For the seventh 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 2025-2026 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. 35-31.
No. 35 – Keyan Arroyo, Lakeland
Arroyo has established himself as one of Lakeland’s most reliable and well-rounded players over the past two seasons, stepping up as more of a leader a season ago as the Lakers competed at the top of the NECC. Arroyo averaged 11.5 points per game while shooting 46% from two-point range, 33% from three, and 77% from the free-throw line, along with 3.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game last season. His assist-to-turnover ratio (just above 2:1) and ability to make sound decisions under pressure made him a steadying presence for the Lakers throughout the season
Lakeland. With his balance of scoring, defense, and leadership, Arroyo continues to be a driving force for Lakeland and a model of consistency within the program.
Coach’s Quote on Arroyo
“Keyan is a tough, smart player who has improved every season. Offensively he can score at all 3 levels and usually defends the other teams best perimeter player. He makes good decisions and significantly improved his A:TO ratio last season. Keyan is a steady presence for us on the court.” – Lakeland coach TJ Schneider
No. 34 – Nick McBride, Norwell
Nick McBride has started carving out a reliable role with his team, averaging 10 points per game, along with 2 assists and 2 rebounds per outing last season. His consistency and readiness to contribute in multiple ways — scoring when called upon, making the extra pass, and crashing the glass when needed – have made him a guy that Norwell feeds off so much. To no surprise as a McBride, he has a strong motor and good feel for the game; also, he can just be a lights out shooter but that shouldn’t be a surprise either. McBride looks positioned to take on a larger leadership and offensive role moving forward for the Knights.
Coach’s Quote on McBride
“Nick had a solid season last year as a sophomore. We have expectations that he will grow in his role as a leader, and that he can provide consistency night in and night out while helping to elevate his teammates.” – Norwell coach Mike McBride
No. 33 – Drake Sefton, Blackhawk Christian
He has quietly begun carving out a promising role for himself. He averaged 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a freshman across 27 outings. Despite the modest scoring output, his stat line reveals more about his impact than the numbers alone: he logged 21 blocks for the season (leading the younger wave on his team) and consistently appeared in the rebounding column for a back-court player, logging the second most boards for the Braves including a season best 13 against Heritage. With this foundation and a projected larger role ahead, Sefton is one to watch for several more seasons.
Coach’s Quote on Sefton
“Drake had a breakout year last year. He bought into his role of being our defensive stopper, but he has so much more in the tank. He is an outstanding leader and brings a toughness to every practice or game. His impact cannot be measured in stats alone, but I anticipate him having a big jump in just about every statistical category, but he will be first to tell you the only one that matters is “team wins” . He has worked incredibly hard in the off-season and is poised to do big things. His impact was felt the first day of workouts this fall after helping the Tennis team secure their second Sectional title in a row. The best part of coaching Drake is watching God turn him into a leader of young men, it is hard to do that as a Sophomore, but Drake has never backed down from a challenge! He has grown up in this program and it is now his turn to press in and press on!” – Blackhawk Christian coach Matt Roth
No. 32 – Bryce LaCrosse, Blackhawk Christian
Lacross has begun his varsity career with a noteworthy blend of size, skill and efficiency. His 51 three-pointers made were the sixth most a freshman in the state. He has a high athleticism that he hasn’t even shown much of on the high school level, solid handle and natural scoring ability. While his per-game numbers are modest at this stage, Lacross’s 41% three-point shooting mark for the season, combined with his size and playing in a varsity rotation as a younger player, showcase the impact he is already making and how high his ceiling could be. Last season for the Braves, he averaged 7.1 points and 3 rebounds per contest, scoring a career high 17 against Beech Grove.
Coach’s Quote on LaCrosse
“Bryce had an outstanding freshman year. His willingness to buy into the 6th man role on a veteran team was far greater than his on court play, which was equally great! Bryce is incredibly well rounded as an offensive player, as a coach’s kid he understands not only the game at a very high level but also what will make our team the best. I expect him to have a breakout year, his work ethic and hunger to win are contagious. His work off the court adding to his strength will allow him to be a great defender and rebounder. I am excited to have a front row seat to his development, he is a great player and an emerging leader within our program!” – Blackhawk Christian coach Matt Roth
No. 31 – T.J. English, Bishop Luers
English was a standout guard at Liberty Christian in Anderson last season and will now be part of a revamped Bishop Luers lineup. English, a junior, already draws attention for his scoring prowess and two-way impact on the court. Last season with the Lions, English averaged a team second best 10.8 points per game and was the leading rebounder at six per game; he added 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. He posted the first of two double doubles against Shortridge and then scored 28 points with 13 rebounds against Anderson. He elevated his status further by scoring 26 points in the Indiana Underclassmen All-Star showcase coming out of his freshman year – marked by speed, slashing ability, and scoring versatility.
Coach’s Quote on English
“TJ has a high basketball IQ and finds himself in the right position on defense, rebounding and moving without the ball on offense. TJ brings a toughness to our rotation that we needed. I have heard from several D1 coaches that love TJ’s game and he has fit in seamlessly with our returners during offseason workouts. TJ is going to be an excellent player for us.” – Bishop Luers coach Seth Coffing
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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