18) – Mark McFarland, a former assistant at Perry Meridian, takes over a program that has upperclassmen but is inexperienced after the graduation of four seniors who provided most of the production. Projected starters are 6-3 junior Braydon Hohlt (3.5 ppg, 2.3 rebounds in 11 games), 6-2 senior Jo Brewer (2.9 ppg, 2.8 rebounds), 6-foot senior Zion Jordan (1.7 ppg, 1.2 rebounds), 6-foot senior BJ Sibanda and 6-5 senior Ryan Terrell. Others players who could contribute are 6-1 senior Ricardo Moreira, 6-2 senior Ayden Hunt, 6-2 senior Brady Cox, senior Anthony Garrett-Towns, 5-10 sophomore Bryce Mathis, 6-2 junior Colton Phillips, 6-1 sophomore Nique Ingram and 5-11 sophomore Colton Barker.
Sectional 12
Brownsburg (22-5) – Coach Steve Lynch goes into his 11th season as Brownsburg with a team coming off a semistate championship appearance but loses its top two scorers. A strong core does return led by 6-2 senior Grant Porath (10.3 ppg, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists), 5-11 senior guard Drew Thompson (3.7 ppg, 2.9 assists) and 6-7 senior Brendan Lattimer (2.6 ppg, 2.7 rebounds. Projected to join those three in the starting lineup are 6-3 senior and Avon transfer Jordan Lomax (17.3 ppg, 5.5 rebounds as a junior at Avon) and 6-5 junior Kayden English (1.4 ppg, 1.2 rebounds in 13 games). Other returnees with significant experience are 5-8 senior JD Lynch (2.4 ppg, 2.7 assists), 6-2 senior Spencer Porath (2.8 ppg, 2.2 rebounds). Also in the mix are 5-9 junior Michael Addison, 6-foot sophomore Brandon Addison, 5-9 junior Kyson Neddenriep and 6-7 junior Jesiah Sloss, who averaged 7.4 points and 2.9 rebounds as a sophomore at Evansville Harrison.
Plainfield (18-7) – Coach Andy Weaver has led the Quakers to seven consecutive winning seasons and No. 8 certainly seems to be in the cards. The starting lineup will include 5-11 senior Eli Ellis (14.1 ppg, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 37.5% 3-pointers), 6-7 senior Collin Schmidt (11.0 ppg, 5.2 rebounds), 6-7 sophomore Noah Smith (5.2 ppg, 2.5 rebounds) and 6-3 freshman Harper Baker-Lands. The fifth starter will come from a group of 6-foot sophomore Landon Gillatt (1.1 ppg in 12 games), 6-1 junior Colton East (1.2 ppg in 13 games), 6-5 senior Caden Vanderbush (3.3 ppg, 1.6 rebounds), 6-3 junior Chris Arvanitis (2.2 ppg) and 5-8 sophomore Trey Barton. There is a good mix of experience and talented young players for a team that should improve through the season. Defense and rebounding will be key.
Avon (10-14) – The core of Drew Schauss’ third team at Avon is made up of juniors led by 6-5 Kendrick Dunmore (6.1 ppg, 4.4 rebounds), 6-4 Crispus Attucks transfer DeAndre Lott (8.3 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), 5-9 Rashod Bethley (6.0 ppg, 1.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists) and 6-2 Isaac Kramer (1.4 ppg, 1.0 rebounds). The fifth projected starter is improved 5-10 sophomore Jedidiah Minnett (7.1 ppg). Schauss believes the Orioles will share the ball and be able to compete with any team in the area. Other expected contributors will be 5-10 senior Miguel Correa (played in 19 games last season), 6-1 junior Rohan Pearson and 6-5 junior Enoch Atewogbola.
Terre Haute North (15-10)
Terre Haute South (15-11)
Sectional 13
Center Grove (22-3) – Zach Hahn goes into his 10th season as coach with a team loaded with potential. Key returners and projected starters are 6-foot senior point guard Jalen Bundy (7.5 ppg, 4.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds), 6-2 senior Joey Schmitz (12.0 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 42.7% 3-pointers), 6-7 senior Peyton Byrd (1.8 ppg, 1.9 rebounds) and 6-6 senior Will Spellman (9.7 ppg, 4.5 rebounds). Another key piece will be 6-10 junior forward Michael Chigozie, who transferred in from Westwood Christian in Miami, Fla., where he averaged 13.3 points and 12.2 rebounds as a sophomore. Others projected to provide depth are 6-6 senior Ben Chesnut, 5-10 senior Dylan Meador (1.4 ppg), 6-1 sophomore Gabe Baxter and 6-4 sophomore Kellen Thomson. Center Grove lost a heartbreaker to Bloomington North in last year’s sectional championship but should be a contender again for a sectional title and more.
Bloomington North (19-6)
Bloomington South (16-9)
Mooresville (12-12) – Shabaz Khaliq goes into his third season as coach with four of his top five scorers gone to graduation. But the Pioneers can build around 6-5 junior AJ Defur (12.1 ppg, 3.6 rebounds, 42% 3-pointers), who will likely be joined in the starting lineup by 6-4 junior Bradley Robbins (4.4 ppg, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists), 6-6 junior Brevon Burns, 6-4 senior Brenton Williams (1.7 ppg, 1.9 rebounds) and 6-3 sophomore Tyronne Elmore. Other projected contributors are 6-1 junior Jayce Neilsen, 6-foot senior Wilk Elma and 5-10 sophomore Chris Thompson-Moore. Mooresville is a relatively young and inexperienced team, but has talent and size and should be competitive if the pieces fit.
Martinsville (9-14) – The Artesians made improvement from 2021-22 to last season, but loses quite a bit of talent to graduation. Coach Kip Staggs, going into his 11th season, will count on 6-2 sophomore Grady Gardner (11.0 ppg, 2.0 rebounds) as the top returner, along with projected starters in 5-10 sophomore Jace Lafary and 5-10 junior Hunter Stroud. The rest of the lineup will need time to shake out, though there are some good options including 6-2 senior Lane Taylor, 5-11 sophomore Charlie Rawlins, 5-10 sophomores Mason Dodson and Ty Stroud, 6-foot sophomore Gavin Wilburn, 6-2 sophomore Landon Pottorff, 6-1 sophomore Quinlan McGown and 6-1 sophomore Alex Stout. Martinsville is looking for its first winning season since 2017-18.
Greenwood (8-15) – Former Edinburgh coach Keith Witty took over the job after the summer when Joe Bradburn was hired at Mt. Vernon. The Woodmen will be a young and inexperienced team, though Witty believes there is a good core group of players with potential. Projected starters are 6-3 senior Jake Mosseman, 6-4 senior Jude Thompson, 6-foot junior Ethan King, 6-1 junior Isaac O’Neal and 6-5 sophomore Parker Doolin. Other players expected to contribute are 6-foot senior John Ollanketo and 6-3 junior Sam Thomson.
Sectional 14
Franklin (10-14) – Adrian Moss goes into his third season as coach with a team he believes will be his best. Micah Davis, a 6-2 senior and Eastern Kentucky recruit, is the top returner for the Grizzly Cubs after averaging 17.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.0 steals. Other starters will be 5-11 senior Wyatt Nickleson (11.4 ppg, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists), 6-7 junior Kolt Nelson (1.6 ppg, 1.6 rebounds), 6-6 senior Ryder Street (3.8 ppg, 1.9 rebounds, 38.2% 3-pointers) and 5-10 senior Grant Hunter (5.2 ppg, 1.4 assists). Others in the mix will be 6-3 senior Jayden Razor, 6-2 senior Elijah Zahm and 6-3 sophomore Malakai Bravard.
Whiteland (10-15) – Fifth-year coach Nate Cangany has a team with a lot of offensive firepower led by 6-1 senior Wiatt McLaughlin (16.2 ppg, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists), 6-foot senior Jazz Banwait (7.8 ppg, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists), 6-5 junior Gavin Stubbe (6.2 ppg, 45.8% 3-pointers), 6-5 junior Ethan Edwards (4.9 ppg, 2.8 rebounds) and 6-6 senior Akol Akol. Others in the mix for playing time will be 6-3 junior Spencer Gillespie, 6-2 sophomore Dane Kunz and 6-4 senior Brody Randolph. This is a team that could compete for a sectional championship. The Warriors lost 67-59 to Columbus North in last year’s sectional title game.
Columbus North (17-9)
Shelbyville (10-14) – Coach John Hartnett Jr. has a solid young core of players led by 5-10 sophomore Caden Claxton (9.2 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists), 6-2 junior Damon Badgley (8.5 ppg, 2.7 rebounds) and 6-5 sophomore Mar Nicholson, who averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds as a freshman at Franklin Central. Joining those three as projected starters are 5-10 senior Luke Brinkman (4.8 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists) and 6-3 senior Ethan Lambert (4.3 ppg, 4.2 rebounds). Other contributors will be 6-5 senior Kohen Myers, 6-3 sophomore Brody Runnebohm, 6-4 sophomore Cole Schene and 6-4 senior Kyle Clouse. The Golden Bears were edged by Whiteland by two points last season in the sectional semifinal.
East Central (7-16)
Columbus East (2-20)
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school basketball preview: 4A predictions, top players
