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Who's got next? Preseason boys basketball power rankings for Greater Lafayette Area

ethan hanson, lafayette journal & courier
·6 min read

LAFAYETTE — The over century-long tradition of Indiana high school basketball has brought together fans from all walks of life.

From sold out stadiums to tiny farm towns shutting down business for the big game, Hoosier Hysteria has a tradition of underdogs shooting above their class size and producing some of the top college players in the country.

Recent stars from the Greater Lafayette Area include Northwestern University junior guard Brooks Barnhizer. A 2021 Lafayette Jeff graduate, Barnhizer led the Bronchos to an IHSAA 4A Regional Championship appearance his senior year.

Lafayette Jeff's Brooks Barnhizer commits to Northwestern basketball

With boys basketball season approaching, it's time to rank the top 10 teams in the Greater Lafayette Area. The first games will start Monday, Nov. 20.

Let's dive in.

1. Harrison

■ 2022-2023 record: 18-7

Harrison Raiders Christopher Lucas (12) is defended by Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Damarion Jackson (44) during the IHSAA boy’s basketball sectional game, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at Memorial Gymnasium in Kokomo, Ind. Harrison won 54-39.
Harrison Raiders Christopher Lucas (12) is defended by Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Damarion Jackson (44) during the IHSAA boy’s basketball sectional game, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at Memorial Gymnasium in Kokomo, Ind. Harrison won 54-39.

■ Key returners: senior Malachi King (7.2 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game) and Jeffrey Williams (3.9 points per game, 2.8 rebounds per game).

■ Key losses: Ben Henderson (20.8 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists), Christopher Lucas (9.7 points per game, 4.1 assists per game) and Alex Mithoefer (8.2 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game).

■ Scouting report: Harrison might be having a rebuild year after losing five seniors including its top three scorers. But don't count out the Raiders quite yet. King at 6-foot-4 is a quality returning guard who can knock down corner 3-pointers and is both the quickness, long arms and strength to be an on ball defender outside the perimeter or guard post players inside the paint. Williams will be a quality post defender who can hit mid range jump shots consistently. Harrison will be a young team with first time junior varsity players. It'll be interesting to see how coach Mark Rinehart helps his program navigate through the season with a slightly less experienced varsity roster.

More: Purdue basketball gets challenge from Xavier, but remains unbeaten with 83-71 victory

2. Lafayette Jeff

■ 2022-2023 record: 13-11

■ Key returners: senior Akeem Wilson (14.3 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game), junior Devion Penny (13.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game).

Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Akeem Wilson (1) drives to the basket during the IHSAA boys basketball game against the Harrison Raiders, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Lafayette Jeff High School in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won won 45-42.
Lafayette Jeff Bronchos Akeem Wilson (1) drives to the basket during the IHSAA boys basketball game against the Harrison Raiders, Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Lafayette Jeff High School in Lafayette, Ind. Harrison won won 45-42.

■ Key losses: Ethan Smith (11.5 points per game)

■ Scouting report: Lafayette Jeff brings back two highly skilled shooters and ball handlers in Wilson and Penny. Penny shot 51% and Wilson shot 46% from the floor. Lafayette Jeff's ability to move the ball quickly through Penny and Wilson and force turnovers should allow Lafayette Jeff to compete with Harrison for a sectional title in 2024.

3. Clinton Prairie

■ 2022-2023 record: 16-10

■ Key returners: junior Jake McGraw ( 23.9 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game)

Jake McGraw pulls up for the jumper.
Jake McGraw pulls up for the jumper.

■ Key losses: None

■ Scouting report: McGraw is one of the area's elite players after an explosive season leading the team in scoring and shooting 55% from the floor and 38% from 3-point range. McGraw is constant rhythm and flows well to the ball. Watch the college offers start streaming in to Frankfort with McGraw's name on the back.

4. Twin Lakes

■ 2022-2023 record: 10-15

■ Key returners: senior Jamison Ousley (13.6 points per game), senior Gavin Businger (7.5 points per game, 3.1 assists per game).

Twin Lakes guard Jamison Ousley (24) celebrates after scoring during the IHSAA boys basketball sectional game against the Western, Friday, March 3, 2023, at Case Arena in Frankfort, Ind. Twin Lakes won 45-43. Ousley signed to play golf at Evansville.
Twin Lakes guard Jamison Ousley (24) celebrates after scoring during the IHSAA boys basketball sectional game against the Western, Friday, March 3, 2023, at Case Arena in Frankfort, Ind. Twin Lakes won 45-43. Ousley signed to play golf at Evansville.

■ Key losses: Luke Deno (7.9 points per game), Cooper Pell (6.0 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game).

■ Scouting report: While Ousley's college scholarship might be in golf, he is a true basketball player. Ousley shot 43% from the field and then Twin Lakes proved why you're never out of the picture in Indiana. Twin Lakes went on a surprise run beating Western and edging out Rensselaer Central in the IHSAA 3A Sectional Championship despite a losing record. Coach Kent Adams has shown how his program can thrive in the playoffs no matter what the regular season showed.

More: Defense carries Central Catholic in dominant regional championship win over LaVille

5. Carroll

■ 2022-2023 record: 22-5

■ Key returners: senior Chris Huerta (15.0 points per game, 3.0 assists per game), Griffin Viney (7.8 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game).

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.

■ Key losses: Owen Duff (12.3 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, 5.3 assists per game), Jake Skinner (13.9 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game).

■ Scouting report: Plenty to like about Carroll which returns its leading scorer Huerta who shot 48% and Viney who shot 62% from the floor. Huerta at 5-foot-8 stretches the floor with his outside shooting, firing at a 38% clip from 3-point range. Viney possesses an array of inside moves and uses his strong body at 6-foot-2 to change layup angles and grab rebounds. Carroll won the IHSAA Class 2A Sectional Championship last season.

6. Central Catholic

■ 2022-2023 record: 12-12

Central Catholic Albert Schwartz (34) reacts to making a shot during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game against the West Lafayette Red Devils, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette won 54-49.
Central Catholic Albert Schwartz (34) reacts to making a shot during the IHSAA boy’s basketball game against the West Lafayette Red Devils, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette won 54-49.

■ Key returners: Albert Schwartz (13.6 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game).

■ Key losses: Tanner Fields (15.2 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game), Ben Mazur (7.5 points per game).

■ Scouting report: Schwartz became a household name in high school football for his aggressive style of play on the defensive line. He is also a top rebounders and inside scorers. Schwartz shot 55% from the floor last season will be asked to help carry the load offensively for the Knights.

7. West Lafayette

■ 2022-2023 record: 13-11.

West Lafayette Red Devils guard Benny Speaker (3) and Rossville Hornets guard Austin Bray (14) dive for a loose ball during the IHSAA boys basketball game, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at West Lafayette High School in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette won 66-46.
West Lafayette Red Devils guard Benny Speaker (3) and Rossville Hornets guard Austin Bray (14) dive for a loose ball during the IHSAA boys basketball game, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at West Lafayette High School in West Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette won 66-46.

■ Key returners: junior Benny Speaker

■ Key losses: none

■ Scouting report: West Lafayette looks to take a step forward under third year coach Jacob VanArsdel. Speaker at 5-foot-8 makes thoughtful decisions as a point guard and can hit shots. West Lafayette ended the 2022-2023 season on a high note after winning eight of its final 10 games including three straight road victories against McCutcheon, Lafayette Jeff and Central Catholic.

8. Benton Central

■ 2022-2023 record: 17-8

■ Key returners: junior Hunter Sisson (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds).

Benton Central Bison center Hunter Sisson (33) goes for a loose ball during the IHSAA boy’s basketball sectional game against the Frankfort Hot Dogs, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Case Arena in Frankfort, Ind. Benton Central Bison won 53-40.
Benton Central Bison center Hunter Sisson (33) goes for a loose ball during the IHSAA boy’s basketball sectional game against the Frankfort Hot Dogs, Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Case Arena in Frankfort, Ind. Benton Central Bison won 53-40.

■ Key losses: none

■ Scouting report: Sisson gives Benton Central a huge presence in the paint. Sisson is 6-foot-8 and uses his strength and soft hands to score around the rim and rebound.

9. Fountain Central

■ 2022-2023 record: 23-5

Fountain Central Mustangs guard Will Harmon (3) looks for another player to pass the ball to during the IHSAA 1A Semi-State boys’ basketball game, Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023, at Lafayette Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Ind. Southwood won 63-57.
Fountain Central Mustangs guard Will Harmon (3) looks for another player to pass the ball to during the IHSAA 1A Semi-State boys’ basketball game, Saturday, Mar. 18, 2023, at Lafayette Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Ind. Southwood won 63-57.

■ Key returners: senior Will Harmon (16.0 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, 3.1 assists per game, 3.0 steals per game).

■ Key losses: none

■ Scouting report: Fountain Central returns one of its top players Harmon after winning the IHSAA Class 1A Sectional and Regional Championships last spring. Harmon, at 6-foot-3, has excellent instincts as a passer at point guard and has the confidence to hit 3-pointers during the fourth quarter. Harmon was 40% from 3-point range last season.

10. Rensselaer Central

2022-2023 record: 20-6

Rensselaer Central Bombers quarterback Corbin Mathew (4) looks for a teammate down the field to a pass to during the IHSAA football game against the Lafayette Central Catholic Knights, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Paul J. Larocca Field in Lafayette, Ind. Central Catholic won 42-7.
Rensselaer Central Bombers quarterback Corbin Mathew (4) looks for a teammate down the field to a pass to during the IHSAA football game against the Lafayette Central Catholic Knights, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, at Paul J. Larocca Field in Lafayette, Ind. Central Catholic won 42-7.

■ Key returners: junior Corbin Mathew (10.3 points per game).

■ Key losses: Colby Chapman (15.8 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, 3.8 assists per game), Tristen Wuethrich (12.5 points per game, 3.2 assists per game).

■ Scouting report: Rensselaer Central has a massive rebuild ahead after graduating its two leading scorers and six members from last season's squad. Mathew who plays quarterback on the football team at 6-foot-1 possesses an awareness on defense that allows him to poke, discontinue dribbles and get steals without fouling. He can score efficiently near the basket with his right and left hand. Graduating seniors is part of high school basketball but don't be surprised if the Bombers get hot and go on a deep playoff run.

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. Follow him on Twitter at @EthanAHansonand ethan_a_hanson on Instagram.

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