Gavin Betten’s senior season at Manchester High School was one for the history books. The Squires finished the year with a remarkable 27-2 record, and throughout the journey, Betten’s name became synonymous with greatness in Wabash County and Northeast Indiana. His career in high school basketball culminated in a state championship, but the legacy he left behind started long before that. For those reasons, among many others, Gavin Betten is the 2025 Outside the Huddle Player of the Year.
Betten’s impact was undeniable from the moment he stepped on the court. By the time he graduated, he had shattered records across Wabash County. With 2,136 career points, Betten became the county’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing the previous record set by Kayleigh Hensley, a standout player from Wabash High School. His 1,093 career rebounds also set the bar, making him the county’s all-time rebounding leader, a testament to his relentless and consistent work ethic.
But Betten wasn’t just about numbers. He was a versatile player who could do it all. In his senior season alone, he averaged 25.4 points, 12 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.3 steals, and 2.9 blocks per game. He led not just his team, but also the entire Outside the Huddle coverage area in both scoring and rebounding. His performances were consistently outstanding, earning him a spot on the Outside the Huddle All-Defensive Team.
Betten’s excellence extended beyond the stat sheet. He was a force on the court, but also in the classroom, earning IBCA First Team Academic All-State honors. As if that weren’t enough, he also won the Wabash County Tournament MVP in 2025, further solidifying his place as one of the county’s all-time greats.
The Squires’ championship run was marked by incredible individual performances from Betten. He posted 21 double doubles and two triple doubles, including a remarkable 28-point, 11-rebound, and 10-assist game against Northfield. He also had a 25-point, 15-rebound, and 12-steal performance against Churubusco. But perhaps the most memorable moment came on March 29, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where Betten led Manchester to its first-ever state championship. In the Class 2A title game against University, he scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to help the Squires secure the 59-52 victory.
Throughout the season, Betten’s shooting was also exceptional, finishing with a 64 percent field goal percentage. His efficiency reached its peak on December 6, when he scored 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting against Wawasee, a performance that saw him shoot an astounding 91 percent from the field.
Despite a loss early in the season, a tough defeat to Homestead, Betten and the Squires went on a tear. After that second loss, they rattled off 17 straight wins before losing to Maconaquah in late February. But the Squires responded once again, winning their final eight games, including the state title game, to cap off a historic season.
By the end of the season, Betten had proven that his place in Wabash County history was secure. His 68 career double doubles were just the icing on the cake of an already illustrious career. Not only had he excelled individually, but he also led his team to the pinnacle of high school basketball, bringing a state championship back to Manchester for the first time in the school’s history.
Gavin Betten’s journey wasn’t just about breaking records or winning titles. It was about setting an example of what dedication, hard work, and passion for the game can achieve. And as he walks off the court for the final time as a Manchester Squire, his legacy will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone who had the privilege to watch him play and elevate Manchester basketball to a special new level.
Be the first to comment