While OTH focuses on four main area conferences, there are several teams and important programs outside of that big four that garner our attention.
So here is a look at some area teams and what they expect from a new season.
BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN BRAVES
Blackhawk Christian enters the new season with a fierce defensive identity and a roster built on tempo, toughness, and guard play. Senior point guard Briggs Pardon (10.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg) anchors a returning core that includes sophomore wings Drake Sefton (5.6 ppg) and Bryce LaCross (7.1 ppg), while experienced seniors Payton Rhinehart and Jaeden O’Neal add stability. A deep group of newcomers—highlighted by juniors Isaac Stayton and Jack Zolman, plus young guards Kyler Wood, Ryker Knox, Elliott Cummings, and freshman Cooper Cochran—brings length, speed, and ball-handling depth. The Braves look to replace major rebounding production following the graduation of stars like Indiana All-Star Kellen Picket (Wright State) and Bryce Sefton, making toughness on the glass a key growth area.
“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.
CANTERBURY CAVALIERS
The Cavs return the majority of their lineup after a season that saw them suffer a one point loss in the Sectional championship round. This year does bring one change: Canterbury will be part of the Hoosier Plains Conference that also contains ex-NECC area school Hamilton. With the chance at a conference title in play for the Cavaliers, they will be led by returning starters Alden Greider (9.7 ppg, 2.6 spg) and Aran Padmalingam (7 ppg, 2.6 apg) – both seniors – and fellow senior Sean Lugakingira. Also back are juniors Ben Hardin (4.2 ppg), Noah Hayes, Nick Collins, J.P. Rohwer and Jack Landgraf. Another junior, Jackson Garrett, will join the squad as Canterbury plans to use their speed and defensive pressure to help showcase their experience gained last season, mostly as underclassmen.
“We are excited about our club and the potential to be a strong in conference and the state tournament,” said coach Deric Adams.
LAKEWOOD PARK PANTHERS
Led by senior standout Avery MacFarlane, who averaged an impressive 18.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, this team enters the season with size, scoring potential, and confidence. MacFarlane anchors a lineup that includes key returners Garrett Black (2.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Noah Carnahan (3.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg), and Andrew Nixon (4.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg) from a Sectional winning squard. Senior contributors William Nolot and Madden Knox bring defensive edge, while junior Caleb Shirar adds valuable three-point shooting and perimeter defense. Sophomore point guard Kobe Marquardt headlines a promising newcomer group, expected to help push the pace and facilitate a faster style of play. With an emphasis on playing quicker and boosting offensive output, the program aims to surpass 10 wins for the first time since 2019–20 and make another strong run at a sectional championship.
“We are really excited about the ceiling for this group. We have some great pieces just must get them to come together and learn how to defend as one. If we can value possessions and defend the way we need this group too we could be a fun,” said new coach Jared Estep.
MANCHESTER SQUIRES
The Squires are at the start of a rebuild after a state title run last year, graduating arguably the best player in program history and now with a new coach at the helm in former IPFW player and coach Pat Lepper taking on that role. Aaron Reid and Dallas Martin are the top two returners after playing in 28 and 27 games respectively last season. Reid averaged 2.8 points per game as the only returning starter this season, he is expected to be able to shoot the ball well for the Squires. Wyatt Schroll is also back after seeing some time as a freshman last season.
WARSAW TIGERS
Warsaw enters the 2024–25 season with the goal of capturing its third Northern Lakes Conference title in six years and third straight sectional championship. Senior wing Mydin Burgher headlines the returning group after averaging 11.7 points per game on 55% shooting, while junior guard Sam Lara adds efficiency and composure in the backcourt after hitting 57% from the field. Seniors Jaron Courtois and Sam McDaniels, along with sophomore Drew Jones, provide experience and athleticism to complement Warsaw’s trademark size and length. Gabe Ioane, Alex Higdon, and Nash Wiggins step into key roles this season. Though unproven in spots, Warsaw’s depth, length, and defensive intensity give the program every reason to believe it can once again be among Indiana’s most consistent contenders.
“We have a number of players that will get the opportunity to step into bigger roles in Tiger basketball,” said coach Matt Moore. “This will test us early with a very strong schedule but I believe that as we settle in, this group will find its footing for a strong second half push in 2026.”
WHITKO WILDCATS
With a new coach in place for the second straight season and a mix of experienced returners and young talent, this season represents a fresh chapter for the program. The team returns two key starters in Chandler Cox (7.8 ppg) and Davin Day (4.3 ppg), both of whom gained valuable varsity experience last year and will be counted on to take the next step as leaders on both ends of the floor. A deep supporting cast—including Lincoln Bowers, Daton Day, Caden Deneve, Crew Ebbinghouse, Hunter Long, Randy Romine, and Ethan Yates—gives the lineup flexibility, size, and strength across positions. The addition of freshman guard Cooper Laukhuf adds an exciting young playmaker to the mix, one capable of contributing early.
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity heading into year one at Whitko. Our players have had a great fall and are quickly catching on to a new system, terminology, and environment,” said coach Drew Benedict. “We will play with pace while being under control and defend as a collective unit. We’ll play a style of basketball that displays competitiveness, toughness, and togetherness through a combined confidence in ourselves and our teammates.”
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