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IndyStar boys basketball Super Team: See which Central Indiana players are best of the best

Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star
·11 min read

There was plenty of high school basketball talent in Central Indiana on display throughout the 2023-24 season. Here is a look at the ALL-USA Central Indiana postseason Super Team:

FIRST TEAM

Keenan Garner, Fishers, Sr.

Fishers High School senior Keenan Garner (23) is trapped along the baseline by the defense of Ben Davis High School seniors Ramone Enis, left, and Mark White (1) during the first half of an IHSAA class 4A state championship basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Fishers High School senior Keenan Garner (23) is trapped along the baseline by the defense of Ben Davis High School seniors Ramone Enis, left, and Mark White (1) during the first half of an IHSAA class 4A state championship basketball game, Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The 6-6 Garner was an unknown here in Indiana two years ago — for good reason. Garner was living in Kaiserslautern, Germany, with his family on a military base.

After a solid junior season, Garner had a breakthrough senior season to earn Indiana All-Stars honors and help Fishers to a 29-1 record and Class 4A state championship. The IU-Indianapolis recruit averaged 15.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game for the Tigers, shooting 58% from the field. In the state championship win over Ben Davis, Garner put up 19 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

“Keenan is the best high school leader I’ve ever been around,” Fishers coach Garrett Winegar said. “He set the standard for our program when it came to energy, communication and toughness. His improvement and skill development from his junior season to his senior season was as big as anyone’s in the state. Above all, he’s a winner. He’s coachable, puts the team first and impacts the game in every facet.”

Evan Haywood, Brebeuf Jesuit, Sr.

Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard Evan Haywood (1) drives to the basket while being defended by Guerin Catholic senior guard Andy Caron (4) during the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional Championship March 2, 2024, at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, Indiana.
Brebeuf Jesuit senior guard Evan Haywood (1) drives to the basket while being defended by Guerin Catholic senior guard Andy Caron (4) during the IHSAA Class 3A Sectional Championship March 2, 2024, at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, Indiana.

The 6-4 Haywood saw his recruitment take off after a junior season that saw him average 14.3 points and 4.3 rebounds and shoot 37% from the 3-point line. Haywood, who committed to Butler before his senior season, stayed on an upward trajectory as he averaged 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.5 steals per game this year.

Haywood, an Indiana All-Star, shot 37.7% (78-for-207) from the 3-point line as a senior. He scored 35 points in Class 3A No. 1 Brebeuf’s final game of the season, a 75-74 double overtime loss to Guerin Catholic in the sectional championship.

“Evan has provided our program with a tremendous standard of work ethic, perseverance and leadership that our underclassmen can strive to emulate,” Brebeuf coach Allen Glunt said. “His progression is a true testament to staying the course and trusting his own abilities, his teammates and our coaching staff’s vision for our program.”

Braylon Mullins, Greenfield-Central, Jr.

Greenfield Centrals's Braylon Mullins (24) goes in for a shot as New Palestine takes on Greenfield Central High School during the IHSAA Class 4A S9 Boys Basketball Sectinal Championship, Mar 2, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
Greenfield Centrals's Braylon Mullins (24) goes in for a shot as New Palestine takes on Greenfield Central High School during the IHSAA Class 4A S9 Boys Basketball Sectinal Championship, Mar 2, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-6 Mullins was coming off a strong sophomore season, averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists per game for the Cougars in 2022-23. He stepped it up another level as a junior and should go into next season as one of the top contenders for 2025 IndyStar Mr. Basketball after averaging 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 3.2 assists per game for a Greenfield-Central team that finished 24-1 and fell in the sectional championship.

Mullins, who shot 43% (61-for-142) from the 3-point line as a junior, is a four-star prospect with offers from Indiana, Iowa, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech and others.

“Braylon was the best player on the floor in every game we played this season,” Greenfield-Central coach Luke Meredith said. “His leap and progression as a player from his sophomore to junior campaign was as big of a jump as I’ve seen in a single year athletically, mentally and as a leader. The Greenfield-Central boys basketball program will go as far as Braylon Mullins takes us as a Mr. Basketball candidate next season.”

Azavier Robinson, Lawrence North, Jr.

Lawrence North's Azavier Robinson (23) with a free throw attempt as Avon takes on Lawrence North in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball Regional 5 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
Lawrence North's Azavier Robinson (23) with a free throw attempt as Avon takes on Lawrence North in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball Regional 5 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-1 Robinson was named the Marion County Player of the Year after leading the Wildcats to a 25-4 record and county championship. The combo guard averaged 20.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game for a Lawrence North team that won sectional and regional championships in Class 4A.

Robinson, who averaged 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game as a sophomore, has multiple high-major offers, including Butler, Indiana, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Xavier and others.

“I think Azavier had a terrific season and he really built on his numbers and successes from his sophomore campaign,” Lawrence North coach Chris Giffin said. “His scoring was slightly up and yet as a team we had more overall talent and competition for production. His 3-point shooting was slightly better, his assist numbers were up and most importantly the team was able to win 25 games, a county championship, a conference championship, a sectional championship and a regional championship.”

K.J. Windham, Ben Davis, Sr.

Ben Davis High School senior Karl Windham Jr. (24) races toward the basket while being defended by New Palestine High School junior Benjamin Slagley (24) during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys Regional basketball game, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Southport High School.
Ben Davis High School senior Karl Windham Jr. (24) races toward the basket while being defended by New Palestine High School junior Benjamin Slagley (24) during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys Regional basketball game, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Southport High School.

The 6-4 Windham played on the Giants’ Class 4A state championship team as a junior, averaging 8.6 points and shooting 36.4% from the 3-point line on a 33-0 team. Windham, who committed to Northwestern before the season, averaged 15.4 points, 2.2 assists, 1.4 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game as a senior as the Giants reached the Class 4A state championship again, this time falling to Fishers.

Windham, who shot 41.5% from the 3-point line (59-for-142) as a senior, finished ranked No. 4 on the program’s all-time scoring list with 1,151 points, trailing only Damon Frierson, Henry Williams and Randy Wittman.

“K.J. has played an integral role in our success the past few years,” said interim Ben Davis coach Corey Taylor. “Coming into the season he made tremendous strides as a leader and filling his role of being our go-to guy. His impact on our program extends far beyond the hardwood.”

SECOND TEAM

Dezmon Briscoe, Crispus Attucks, Jr.

Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School junior Dezmon Briscoe (11) reacts after being fouled during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys’ Sectional basketball game against Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Lawrence North High School.
Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School junior Dezmon Briscoe (11) reacts after being fouled during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys’ Sectional basketball game against Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Lawrence North High School.

The 6-8 Briscoe was named the City Player of the Year for a second consecutive year as he helped the Tigers to a City tournament championship and 19-7 overall record. Briscoe averaged 14.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocked shots per game. His offer list includes Butler, Cincinnati, Iowa and several others.

Micah Davis, Franklin, Sr.

Franklin Community High School senior Micah Davis (4) makes a move around the defense of Center Grove High School freshman Gavin Loveless (13) during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys Regional basketball game, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Southport High School. Center Grove won, 68-56.
Franklin Community High School senior Micah Davis (4) makes a move around the defense of Center Grove High School freshman Gavin Loveless (13) during the second half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys Regional basketball game, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Southport High School. Center Grove won, 68-56.

The 6-2 Eastern Kentucky commit averaged 25.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game as a senior to lead Franklin to a 18-5 record and Class 4A sectional championship. Davis shot 37.4% (43-for-115) from the 3-point line. He finished at Franklin with 1,296 career points and the school record for single-game scoring with 43 points.

Aaron Fine, Noblesville, Sr.

Noblesville Millers guard Aaron Fine (3) rushes after the ball Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 49-47.
Noblesville Millers guard Aaron Fine (3) rushes after the ball Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 49-47.

The 6-3 Fine, who will be a preferred walk-on at Purdue, averaged 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season to lead Noblesville to a 22-3 season and No. 2 ranking in the state before losing to No. 1 Fishers in the sectional championship. Fine, a four-year varsity player, finished his high school career with 1,204 points. He shot 41.5% from the 3-point line (34-for-82) as a senior.

Julius Gizzi, New Palestine, Jr.

New Palestine Julius Gizzi (11) looks for an opening to the basket as New Palestine plays Mt. Vernon High School in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball S9 Sectional, Feb 27, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
New Palestine Julius Gizzi (11) looks for an opening to the basket as New Palestine plays Mt. Vernon High School in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball S9 Sectional, Feb 27, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-3 Gizzi dropped 45 pounds from the end of his sophomore season to the start of his junior year and the work paid off. Gizzi was one of the state’s top scorers, averaging 28.9 points per game, along with 8.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the 22-6 Dragons, who won a Class 4A sectional championship. Gizzi knocked down 38.2% from the 3-point line (55-for-144). He will go into his senior season with 1,049 career points.

Mark Zackery IV, Ben Davis, Jr.

Ben Davis Giants guard Mark Zackery (2) drives the lane against the Fishers Tigers on Saturday, March 30, 2024, during the IHSAA boys basketball Class 4A state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Ben Davis Giants 65-56.
Ben Davis Giants guard Mark Zackery (2) drives the lane against the Fishers Tigers on Saturday, March 30, 2024, during the IHSAA boys basketball Class 4A state championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Ben Davis Giants 65-56.

The 6-1 Zackery is one of the top football prospects in the country but also one of the top basketball players in the area. Zackery played his best basketball at the end of the season to help the Giants make a run to the Class 4A state finals. He averaged 11.0 points, 4.3 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game and shot 39.4% from the 3-point line (37-for-94) as a junior.

THIRD TEAM

Kobi Bowles, Lawrence North, Sr.

Lawrence North's Kobi Bowles (13) looks for a way around Avon's Miguel Correa (5) as Avon takes on Lawrence North in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball Regional 5 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
Lawrence North's Kobi Bowles (13) looks for a way around Avon's Miguel Correa (5) as Avon takes on Lawrence North in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball Regional 5 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-2 Bowles averaged 11.4 points, 2.8 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a senior for the Wildcats, who finished 25-4 and won a Class 4A regional championship. Bowles was also an impact player for Lawrence North as a junior, averaging 13.8 points and 2.7 assists for a team that finished 18-8. Bowles totaled 874 career points, 197 assists and 182 steals. He is uncommitted for college.

Trey Buchanan, Westfield, Sr.

Westfield Shamrocks Trey Buchanan (3) points down he court Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, during the game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Westfield Shamrocks defeated the Noblesville Millers, 58-54.
Westfield Shamrocks Trey Buchanan (3) points down he court Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, during the game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Westfield Shamrocks defeated the Noblesville Millers, 58-54.

The 6-foot guard averaged a team-high 13.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists this season for the Shamrocks, who finished 19-3 and were ranked near the top of Class 4A for much of the season. Buchanan, who will walk on at Iowa, shot 40.8% (60-for-147) from the 3-point line. Buchanan also shot above 40% from the 3-point line as a junior and played on Westfield’s first sectional champion as a sophomore.

Brady Koehler, Cathedral, Jr.

Indianapolis Cathedral High School junior Brady Koehler (11) shoots over Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School defenders during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Cathedral. Cathedral won, 79-63.
Indianapolis Cathedral High School junior Brady Koehler (11) shoots over Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School defenders during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Cathedral. Cathedral won, 79-63.

The 6-9 Koehler averaged 15.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game as a junior for Cathedral to earn a core spot on the Indiana Junior All-Star team. He shot 38.6% (32-for-83) for a Cathedral team that finished 18-6. Koehler has offers from Butler, Notre Dame, Wake Forest and several others.

Ron Rutland III, Crispus Attucks, Sr.

Crispus Attucks guard Ron Rutland III (5) shoots the ball during the 2023 Indiana Hall of Fame Classic. Crispus Attucks defeats Brownstown 76-51.
Crispus Attucks guard Ron Rutland III (5) shoots the ball during the 2023 Indiana Hall of Fame Classic. Crispus Attucks defeats Brownstown 76-51.

The 6-2 Rutland, an IU-Indianapolis commit, averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game to help the Tigers to a second consecutive City tournament championship. Rutland shot 36.2% (47-for-130) from the 3-point line. He finished his career with 1,007 points.

Joey Schmitz, Center Grove, Sr.

Center Grove High School's Joey Schmitz (15) shoots during Charlie Hughes Shootout basketball action, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Westfield High School.
Center Grove High School's Joey Schmitz (15) shoots during Charlie Hughes Shootout basketball action, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Westfield High School.

The 6-2 Schmitz, a Rose-Hulman commit, averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game for the Trojans, who finished 21-5 and won a Class 4A regional championship. Schmitz shot a sizzling 55% (82-for-149) from the 3-point line this season. There were only two games this season when he did not make a 3-pointer and only five when he did not make multiple treys.

High honorable mention

Seniors: Jaxson Bell, North Central; K.C. Berry, Decatur Central; Max Booher, Greenwood Christian; Nic Book, Westfield; Jalen Bundy, Center Grove; Eli Ellis, Plainfield; Josiah Gustin, Pendleton Heights; Donovan Hamilton, Hamilton Southeastern; Drew Kegerreis, Roncalli; Evan Lawrence, Danville; Mason Lewis, Crispus Attucks; Jordan Lomax, Brownsburg; Taden Metzger, Fishers; Sam Mlagan, Bethesda Christian; Grant Porath, Brownsburg; Collin Schmidt, Plainfield; Robert Sorensen, Guerin Catholic; Hunter Walston, Noblesville

Juniors: Alex Couto, Carmel; Melakih Cunningham, Decatur Central; Jevon Guess, Warren Central; JonAnthony Hall, Fishers; Hudson Horvath, Park Tudor; DeAndre Lott-Hancock, Avon; Maguire Mitchell, Zionsville; Papi Rivera, North Central; Drew Snively, Zionsville; LJ Ward, Lutheran

Sophomores: Keaton Aldridge, Cathedral; Justin Curry, Noblesville; Edward Hazelett Jr., Franklin Central; Kai McGrew, Lawrence North; Brennan Miller, Lawrence North; Ethan Roseman, Bishop Chatard; Julien Smith, Mt. Vernon

Futures Game: Rosters unveiled featuring Indiana's top sophomores, freshmen

Honorable mention

Seniors: Jaskirat Banwait, Whiteland; Javawn Brooks, Brebeuf Jesuit; Peyton Byrd, Center Grove; Reis Butcher, Brebeuf Jesuit; Clem Butler, Washington; Ryan Clevenger, Carmel; Nathan Crane, Covenant Christian; Jaden Davis, Christel House; Major Davis, Irvington Prep; Trent Decrane, Sheridan; Antwan Dorsett, Purdue Poly; Luke Douglas, Bethesda Christian; Tillman Etchison, Hamilton Heights; Charles Ferrell, Westfield; Jaden Ford, Tech; Tareek Galadima, Metropolitan; Nick Glover, Warren Central; Will Harvey, Westfield; Gavin Hawkins, Western Boone; Xavier Highbaugh, Cardinal Ritter; Seth LaRavia, Pendleton Heights; Dave Leye, Washington; Cole Louden, Heritage Christian; Bryson Luter, Lawrence Central; Wiatt McLaughlin, Whiteland; David Mendez, Scecina; Drew Miller, Tri-West; Josh Moriarty, Franklin Central; Jake Mosemann, Greenwood; Dylan Murans, Guerin Catholic; Jarron Murry Jr., Beech Grove; Wyatt Nickleson, Franklin; Luke Peters, Heritage Christian; Spencer Porath, Brownsburg; Dylan Puent, Indiana Deaf; Tucker Rahn, Monrovia; Philip Randolph, International; Luke Reasoner, Zionsville; Cam Reich, Speedway; Max Robertson, Tri-West; Will Spellman, Center Grove; Kaleb Tate, Purdue Poly; Anthony Towns, Perry Meridian; Damon Van Horn, Tindley; Robert Walker, Warren Central; Mark White, Ben Davis; Tim Williams, North Central; Jalen Yates, Shortridge

Juniors: Silas Blair, Triton Central; Bryson Cardinal, Guerin Catholic; Deric Cannady, Cathedral; Adam Crouch, Indian Creek; A.J. Defur, Mooresville; Ethan Edwards, Whiteland; Lebron Gough, Cathedral; Moses Haynes, New Palestine; Andrew Hensley, Traders Point Christian; Bini Hopper, Riverside; Damon Howard, Pike; Chris Hurt, Crispus Attucks; Michael Johnson, Southport; Bode Judge, Lapel; Brode Judge, Lapel; Ben Kahler, Southwestern (Shelbyville); Kaden Lark, Lebanon; Cayden Loescher, Lutheran; K.J. Mark, Park Tudor; Max McComb, University; Kolt Nelson, Franklin; Connor Ramey, Edinburgh; Kayden Ruble, Eastern Hancock; Connor Sanders, Cascade; Jace Scrafton, Danville; Lucas Shaw, Waldron; Ben Slagley, New Palestine; Jasaum Sowell, Indiana Math & Science; Tanner Teschendorf, Mt. Vernon; Braeden Totton, Hamilton Southeastern; Boston Willard, Greenfield-Central; Tavion Williams, Ben Davis; Caleb Wright, Sheridan

Sophomores: Grady Gardner, Martinsville; Albert Gooden III, Lawrence Central; David Brigham Jr., Christel House; Caden Claxton, Shelbyville; DeZhon Hall, Pike; Evan Harrell, Carmel; Doron Harris, Lawrence Central; Elexander Harris, Tech; James Kalala, Southport; Drew Matelic, Speedway; Jedidiah Minnett, Avon; Eli Sego, Triton Central; Noah Smith, Plainfield; Joe Taylor, Roncalli; Eli Tricker, Danville; Baron Walker, Noblesville

Top sophomores: These were the top second-year standouts in Central Indiana

Freshmen: Harper Baker-Lands, Plainfield; Kellen Crim, Morristown; Jason Gardner Jr., Fishers; Kenneth Lampley III, Tindley; Cooper Zachary, Fishers

Top freshmen: These Indy-area players made an early impact. Remember the names.

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

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school basketball IndyStar 2023-24 postseason Super Team