For the first time in our history, Outside the Huddle decided that we needed to recognize some other talents outside of our 15 player All-Area team.
So now we introduce to your our top 5 picks for the best defensive players and best freshmen in the Northeast Indiana coverage area with our inaugural teams to honor each category from the 2023-2024 season.
OTH 2024 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
Mitchell Miller, Fairfield
The pesky nature of Miller’s defense helped him thrive in the heart of the Falcons’ season and was a big piece of them winning the NECC Tournament title in January. Miller averaged 2.4 steals per game and another 2.3 deflections per contest for Fairfield.
Kellen Pickett, Blackhawk Christian
Pickett averaged an area best 3.8 blocks per game and had nine games with 5 or more blocks including nine in a win over Bishop Luers and an astounding 11 against New Haven as part of a triple double with 20 points and 15 rebounds. 272 of his 344 rebounds were on the defensive end (9.4/game) and also averaged 1.1 steals per contest.
Andrew James, Bellmont
James was one of the best pure on and off ball defending guards in the NE8 and that was a big part of the Braves sharing a conference title. He averaged 2.7 steals per game, one of the highest averages in Northeast Indiana. James was a constant pest in getting into passing lanes and creating quick offense with his defensive effort.
Micah McClure, Adams Central
McClure was a fantastic defensive threat for the Flying Jets as they coasted to ACAC regular season and tournament titles. His three steals per game was among the top averages in Northeast Indiana. The Flying Jets used McClure at the top of any defense they ran and his quick hands immediately became a problem.
Gavin Betten, Manchester
Betten was second in the area with three blocks per game, while also averaging 2.1 steals per contest. Betten was a constant plague defensively for TRC opponents, posting three games of seven blocks. On six different occasions, Betten had at least 3 blocks and 3 steals in the same game. 169 of Betten’s 245 rebounds came on the defensive end (7.3/game).
OTH 2024 ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Trell Hogue, Snider
Averaging 9.5 points and three rebounds per contest, Hogue exploded onto the scene and was a major catalyst for Snider’s hot start to the season. Hogue is a very tricky to defend lead guard and scored 17 points in his high school debut. Hogue scored double figures 11 times including a career high 21 points in a win over Peru.
Mack Welker, Homestead
Gaining varsity time at Homestead has never been something easy to earn but with openings in the lineup, Welker showed off a lot of maturity in parts of his game from the onset of the season. In all, he appeared in 25 of 27 games for the Spartans, averaging 5.2 points per game while shooting 51 percent from the field and 36 percent from three point range. Welker also added 2.7 rebounds per contest.
Ketron Paschall, Snider
Snider didn’t just have one potential star freshman, but two with Paschall being able to space out the floor for the Panthers. He averaged 9.3 points and a team high 5.8 rebounds per game for Snider. Paschall shot a team best 55 percent from the field. He had a pair of double doubles and scored 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting in a win over Indianapolis Arsenal Tech.
Tarvar Baskerville, New Haven
Averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 steals per game, Baskerville added a needed touch for a New Haven team that experienced changing lineups throughout the season. He played almost 20 minutes per game for the Bulldogs and posted four straight midseason double digit point games including 15 against Bishop Dwenger. He nabbed 6 steals twice, against DeKalb and again opposite Carroll.
Austin Schlabach, Westview
Schlabach was really finding his rhythm toward the end of the championship season for Westview. He averaged 5.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game as a freshman and carved out a contributing spot in the Warrior lineup.
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