For the third straight season, Outside the Huddle is extending our official postseason awards to honor some of the best defenders and some of the best newcomers in the area to recognize some other talents outside of our 15 player All-Area team.
So now we introduce to your our top 6 picks for the best defensive players and best freshmen in the Northeast Indiana coverage area to honor each category from the 2025-2026 season.
OTH 2026 ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAM
KEYAN ARROYO, LAKELAND
Arroyo made his biggest impact on the defensive end this season for Lakeland, establishing himself as one of the area’s most disruptive perimeter defenders. Averaging 2.7 steals per game, he consistently turned pressure into points, highlighted by a program-record eight steals in a single game. His season total finished fifth in Lakeland history, a testament to both his instincts and activity level. More importantly, Arroyo’s presence set the tone for a defense that allowed the lowest points per game in program history, anchoring a unit that thrived on energy, anticipation and forcing mistakes.
NOLAN BAKER, EASTSIDE
Baker anchored Eastside’s defense with a dominant interior presence all season, impacting the game in ways that went far beyond the box score. The senior was a force on the glass, highlighted by a school-record 22 rebounds in a single game, but his true calling card was his elite rim protection. Averaging an area-best 4.1 blocks per game to go along with 1.5 steals, Baker altered shots, erased mistakes and made opponents think twice about attacking the paint. His 4.1 blocks per game and 94 total blocks both ranked second in the state of Indiana.
TARVAR BASKERVILLE, NEW HAVEN
Baskerville proved to be the tone-setter for New Haven’s defense this season, using his energy and instincts to wreak havoc on opposing guards. The junior averaged 2.5 steals per game and piled up a team-high 73 total steals, consistently turning defense into offense. His impact only grew in the biggest moments, averaging five steals per game throughout the state tournament and swiping five more in the Class 3A state title game.
TREY DECKMAN, COLUMBIA CITY
Sometimes overshadowed by Columbia City’s high-powered offense, Deckman was a key piece in the Eagles’ defensive success all season. Averaging 2.5 steals per game, he consistently disrupted opposing offenses and created extra possessions, while his team-second-best 127 defensive rebounds showed his ability to finish stops and control the glass. Deckman’s steady defensive presence and activity helped fuel Columbia City’s run to both sectional and regional titles, providing the balance that made the Eagles such a complete team.
TERRANCE JORDAN, SOUTH SIDE
Jordan was the engine behind South Side’s defensive identity this season, using his quick hands and anticipation to consistently flip games. The Archers standout averaged an area-best 3.2 steals per game, ranking 16th in the state, and played a major role in leading South Side to an SAC title. His ability to take over defensively was evident in his biggest performances, including an eight-steal game against Jay County and six steals in matchups with both Leo and Tipton.
CAMERON SUMMERS, BELLMONT
As Bellmont continues to rebuild, Summers emerged as a key defensive piece, bringing effort and consistency on that end of the floor. He averaged 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game, showcasing a well-rounded defensive impact that combined rim protection with active hands on the perimeter. Often underrated as a shot blocker and interior defender, Summers made life difficult at the basket, consistently challenging and altering attempts while providing a steady presence behind the defense.
OTH 2026 ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
CAMDEN BROOKS, WOODLAN
Camden Brooks put together an impressive freshman campaign at Woodlan, quickly establishing himself as one of the area’s top young scorers. He averaged a freshman-best 9.6 points per game while adding 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists, showing both confidence and versatility early in his high school career. He scored a career best 18 points against Churubusco. Brooks’ ability to contribute right away provided a strong foundation for Woodlan and signaled the emergence of a promising future centerpiece for the program.
LEROY RUCKMAN, EASTSIDE
Ruckman showed plenty of promise this season for Eastside, emerging as a bright spot for a program in the midst of a rebuild. He averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game, impacting the game in a variety of ways while continuing to grow into a larger role. He scored a career best 21 in the Sectional round and had four steals on two occasions. With his all-around production and steady development, Ruckman looks poised to be a key piece—and potential cornerstone—for Eastside moving forward.
JAYON THOMAS, NEW HAVEN
Jayon Thomas may not have put up eye-popping numbers, but the New Haven freshman proved to be a valuable piece in the Bulldogs’ run to the Class 3A state title game. Averaging 3 points and 3 rebounds. Thomas made his presence felt with energy, defense and timely contributions. His impact was especially evident on the biggest stage, posting 7 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks in just over 11 minutes in the state finals. Thomas’ ability to step into key moments as a freshman highlighted his importance to the team and pointed to a very promising future.
MASON WEAVER, HOMESTEAD
Mason Weaver’s freshman season at Homestead was a strong early step in his development, as he carved out a role on a program that rarely leans on underclassmen at the varsity level. Averaging 3.3 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, Weaver showed a steady, reliable presence whenever he was on the floor. His composure and understanding of the game stood out, especially for a freshman in such a competitive rotation, signaling that he has the tools to become an important piece for Homestead in the years ahead.
MADDOX WHITE, BLUFFTON
Maddox White put together a strong season for Bluffton, emerging as one of the premier shooters in the ACAC regardless of class. He averaged 7.6 points, 2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game, providing a well-rounded impact while consistently stretching defenses with his shooting ability. White’s reputation as a knockdown threat made him a key piece of Bluffton’s offense and a player opponents always had to account for on the perimeter.
BRYCE YODER, WESTVIEW
Bryce Yoder brought energy and defensive intensity to Westview all season, playing a key role in the Warriors’ success. A true pest on the defensive end, he helped spark transition opportunities with his pressure and activity, earning All-Conference honors. Yoder averaged 4.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal per game, providing steady contributions across the board. His impact carried onto the biggest stage as well, logging over 28 minutes and scoring 8 points in the Class 2A state title game, a testament to the trust and value he brought to the lineup.
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