The offseason of high school basketball seems like it takes forever. So this offseason, I wanna stay active. I wanna talk hoops.
Topic One: the ones who lead. The first line of offense and often the first line of defense for teams. Who takes the lead, points out spots, picks apart defenses, call the plays, makes the passes and and talk their team up. The best, in theory, lead guards in Northeast Indiana next season.
In case you were wondering, these players are listed in NO specific order.
BOYS
MAX GOHEEN, NORTH SIDE
With all of the talent and flash North Side has featured over the years, it can be easy to overlook just how important Max Goheen has been to the Legends’ success. Since stepping onto the varsity floor as a freshman, Goheen has been the steady hand running the show, making the right decisions and keeping the offense flowing. Last season, he averaged 5.1 assists per game while posting an impressive 2.95 assist-to-turnover ratio, proving his ability to create for others while taking care of the basketball. His leadership and efficiency were key factors in North Side’s run to the sectional championship game, and as he continues to develop, his impact remains one of the biggest reasons for the Legends’ success.
JAYVON IRBY AND TERRANCE JORDAN, SOUTH SIDE
There may not be a better lead guard tandem in Northeast Indiana than South Side’s Jayvon Irby and Terrance Jordan. The duo was instrumental in guiding the Archers to an SAC championship last season, combining elite playmaking with outstanding decision-making. Irby averaged 4.6 assists per game while Jordan added 4.4, giving South Side two proven floor generals capable of creating offense. Even more impressive, both took exceptional care of the basketball, with Irby posting a 3.89 assist-to-turnover ratio and Jordan checking in at 3.4. Their ability to control the game, distribute the ball, and limit mistakes makes them one of the state’s most effective backcourt pairings.
ZEN SZAFERSKI, BISHOP LUERS
As one of the area’s few players to average five or more assists per game last year, Szaferski has already established himself as one of Northeast Indiana’s top floor generals. He directs the Bishop Luers offense with a steady hand and a high basketball IQ, but he’s also poised to become one of the Knights’ primary scoring options. Quick, scrappy, and relentless on both ends, Szaferski consistently makes winning plays. His ability to make smart decisions with the basketball will be a major strength for Bishop Luers as he enters his junior season after he averaged just at 5 assists last season.
BRADY VINCE, DEKALB
Brady Vince was the engine that helped keep DeKalb’s offense humming a season ago, averaging 4 assists per game while playing a key role in the Barons’ up-tempo attack. Vince thrives in a frenetic pace, consistently pushing the ball, creating opportunities for teammates, and serving as a glue guy who made everything fit together offensively. With DeKalb set to replace a significant portion of its varsity production, his leadership, experience, and playmaking ability will be even more important this winter as one of the team’s few returning contributors.
AUSTIN SCHLABACH, WESTVIEW
Schlabach’s playmaking numbers were almost mind-blowing when you consider how much offensive responsibility he already carried for Westview. While leading the Warriors in scoring and helping guide them to the brink of a state championship, he also paced the area with 5.7 assists per game. That’s a rare combination of production and unselfishness. Schlabach has a knack for making things happen whenever the ball is in his hands, whether that’s creating his own shot or setting up a teammate for an easy basket. Despite being the focal point of the offense, he consistently knows when to attack and when to defer, a trait that makes him one of the most complete players in Northeast Indiana.
GIRLS
KAYLEE DAVIS, SOUTHERN WELLS
Because she plays outside of the traditional Northeast Indiana spotlight schools, Kaylee Davis may not receive the recognition she deserves, but her sophomore campaign established her as one of the area’s most complete offensive players. Davis averaged 4.6 assists per game, ranking among the region’s elite distributors, while also leading Southern Wells in scoring at 14.0 points per contest. Her ability to create offense makes her one of the most dynamic young guards in the area and a player who should continue to gain attention as her career progresses.
DESSI POPE, SNIDER
Pope enters the season as the area’s top returning distributor after averaging an impressive 6.1 assists per game at Blackhawk Christian, and her offseason move to Snider could make those numbers climb even higher. Already one of the most gifted playmakers in Northeast Indiana, Pope now joins a program loaded with athleticism and scoring options, giving her even more weapons to utilize. Her vision, pace, and ability to create easy opportunities for teammates make her a natural fit to orchestrate the Panthers’ offense.
MACKENZIE COLLINS, LEO
Collins’ return is a major reason Leo should remain competitive in the NE8. While she could very well emerge as the Lions’ primary scoring option, her value as a lead guard may be even more important. Last season, Collins averaged 5.0 assists per game while posting a 1.3 assist-to-turnover ratio, consistently putting teammates in position to succeed and helping direct the flow of the offense with an anchor center to work with. With Leo looking to replace key production, her experience will be crucial.
LUCY KITCHEN, EASTSIDE
Kitchen etched her name into the Eastside record books last season, setting a new program single-season record with 149 total assists. That remarkable mark translated to an even 6 assists per game, highlighting just how instrumental she was in making the Blazers’ offense go. More than just a passer, Kitchen serves as the engine that drives Eastside, consistently creating quality opportunities for teammates while controlling the pace of the game. As the Blazers enter another season with expectations of being one of the area’s top teams, her vision and playmaking ability will once again be at the center of their success.
DELANEY NOLL, HOMESTEAD
Noll is already a familiar name throughout Northeast Indiana thanks to her success at Homestead and the exposure she receives on the AAU circuit, but this winter could be the season she takes center stage as one of the Spartans’ next star players. Last season, she averaged 4.3 assists per game, showcasing her ability to create opportunities for teammates and impact the game in multiple ways. However, that number may only be a glimpse of what is ahead. With Homestead graduating significant production and Noll set to move considerably up the offensive pecking order, she will be counted on for much more than facilitating.
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