The offseason of high school basketball seems like it takes forever. So this offseason, I wanna stay active. I wanna talk hoops.
Topic 3X: the under the radar guys and girls. Are they up from JV? Freshmen maybe? Had lesser roles on the varsity level last season? Call them hidden gems, call them potential breakout players, whatever they are….expect these players to make waves at times or even every game next season.
In case you were wondering, these players are listed in NO specific order.
GIRLS
ELLINGTON SPARKMAN, DEKALB
At first glance, it may seem odd to label Sparkman a hidden gem after she tied for the team lead in scoring at 10.8 points per game as just a sophomore. But DeKalb spent last season navigating a rebuild under a new coach with a young roster, keeping the Barons out of the spotlight more often than not. That should begin to change, and Sparkman is a big reason why as she finished the season scoring in double figures five straight times including a career best 24 against Lakeland. Along with her scoring, she added 3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game, giving DeKalb a proven offensive threat who is poised to become one of the area’s more recognizable rising stars.
CHLOE VERDIN, FREMONT
Verdin may not always receive the same level of attention as some of her teammates, but that shouldn’t be the case after earning a starting role on a state finalist team. She quietly put together an impressive season, averaging 8.2 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 3 3 steals, and 4 deflections per game while shooting 44.6 percent from two-point range. With another offseason of development, Verdin has all the tools to become an even bigger two-way weapon next winter as the Eagles continue to trend upward and look poised to be even stronger.
KYRA LOWE, WHITKO
Lowe’s value is poised to climb even higher as Whitko continues to develop a young core capable of stepping into major roles year after year. Already one of the Wildcats’ most versatile contributors, she averaged 9.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 steals per game last season while proving she can impact the game on both ends of the floor. As Whitko’s talent continues to mature, expect Lowe to become an even more dangerous playmaker and one of the driving forces behind the program’s continued rise.
REAGAN HUSS, WARSAW
Huss will be asked to take on a much larger role this season as Warsaw turns the page with the graduation of its top three scorers and the arrival of a new head coach. The good news for the Tigers is that she has already shown flashes of being ready for the challenge, including an 11-point performance in a win over Snider and a 15-point outing in a victory against Valparaiso. Entering the season as Warsaw’s top returning scorer (6.3 points per game) and top returning defender (1.3 steals per game), Huss has a prime opportunity to emerge as the new face of the Tigers’ next chapter.
ADDI RICHARDSON, HUNTINGTON NORTH
Richardson quietly emerged as one of the most complete young players in the area last season, doing a little bit of everything for another program working through a rebuild. As a sophomore, she led her team with 2.9 steals per game while ranking second in both scoring (9/game) and rebounding (5.5/game). Her all-around impact was evident with three double-doubles and five games featuring at least five steals, showcasing the kind of versatility that can help accelerate her team’s climb while making Richardson a player more people will be talking about next season.
BOYS
NOLAN BOWERS, HERITAGE
Bowers looks ready to become a centerpiece for Heritage after beginning to break through during the latter stages of his sophomore season. The big man has polished footwork around the basket and already provides a strong interior presence, finishing last year with 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Consistency has been the biggest key to his development, and if he can build on the momentum he found late in the season while taking another step offensively, Bowers has the potential to become one of the toughest post players to handle in the ACAC.
COHEN JOHNSON, LAKEWOOD PARK
Johnson established himself as one of the area’s better freshmen last season, and the opportunity in front of him only continues to grow. With Lakewood graduating its top player and an All-Area performer, the Panthers will need someone to take command of the offense, and Johnson appears well-positioned to step into that role with the ball in his hands. After averaging 4.7 points and 2.8 assists while appearing in all 26 games as a freshman, his poise and decision-making give him a chance to become the catalyst for Lakewood’s next wave of success.
CJ BULLOCK, WOODLAN
Bullock took on a much bigger role as a sophomore, and he’ll be counted on to elevate his game again this winter. An explosive athlete, he makes his biggest impact on the defensive end with his speed and relentless energy, but those same traits make him dangerous offensively as well. His quick first step allows him to get downhill and attack the basket, giving the Warriors another weapon as his confidence continues to grow. He averaged 4.3 points per game last season.
RALPH MORENCY, BISHOP LUERS
Morency may have seen his stock rise more than any player in Northeast Indiana this spring and summer thanks to an impressive AAU season and a strong June with the Knights. While he appeared in 25 games as a sophomore, he wasn’t yet at the forefront of Bishop Luers’ rotation. That narrative is quickly changing. At 6-foot-7, Morency’s length, athleticism, and rapidly developing skill set have made him one of the area’s most intriguing prospects, and he has all the makings of Northeast Indiana’s biggest breakout performer next season.
BRAHDEE TAYLOR, WARSAW
Taylor is in a prime position to significantly elevate his role in Warsaw’s backcourt this season. After seeing limited varsity action as a sophomore, the rising junior now has an opportunity to help fill the void left by the Tigers’ departing guard depth. He has already shown flashes of being a tough offensive player, and if he can develop the consistency to match that potential, there are plenty of minutes and responsibilities waiting for someone like him. Simply put, Warsaw needs quality guard play, and how big of a role Taylor earns could very much be in his own hands.
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