The Bulldogs enters the new season with a confident mix of returning experience and emerging talent, aiming to build on last year’s momentum and push toward another conference title. With only two seniors lost, the Bulldogs bring back a core group that has proven it can compete with anyone in the conference — and they have their sights set squarely on taking the next step.
Leading the charge is a dynamic backcourt. Part of that is senior shooting guard Jadrien Ezell, a smooth scorer and reliable veteran who averaged 14 points per game last season. Ezell’s ability to score from all three levels gives New Haven a dynamic weapon in the half-court, while his leadership and composure in big moments will be vital as the Bulldogs pursue a conference title.
In the backcourt alongside him, junior point guard Tarvar Baskerville returns after an impressive campaign that earned him First Team All-Conference recognition. Baskerville’s blend of speed, vision, and scoring ability (14 ppg) makes him one of the most complete guards in the area. His chemistry with Ezell creates a dangerous one-two punch capable of breaking down defenses and setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
Inside, junior forward Lavell Ledbetter and senior forward DaMarcus Wright provide balance and toughness. Ledbetter averaged eight points per game, while Wright (7 ppg) anchors the paint with physicality and experience. Together, they give New Haven an interior presence that can rebound, defend, and stretch defenses when needed to compliment their high level guard play.
Several key returners will also play crucial roles in deepening the rotation. Senior Daylen Jackson, a 6’5” forward, is expected to have a breakout year with his size and athleticism, while senior Darion Cryer is a strong defender — the type of player every contender needs to close out tough games. In addition, junior Shane Rogers Smith, a transfer from North Side, adds another capable contributor who can provide energy and scoring versatility on the wing.
A new face to watch is freshman power forward Jayon Thomas, a 6’3”, 245-pound force expected to make an immediate impact. His size and strength could give the Bulldogs an added dimension in the post, helping to shore up rebounding and defense — both key areas identified for improvement this season.
New Haven’s coach emphasizes defense and rebounding as the biggest growth points heading into the year. If the Bulldogs can elevate their effort on that end of the floor, they believe their offensive firepower will take care of the rest.
With experience, athleticism, and hunger driving them, Northrop has made its priorities clear: win the conference outright and bring home a sectional championship. If the returning stars and new contributors continue to gel, this group has the talent and leadership to make those goals more than just talk — they have the pieces to make it happen.
“Excited to see what we are capable of this season as we return lots of players in our program. We want to play fast and aggressive with a better understanding of what plays help us win ball games,” said coach Brandon Appleton.
WHY #4?
New Haven came out and made teams play at the Bulldogs’ tempo and pace more often than not last season. If they can do that again, that means big problems for teams across the court from them.
New Haven’s core players have only gotten better since we last saw them together (not counting June) and that means that everyone in the NE8 could be playing chase, even last season’s co-NE8 champions Columbia City.
Size, speed, shooting, physicality…New Haven has all of the tools.
KEY GAME
January 31 at Columbia City
There are a lot of big games for New Haven before we get to the last month of the season, but knowing what we know, this is the biggest.
A year ago, New Haven took an eight point loss to the Eagles and it is the only thing that kept them from an outright conference title. Make no mistake, New Haven is not looking to replicate that and this squad will do everything in its power to make a statement in this game.
Will it decide the NE8 title? That is hard to say this early with this game being that late in the season. But what is a guarantee, this game is circled twice in red on both teams’ calendars.
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