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. 20-16.
No. 20 – Niles Knox, Angola
Now a sophomore, Knox quickly began making a mark in the varsity rotation with his size, scoring touch, and rebounding ability. Knox averaged 13.7 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals during the 2024-25 season and was an OTH All-Freshman selection. He demonstrated his scoring efficiency with high-percentage outings last season — multiple games where he shot over 60 % from the field — underscoring his knack for finishing around the rim and converting inside looks. Knox has a very competitive motor and foundation to build upon during his career. He scored 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting in his very first high school game, and from there scored single digits just five times while also shooting above 70 percent on five different occasions, headlined by an 18 point/86 percent shooting game against DeKalb.
Coach’s Quote on Knox
“Niles is a versatile player with a lot of basketball experience. His spirit and motivation is contagious. We are excited to watch his growth this season as he helps lead our team.” – Angola coach Bryan Weber
No. 19 – Briggs Pardon, Blackhawk Christian
Pardon has steadily built his game into one of balance and impact for Blackhawk as a secondary look but will now take the lead for the Braves. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 10.8 points per game, 2.9 assists per game, 3.4 rebounds per game, and 1.4 steals per game, showcasing a well-rounded stat line that speaks to his all-around contributions which help him display his leadership. He has shown confidence in big moments—he dropped 30 points in a dominant win over North Side, and logged a 17-point performance in a sectional tournament win over Concordia Lutheran. With his combination of size and guard skill, Pardon is positioning himself as a dependable two-way core piece of Blackhawk Christian’s high ceiling.
Coach’s Quote on Pardon
“Briggs is becoming a great Point Guard with a very bright future. Last year he did a great job of settling into a veteran team, now he will be tasked with setting the table for a younger but talented group! He is a joy to coach, always up for a challenge and he has a great knowledge of what we need to accomplish as a team. I look for him to set the tone for our group on both ends of the floor, he is a great defensive player and has continued to grow his offensive game.” – Blackhawk Christian coach Matt Roth
No. 18 – Ketron Paschall, Snider
Tank as he is most commonly known, is steadily carving out a meaningful role within the program as a versatile big-wing with growing offensive chops. He may be a big forward, but he plays with downhill attacking ability at a pretty solid level. With his size, athleticism, and versatility both inside and on the wing, Paschall is positioned to expand his scoring, rebounding and defensive impact this season in a bolstered Snider lineup. A season ago, Paschall averaged 8.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest. He posted three double doubles, including 17 points and a season best 15 rebounds against Marion. Paschall posted a season best 18 points twice in back to back games with Huntington North and New Haven, and had 5 blocks opposite East Noble.
Coach’s Quote on Paschall
“Ketron “Tank” Paschall is one of the most underrated players in the area in my opinion. He is a great rebounder and shot blocker with a skill set that is improving daily. Injuries slowed down his sophomore season but he has gotten himself in great shape this off season and will be a force down low for us. He is a great person to be around everyday and represents himself and family extremely well. Look for Tank to become a matchup nightmare come December.” – Snider coach Josh Riikonen
No. 17 – Tytus Lehman, South Adams
He has steadily emerged as the go-to player for the Starfires’ boys basketball program. As a junior, Lehman led his team in multiple categories: he averaged 14 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.6 steals. He scored a season best 26 points against Jay County and had a defensive best eight steals against Muncie Burris. With his size, versatility, and steady production, Lehman has positioned himself as a top talent in the ACAC and one so strong that he can make the Starfires contenders most night in the conference as he hunts a nearing 1,000 point goal.
Coach’s Quote on Lehman
“Tytus is a once-in-a-decade kind of talent. He is long and athletic and can score in a multitude of ways and currently sits at 884 career points. I know opposing coaches and players know he can score, however, I don’t think people truly appreciate how good his defense really is! But above all, he is an extremely pilot, humble and coachable young man.” – South Adams coach Kyle Roe
No. 16 – Owen Marshall, Columbia City
With a well-rounded skill-set, Marshall had a strong season to help the Eagles to a share of the NE8 title last season and then had a really solid summer that saw him grow in his game and in state wide attention. Last season, he averaged 10.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting an efficient 46% from the field. His strong scoring rate combined with play-making as a lead guard and rebounding from the guard position shows his versatility and readiness to impact the game in multiple ways. He has already secured a college basketball commitment to Bethel College, underscoring his maturation as a student-athlete. With his size, efficiency, and decision-making versatility, Marshall is positioned to take on an even larger role for Columbia City this coming season and continue his upward trajectory individually and for the program.
Coach’s Quote on Marshall
“Last year, Owen played the point guard for us and was a tremendous leader for our team. While playing the point he sacrificed some scoring and played a vital role to help us win championships. This year Owen will be able to play off ball more and show why he is one of the best scorers in our area.” – Columbia City coach Matt Schauss
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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