It will be a season of change for Blackhawk Christian after losing a dominant big man/Indiana All-Star to graduation as well as their third leading scorer and leader from a season ago. But this is Blackhawk Christian and they are primed to reload again, even if it means some changes to how they get up and down the court.
At the heart of that transformation is senior point guard Briggs Pardon (10.8 ppg, 2.9 apg). As the floor general, he brings the leadership the team will lean on. With his experience and vision, the Braves envision quick transitions, crisp decisions, and harassing defense. Alongside him, sophomore standouts Drake Sefton (5.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Bryce LaCross (7.1 ppg) bring youthful energy and promise—able to defend multiple positions and push the pace with the starters. The expectations is that this Class of 2028 duo will show tremendous growth from the beginning of the season on.
Supporting them are senior guards Payton Rhinehart and Jaeden O’Neal. Both returners may not have headlined the box score last season, but their roles are vital—taking on perimeter defense, orchestrating off-ball movement, and helping steady the ship in tight games. Their experience matters when the Braves face adversity in what is shaping up to be a challenging schedule.
But perhaps the most exciting dimension of the Braves this year lies in their newcomer and impact-player group. Junior small forward Isaac Stayton and junior shooting guard Jack Zolman arrive ready to contribute after seeing some time last year. Sophomore guard Kyler Wood, sophomore guard Ryker Knox, sophomore guard Elliott Cummings and freshman shooting guard Cooper Cochran round out the mix. Together, the depth gives the Braves an injected dose of speed, defensive versatility and ball-pressure across the lineup.
The departure of key contributors cannot be ignored, however. The team graduated standout forwards and rebounders such as Kellen Picket (an Indiana All-Star who moved on to Wright State University), Bryce Sefton (now at Grace College) and Luke Mansfield. Replacing their rebound volume won’t happen overnight; rebounding remains the biggest area for growth. Pickett alone made up more than a third of the Braves’ rebounds per game last season.
With those new and expanded role pieces in place, the Braves cast their eyes on a bold season outlook. The foundations are clear—defense and ball-handling. Turnover pressure, full-court disruption, and quick decision-making will fuel the tempo strategy. On the flip side, the team understands that grit, physicality, and rebounding will determine whether tempo becomes strength or liability.
“I am excited to watch our guys continue to grow into young men that can be leaders on the court, but most importantly off the court. We have a great group who enjoys being together and they are hungry to get started,” said coach Matt Roth.
WHY #8?
Blackhawk’s backcourt should need no question. Briggs Pardon had a stellar first year with the Braves while now-sophomores Bryce Lacross and Drake Sefton are coming off really good summers and their games and numbers likely will grow with added responsibilities this winter.
Blackhawk Christian is, after all, Blackhawk Christian. They will contend night in and night out and will still be a team looked at as a favorite in their Class 3A Sectional despite the graduation of dominant big man Kellen Pickett.
But they did graduate Pickett and that is quite the load off the plates of opponents. The Braves feel like they have had a dominant big man forever at this point, so how they adjust is going to be key. This may feel low for them now, but we have a bit of wait and see to do but don’t be shocked at all if this ranking rises pretty quickly in our in season power polls.
KEY GAME
December 5 at New Haven
This is a big test early in the Braves’ third game. Not to say that coming out against Mishawaka Marian and at North Side won’t be intriguing, but we all know what the Bulldogs have.
New Haven has really big and strong guards and it will be a massive push against the Brave sophomores.
A year ago, they beat New Haven by 12, but walking into the opposing school with a year of major growth for New Haven (who is no longer under a first year coach early in the season), is a massive challenge.
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