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. 10-6
No. 10 – Declan Grieser, Bluffton
A tandout forward and team captain for the Tigers last season, he posted an impressive 18.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while also contributing an assist and a steal per contest. According to a regional feature, he shot a highly efficient 60% from two-point range and 47% from three, with 63% at the free-throw line. Known for a solid poise in late-game situations, Grieser drilled a game-winning three-pointer to seal a 47-46 victory over Jay County Patriots. Grieser’s scoring average is the second best returning average in the area as only two players are back after scoring 18 or more points per game.
Coach’s Quote on Grieser
“Declan was our leading scorer and rebounder last year. He is committed, tough, can play inside/out, willing and able to take and make big shots and is a great teammate and leader.” – Bluffton coach Craig Teagle
No. 9 – Tarvar Baskerville, New Haven
Baskerville made a strong impression last season as he helped lead New Haven to a share of the NE8 title. He averaged a team best 13.7 points per game, along with 2.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2 steals over 24 games last season. Baskerville ranked among the top two players in the Northeast 8 Conference in points per game and assists per game. He has a strong ability to attack off the dribble, finish through contact, and shoot from deep as a three level scorer. An active playmaker, Baskerville is willing to battle on the boards and defensively as well, and has a knack for putting himself in the right spots to score the ball. He had five games of 20-or-more points last season including a season best 25 against Marion.
Coach’s Quote on Baskerville
“An elite point guard in Fort Wayne with an uncanny ability to take over a game when needed.” – Angola coach Brandon Appleton
No. 8 – Landon Richmond, Columbia City
Potentially no player in Northeast Indiana had more of a breakout campaign last season than Richmond, who excelarated both his own and his program’s development to capture a share of the NE8 title. Richmond operates primarily as a small-forward/power-forward and averaged 13.8 points, 7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 59% from the field—a mark that reflects his strong inside presence and decision-making when attacking the basket. His size and rebound numbers allow him to guard multiple positions, and his scoring efficiency shows he’s making smart reads and finishing well around the rim. With his two-way impact, emerging leadership and advanced production, Richmond is shaping up to be one of the key pieces to watch moving into his senior season with the Eagles sights on bigger titles.
Coach’s Quote on Richmond
“Landon Richmond is one of the best, if not the best, rebounders in the state of Indiana. He has grown his game since the end of last season and I am excited to watch him continue to get better. Landon is a competitor and a winner, which is the reason he has been successful.” – Columbia City coach Matt Schauss
No. 7 – Kaden Grau, Westview
A massive part of what made Westview so successful as NECC, NECC Tournament and Sectional titles was Grau’s long play. He shot 59% from two-point range, 32% from three, and an outstanding 83% from the free-throw line. Averaging 14.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, Grau consistently provided the Warriors with a steady offensive presence, capable of attacking the rim or spacing the floor from beyond the arc. His poise and scoring efficiency made him one of the team’s most dependable options, and his all-around game positioned him as a leader within Westview’s rotation and a key factor in the program’s strong showings.
Coach’s Quote on Grau
“He is a very important piece for us this year. He will be a key contributor on both ends of the floor. He can score at all 3 levels and will need to do that consistently for us to be at our best.” – Westview coach Chandler Prible
No. 6 – Xavier Wilson, Snider
He has emerged as one of Northeast Indiana’s more dynamic two-way players and was one of last season’s greatest success stories and breakout players in the area. He has the size and length to defend passing lanes making him a tough off or on-ball defender Last season, he had multiple 20-point outings (for example 21 points including five threes vs. North Side) and a strong showing shooting 60% or better multiple times. His fire and high-energy pace have made his slashing scoring ability so much more active. A season ago, Wilson led Snider at 14.8 points per game, while adding 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. He opened last season with his only double double of the year and posted a season high 4 steals against Mishawaka Marian.
Coach’s Quote on Wilson
“Xavier Wilson is a guy that you love to coach. He never ran from adversity, continues to be coached, and has emerged as one of the best players in Northeast Indiana. He is a great scorer and can score inside and out. I am excited to see him go out and perform at a high level his senior year.” – Snider coach Josh Riikonen
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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