The previews of the area’s big four conferences will come. But before we get to the SAC, NE8, ACAC and NECC, lets take a look at the teams in the area that Outside the Huddle covers that are not part of one of the big four.
Because these programs may prove to be critical in their respective conferences and classes throughout the season.
BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN
Blackhawk Christian is poised for another strong season, coming off a semi state appearance, with a trio of talented returning athletes. Kellen Pickett (20.5 ppg/11.9 rpg), a junior Indiana All-Star, will lead the way after surpassing 1,000 career points during the Semi-State as a junior. Bryce Sefton (8.6 ppg/4.1 apg), a returning wing, provides versatility as both a defender and shooter. Luke Mansfield (4.5 ppg), a senior, is one of the team’s top wing defenders. Together, this trio is set to lead Blackhawk Christian as they make another push for excellence. Behind them, coach Matt Roth will look for a number of guys to step up into big roles, including what has been a talked about freshman class. The Braves will also be moving up to Class 3A due to success factor.
“We have a great mix of young fresh talent and faces to the program. I expect big things from them as they grow within the culture of the team and learn the intricacies of what makes our program unique,” Roth said. “I am very excited to see these guys all grow as young men over the next year and years to come.”
CANTERBURY
Canterbury enters the 2023-24 season with a new core, the challenge of replacing seven players from last year’s Class 1A state championship team. The senior class—Reed Hayes (5.4 ppg), Thiran Padmalingam, Julian Justice and Brenton Turner—brings a mix of experience. Justice, at 6’7”, provides a formidable presence in the frontcourt, while Hayes’ experience as an important part of the state title team is crucial. Juniors Aran Padmalingam and Alden Greider (6 ppg) add depth. Additionally, new faces will step into larger roles, including Nicholas Collins, JP Rohwer, Noah Hayes and Vasco Bobeck, all of whom impressed on the junior varsity level last season. Freshman Ben Hardin is also expected to make an immediate contribution.
“Our biggest strength will be on the defensive end, and in the backcourt with several young men who saw meaningful minutes during last regular season and postseason. We also should have good depth with some of our younger players,” said coach Deric Adams.
HAMILTON
Hamilton enters the season with a group of seniors, all of whom have experienced a variety of challenges and successes over the years. Clayton Spaw, Drew Merritt (6.6 ppg), Harry Ritcher, Jagger Hurraw (8.3 ppg), Dylan Holiday and Zane Ritter make up the core. In addition to the senior leadership, sophomore Xavier Schieber is expected to make an immediate impact after moving up from junior varsity. Schieber, a 6’0” guard, will add depth and versatility to the squad as he transitions into the varsity role.
“Well we get to start with being in a new conference and with that hopefully be able to compete to the best of our ability. We will have 6 seniors that want to prove something. They will have to be great leaders for me to keep moving our program in the right direction,” said coach Chase Holden. “They will have to be ready to compete every day in practice as well as games we can’t take any days off for us to keep getting better. We need to rebound the ball and take care of the basketball and i feel like we will be fine.”
LAKEWOOD PARK
Avery McFarlane will be the head of the Panthers this season; he averaged 12 points and 8.7 rebounds last season as a sophomore and Carson Houser is back as a second returning starter for the Panthers. The Panthers though will have to replace big parts on their lineup with the graduation of Mason Jolloff and the replacement of Rentaro Kondo, an exchange student who did good things for them last season. They will see four others return who saw limited time a season ago in Curtis Born, Madden Knox, Will Nolot and Noah Carnahan.
Senior Davi Freitas leads a group of varsity newcomers but big things are expected from him according to coach Tim Voss, who sees him as a pillar on both ends of the floor next to McFarlane. That newcomer group also includes sophomores Garrett Black, Caleb Shirar and Andrew Nixon.
“One of the team’s greatest strengths is its collective identity. From players one through fifteen, there is a genuine passion for the game, a commitment to supporting one another, and a shared determination to play with high energy and effort. This cohesive mindset will be instrumental in driving our success this season,” Voss said.
MANCHESTER
Manchester has a senior-heavy roster and plenty of firepower, returning over 45 points per game from last year’s team. Leading the charge are Gavin Betten and Ethan Hendrix, who combined for an impressive 33 points per game. Supporting them are fellow seniors Tallon Torpy, Kaleb Kline, Carter Wagoner, Wyatt Prater, along with 6’7” Nick Cave. Juniors like Carson Heath, Dallas Martin and Aaron Reid, bring added depth, ensuring a well-rounded attack. With a focus on improving tempo and defensive pressure, Manchester aims to dictate the pace, disrupt opponents and capitalize on their offensive versatility for a strong season ahead.
“Our senior leadership and experience are going to be our biggest weapon this year. We return over 5 players that had a lot of playing experience at the varsity level last season. We have two of the top players in the area and are able to surround them with weapons on both ends of the floor,” said coach Eli Henson.
WARSAW
Warsaw returns four starters from their 19-6 Regional runner up team and also get a boost from the success of the football program this season. The Tigers are toughening up their schedule, including playing in the famed Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle this season. Leading the returners are Luke Bricker (16 ppg/43% three point), Brandt Martin (13 ppg), Robbie Finlinson (10 ppg) and Carson Gould, who are all seniors. Drew Sullivan will also return for his senior season after a successful run as Warsaw’s sixth man a season ago. Senior Parker Justice and 6-foot-7 junior Jaron Courtois will also join the Tiger lineup.
WHITKO
Whitko graduated over 36 points per game including their top two scorers a year ago and will welcome a new coach in Robert Warrick after a 19-5 campaign. Riley Harman (9 ppg/4 rpg/1.3 spg) will be Whitko’s top returning player and the Wildcats also have four other players back with some varsity experience in seniors Easton Grable (5.9 ppg) and Jaylen Gibson as well as juniors Caden Deneve and Ethan Yates.
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