For the seventh consecutive season, Outside the Huddle is proud to announce our 15 player All-Area basketball team for the boys as their seasons have concluded.
These are the 20 top players, as seen by OTH, during the 2024-2025 season. They are listed alphabetically by grade. This is a rare occurrence as OTH’s All-Area team has traditionally been 15/16 players, but the decisions were so close this season that we at Outside the Huddle decided it was only proper to honor all 20 of these players.
Chase Barnes, Wayne, senior
Barnes had an outstanding season, averaging 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game, playing a pivotal role in leading Wayne to their third straight SAC title. His scoring ability was consistent, and he proved to be a versatile player on both ends of the court, contributing not only as a scorer but also as a key playmaker and defender. Barnes was named IBCA All-State Senior Supreme 15 after scoring more 1,200 points in his Generals career. Among his biggest games this season was a 33 point outing in a win over New Haven while shooting 82 percent from the field.
Gavin Betten, Manchester, senior
Betten was a force to be reckoned with all season, dominating in nearly every facet of the game, averaging an area and Class 2A best 25.4 points and 12 rebounds per game, he showcased his offensive and rebounding prowess while also contributing 4.2 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game. His all-around performance was simply unmatched, earning him a spot on OTH’s All-Defensive team. Beyond his individual accolades, Betten led Manchester to their first-ever state title. Betten was named IBCA All-State Senior Small School. He scored a season high 40 in a win over Oak Hill and scored less than 20 points only four times. Betten had 21 double doubles and two triple doubles.
Luke Bricker, Warsaw, senior
Bricker had an impressive senior season, averaging 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for Warsaw. His scoring ability, particularly his shooting, was a key factor in the Tigers’ tremendous regular season run, where he consistently delivered big performances on both ends of the floor. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his season short, but his impact was undeniable. Bricker was named IBCA All-State Senior Large School. Bricker hit a Warsaw second best 40 total three pointers at a 49 percent success rate.
Paxton Crane, Carroll, senior
Crane was a dominant presence on the court this season, averaging 17.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, making him one of only a handful of area players to achieve a double-double. His ability to score and control the boards was a huge asset to Carroll, helping them secure a Sectional title. What really set him apart was his efficiency—shooting an impressive 69.3 percent from the field. Crane was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. He had 15 double doubles this season including 23 points and 14 rebounds in the Sectional championship game.
Trey Dillard, Wayne, senior
Dillard had a remarkable season, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game, making him one of just a handful of area players to achieve a double-double for the year. His all-around contributions were a key factor in Wayne’s third straight SAC title, as he also added 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Dillard’s rebounding dominance was undeniable, as he became the program’s all-time leading rebounder, surpassing both 1,000 career points and 900 career rebounds this season. Dillard was named IBCA All-State Senior Large School. He had 11 double doubles including four straight between December and January.
Ethan Hendrix, Manchester, senior
Hendrix was undoubtedly one of the top second options in Northeast Indiana this season, averaging 18 points and 4.2 assists per game. His ability to step up in big moments was evident throughout the postseason, where he hit clutch shots that helped propel Manchester to their first-ever state title. Beyond his scoring, Hendrix contributed in all areas of the game, averaging 3.7 rebounds and three steals per game, and his defensive prowess earned him a spot on the OTH All-Defensive team. Hendrix was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. Hendrix scored double figures every game including a massive 31 points against Lewis Cass on 92 percent shooting from the field.
Trace Maller, Adams Central, senior
Maller was a top scorer, averaging an area second-best 23 points per game, with his scoring staying consistently high throughout the year. A standout moment came when he dropped 40 points in a single game for Adams Central, showcasing his incredible scoring ability. Beyond his offensive output, Maller was a well-rounded player, also averaging 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals per game. His tenacity on both ends of the floor earned him a spot on the OTH All-Defensive Team. Maller was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention.
Brandt Martin, Warsaw, senior
Martin was a consistent and steady presence for Warsaw, playing a crucial role in their Sectional and Regional title victories. Averaging 16 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, he was a reliable scorer and an important contributor on both ends of the floor. Martin’s ability to stay composed and deliver in big moments helped propel his team through the postseason. Martin was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. Martin show a Warsaw best 59 percent from the field.
Kellen Pickett, Blackhawk Christian, senior
Pickett was a dominant force inside for Blackhawk Christian, helping lead the team to their eighth straight Sectional title. Averaging 19.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, he was one of just a handful of area players to average a double-double, and he accomplished this feat for the second straight season; he had 21 double doubles this season. His all-around game was remarkable, as he also contributed 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and an area-high 3.4 blocks per game, which helped him earn a spot on the OTH All-Defensive team. Pickett was named IBCA All-State Senior Supreme 15. He had 11 games with four or more blocks.
Solomon Richard, Leo, senior
Richard stepped up in a big way during his final season, leading Leo back to the Sectional title game under a new coach. His steady presence on the court was instrumental in the team’s success, as he averaged 15.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. In addition to his scoring and rebounding, Richard also contributed 1.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game, proving his value as an all-around player. Richard was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention.
Dereon Truesdale, Bishop Luers, senior
Truesdale averaged 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while also contributing 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game. His well-rounded game and ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor were key to Bishop Luers’ success this year. Alongside his twin brother, Truesdale helped lead the team to a Sectional title. Truesdale was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. He had five steals on two separate occasions and scored 20 or more points six times.
Drelyn Truesdale, Bishop Luers, senior
Truesdale had an outstanding season, leading Bishop Luers with 14.9 points per game while also contributing 5.3 rebounds, a team-high 4.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. His all-around play was crucial to the team’s success, as he was a consistent scoring threat, a key playmaker, and a tenacious defender. Alongside his twin brother, Truesdale helped lead Bishop Luers to a Sectional title. Truesdale was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. He posted three double doubles, had four games with 7 or more assists and had a season high five steals against Warsaw.
Trey Yoder, Woodlan, senior
Yoder had a big senior season, averaging 17.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, just shy of a double-double average. His scoring ability and rebounding presence were essential to Woodlan’s success, and he also contributed 2.8 assists, a steal, and a block per game, playing a pivotal role in leading Woodlan to both the ACAC regular season and tournament titles, and his outstanding performance earned him the ACAC Tournament MVP honor. His 1193 is 5th in Woodlan program history, where he also finished second in career rebounds. Yoder was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention and had 11 double doubles duding the season.
Ethan Zahn, Huntington North, senior
Zahn’s senior season highlighted his high-end talent as an offensive player, with him averaging 19.3 points per game and an all-area best 5.1 assists per contest. His ability to both score and facilitate made him a dual threat, consistently spreading out defenses and creating opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, he contributed 4.3 rebounds and two steals per game. Zahn was named IBCA All-State Senior Honorable Mention. He set a new single game Huntington North scoring record with 42 points against Southwood in January including six made three pointers; he also hit five threes in a game against Mississinewa.
Avery MacFarlane, Lakewood Park, junior
MacFarlane’s dominant play was a key factor in Lakewood Park’s Sectional title victory this season. Averaging 18.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, he was one of just a handful of area players to average a double-double, with both his scoring and rebounding marking highs in the area for non-seniors. MacFarlane contributed 2.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and one steal per game, helping solidify his place as one of the top players in the area and a major reason for Lakewood Park’s success. He had 18 double doubles including 21 points and 19 rebounds against Bethany Christian.
Declan Grieser, Bluffton, junior
Grieser stood out as one of the best offensive players in the ACAC this season, averaging 18.1 points per game. The Bluffton junior’s scoring efficiency was remarkable, shooting an impressive 60 percent from two-point range and 47 percent from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, Grieser averaged 5.9 rebounds and a steal per game. Grieser was named IBCA All-State Underclass Honorable Mention.
Landon Richmond, Columbia City, junior
Richmond stepped up in a major way this season to fill a key void at Columbia City, playing a pivotal role in helping the Eagles capture a share of the NE8 title and secure a Sectional championship. Leading the team with 13.8 points per game, Richmond was the go-to scorer for Columbia City, he also contributed 7 rebounds per contest and 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game, proving to be a well-rounded player, also shooting 59 percent from the field. Richmond was named IBCA All-State Underclass Honorable Mention.
Isaiah King, Garrett, sophomore
King made a tremendous impact at Garrett, helping lead the team to a significant turnaround in their record this season. Averaging a NECC-best 15.9 points per game, he was an offensive engine for the team. In addition to his scoring, King also averaged 8.2 rebounds per game as well 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, making him a well-rounded player on both sides of the ball. King was named IBCA All-State Underclass Honorable Mention. King had nine double doubles on the year and tied a program sophomore scoring record with 34 points against West Noble.
Austin Schlabach, Westview, sophomore
Schlabach took his game to the next level in his second season, becoming one of the area’s hardest players to guard. His all-around performance helped lead Westview to an incredible season, capturing NECC, NECC Tournament, and Sectional titles. Averaging a league-second best 15.6 points per game, Schlabach was a constant offensive threat, but his impact went far beyond scoring. He also averaged 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and a block per game. Schlabach was named IBCA All-State Underclass Honorable Mention.
Mack Welker, Homestead, sophomore
Welker had a breakout second season at Homestead, playing a major role in helping the team capture both Sectional and Regional titles. Averaging 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, he was a consistent force on both ends of the floor, showing off his scoring ability and his presence in the paint. His continued emergence as a top player earned him a well-deserved spot in the IBCA Futures Game this offseason, where he was one of just two area players invited to the event. Welker was named IBCA All-State Underclass Large School.
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