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. 15-11
No. 15 – Jonas Muya, Bishop Luers
It is hard to rank a player like Muya as he moves into the area for his senior season. Though experts that OTH speak to are high on the potential that Muya can show and Northeast Indiana doesn’t have anyone that matches his size (reported at 6-foot-8, 280 pounds) and it means that he could be a mean mismatch for anyone Luers matches up with. Muya, a D1 football prospect, is from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo and did not play last season at LaLumiere due to injury, but a 7-foot-4 wingspan and praise from experts who have seen him help overcome the lack of available stats on Muya. Of note, he was part of the Indiana Elite team that won the USA Basketball National Championship in the summer of 2024.
Coach’s Quote on Muya
“Jonas is a massive addition to our lineup, both physically and in all areas schematically. I have not coached a player of Jonas’ size at the high school level in my career. He will be an anchor at the back end of our defense and a real problem for opponents to deal with on the offensive end. Jonas has athleticism and moves like a wing. He is able to run the floor, catch the ball and finish at the glass with authority. We may need to have an extra glass backboard ready for games at Luers this year.” – Bishop Luers coach Seth Coffing
No. 14 – Trell Hogue, Snider
Making steady strides during his sophomore season season, Hogue has shown strength at demonstrating his versatility and emerging leadership in the backcourt. Hogue appeared in 19 games during the 2024-25 season and averaged 11.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He had 14 double digit scoring games and posted a season best 23 points against Marion. He has a very high motor and two-way impact potential as he combines perimeter threat with scrappy defense and frequently garners notice in local and state wide circles. As Snider looks ahead to a potentially really good season, Hogue’s wing-guard capabilities set him up to be a go-to player yet again.
Coach’s Quote on Hogue
“Trell Hogue has been a staple for us since my arrival to Snider High School and been a two-year starter. He is one of the most exciting guards in the state. He has continued to get stronger and more explosive, and we expect him to have a great junior season after a really strong off season for us. Trell is a player that fans will want to come check out at Kilmer Court.” – Snider coach Josh Riikonen
No. 13 – Nolan Hiteshew, Leo
Anchoring the Lions’ backcourt with consistent scoring and strong leadership, Hiteshew appeared in 22 games (21 starts) last season and averaged 13.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting 37.1% from the field, 26.9% from three, and 71.6% from the free-throw line. His 50 steals underscored his defensive impact for the Sectional finalist Lions, while his 107 free-throw attempts reflected his aggressiveness driving the lane. As a returning leader and primary playmaker, Hiteshew’s balance of scoring and distributing make him a cornerstone for Leo’s offensive rhythm and overall competitiveness throughout the year.
Coach’s Quote on Hiteshew
“Nolan is talented in a variety of areas. He has worked hard to continue to develop his overall game. Specifically, his shooting and leadership has taken big strides. I look forward to coaching him this season and putting him in positions to make plays for himself and teammates. Additionally, Nolan is a high-level defender with an excellent basketball IQ. He will be a main factor in the success of our program this year.” – Leo coach Derek Hinen
No. 12 – Carter Coffman, Garrett
Coffman emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NECC last season as a sophomore and now has two years starting experience. Coffman averaged 14.8 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game during the 2024-25 season, while shooting 32 % from beyond the arc and posting a free throw rate of 78 %. He was a clear leader on both ends of the floor, ranking first on his team in assists and steals. He broke the program’s sophomore single-game scoring record (34 points) and was named IBCA All-State Honorable Mention. With his ability to orchestrate the offense, disrupt passes on defense, and make timely scoring plays, Coffman is positioned as a key piece for Garrett’s future.
Coach’s Quote on Coffman
“Carter has improved in all aspects of his game throughout the summer and fall. He is a kid that is relentless in everything he does and is someone who holds himself to a high standard no matter the circumstances. We are excited to see what leaps he takes this year especially on the defensive end. I look forward to seeing him continue to develop into being our leader both vocally and by example. Sky’s the limit for him.” – Garrett coach Logan Traylor
No. 11 – Jadrien Ezell, New Haven
During the 2024-25 season he posted an average of 13 points per game as the team’s second leading scorer, adding 2.9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1.3 steals per outing, which underlines his all-around contribution beyond just scoring. Ezell is praised for his perimeter shooting and scoring burst — multiple game performances of 20-30 points and 50-70% field-goal efficiency, including strong outings from deep. He had 21 points on 69 percent shooting against East Noble, and in his season best 30 point outing opposite Norwell, he shot 61 percent. Ezell stands out as a rising guard prospect not just in the area, but in the region and state, who’s poised to take on a larger role in the season ahead.
Coach’s Quote on Ezell
“A ton of upside and arguably the best scorer in the city. Capable of knocking down shots from all over the gym and has a little bounce too!” – New Haven coach Brandon Appleton
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
Be the first to comment