For the sixth season in a row, Bounce and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2024-2025 season.
Want to know how we come up with our rankings? Click here.
Today, we continue the countdown on the boys hoops side with positions No. 20-16.
No. 20 – Ketron Paschall, Snider
Paschall made a big impact as a freshman, averaging 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, showcasing his dominance in the paint. Known for his strength and presence as a post player, the player more commonly known as Tank, also hinted at versatility with flashes of guard-like skills, making him a dynamic talent. Already impressive as a ninth grader, his sophomore season presents a chance to solidify his status as one of the area’s top players. With his ability to control the boards, protect the rim, and contribute offensively, Tank is poised to elevate his game and make an even bigger mark this year.
COACH’S QUOTE PASCHALL
“Ketron is one of the most gifted players in the area. He has great size which is apparent but has a natural ball handling and passing ability you do not often see from post players. This off season he has continued to work on becoming a consistent shooter. He is also a high character young man with over a 4.0 GPA. He is the kind of person and player you love to have represent your program.” – Snider coach Josh Riikonen
No. 19 – Kobe Ritchie, East Noble
Despite battling an injury that disrupted his rhythm last season, Ritchie still managed to average an impressive 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. A relentless force on the boards, he consistently outworked taller opponents often and was well on his way to being considered potentially the best player in the NE8 early on. Ritchie’s grit and dominance in the post set him apart and with a fully healthy season ahead coming off a successful season on the gridiron, he has the potential to elevate his play and establish himself as one of the most formidable interior players in the area.
COACH’S QUOTE RITCHIE
“Kobe is an animal and can dominate games. He is the shortest big I may have ever seen, but he just finds way to get the job done. He is a beast on the glass and finds ways to finish a lot of layups through contact and length” – East Noble coach Brandon Durnell
No. 18 – Ethan Zahn, Huntington North
Zahn is a crafty and confident lead guard who thrives on making winning plays. Whether he’s setting up teammates with precise passes or knocking down shots himself, his ability to control the game is undeniable. Averaging 12.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season, Zahn consistently found ways to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His headstrong mentality and quick decision-making make him a reliable leader in high-pressure moments, and his shifty style keeps defenders guessing.
COACH’S QUOTE ZAHN
“Ethan Zahn worked extremely hard this past offseason getting ready for his senior year. He’s been working on his off-the-ball footwork and shooting coupled with his ball handling and passing skills. Ethan also has been a great leader in our preseason and it’s easy to see that it will continue to throughout our year. It’s been a joy to coach him so far, and I am looking forward to seeing what he can accomplish individually and as a team this season. Fine young man!” – Huntington North coach Eric Thompson
No. 17– Ethan Hendrix, Manchester
Hendrix stands out as one of the area’s premier pure point guards, combining exceptional court vision with the ability to impact the game on both ends. His high motor and relentless activity make him a vital piece of Manchester’s success, keeping the offense fluid and the defense energized. Whether he’s setting the pace, creating opportunities for teammates, or making disruptive plays on defense, Hendrix’s presence is felt all over the court. Last season, he averaged 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a whopping 3.2 steals per game.
COACH’S QUOTE HENDRIX
“He’s one of the best pure point guards I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. He does a great job of creating scoring opportunities for his teammates and is very unselfish. He will do whatever he has to do for us to win. He is our best on the ball defender and is always going to be guarding the other team’s best guard. He does a great job at constantly outworking opponents and always goes 100%. He has done a great job this summer and fall at improving all aspects of his game and is poised to have an outstanding senior season.” – Manchester coach Eli Henson
No. 16 – Tytus Lehman, South Adams
Lehman is the definition of a versatile athlete, showcasing his talents across multiple sports and stepping into any role with ease. On the basketball court, he averaged an impressive 15 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals last season, proving his ability to contribute in every aspect of the game. His athleticism, leadership, and adaptability were further highlighted on the football field, where he took over as quarterback and led the Starfires to a Regional title. As he gears up for another basketball season, Lehman is poised to make an immediate impact and solidify his reputation as arguably the best player in the ACAC.
COACH’S QUOTE LEHMAN
“Tytus is one of the hardest working basketball players I’ve ever seen. He is long and athletic with the ability to light it up outside, pull up mid-range or take defenders to the hoop. With the attention he draws from the opposing defense, he is also a great creator for other players on the team. Defensively, Tytus has quick hands and really understands good positioning and aggressively attacks rebounds. He has led the team in scoring his freshman and sophomore years and we look for him to have another great season. Most importantly, he has a 4.2 GPA and is an extremely pilot and coachable young man.” – South Adams coach Kyle Roe
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