For the eighth 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 2026-2027 season.
Want to know how we come up with our rankings? Click here.
A few insights into Bounce’s protocol:
- This is based on high school impact, not college potential. We get it, there are D1 athletes here lower than non-D1 athletes. This isn’t a recruiting database, this is based purely off of high school output.
- No newbies. Players with previous varsity playing time only
Today, we tip off the countdown on the boys hoops side with positions No. 50-46.
No. 50: Kobe Marquardt, Lakewood Park
Kobe Marquardt has established himself as a perimeter threat that demands attention every time Lakewood Park Christian crosses half court. He averaged 12.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and one assist in 24 games during the 2025–26 season, while connecting on 81 three-pointers at nearly 42 percent shooting. That combination of volume and accuracy earned him recognition across Indiana. His ability to change a game from deep showed in a 29-point performance against Lakeland Christian, when he buried seven triples in a 64–51 victory. With that production complementing his proven shooting, Marquardt enters the coming season positioned to become an even more complete offensive leader for Lakewood Park.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MARQUARDT
“Kobe is a tireless worker who does everything we ask of him. He shot the lights out from 3 last season and has grown his game even more this offseason. Kobe is a great kid who we can’t wait to continue to watch grow on and off the floor. His role has grown exponentially and I know he is up for the challenge this season. He has the potential to be the best shooter in this area.” – Lakewood Park coach Jared Estep
No. 49: Jake Stoy, Prairie Heights
Prairie Heights’ Jake Stoy enters his senior season with the experience and versatility to help set the Panthers’ tone on both ends. Coming off a season averaging 8.4 points, 3.8 assists, three rebounds and 1.8 steals, the All-NECC honorable mention selection brings a balanced mix of scoring, playmaking and defensive activity. His ability to create for others also showed in the 2025 Summit Summer League, where he led the league in assists and finished second in steals. Stoy’s knack for turning defensive pressure into offensive opportunities makes him an important leader for Prairie Heights, with room to take on a larger scoring role this winter, showcased last season in a 19 point outing against Fremont.
COACH’S QUOTE ON STOY
“Jake is a four-year varsity starter who has the ability to control the game with his ball handling, pace, and ability to finish around the basket. With our team returning very little varsity experience, Jake will be counted on to provide leadership. Not only will he be a valuable asset to this year’s team, but he also has a great opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our program by setting the tone for our younger players and helping build a foundation for future success.” – Prairie Heights coach Dylan Reed
No. 48: Bryce Yoder, Westview
Bryce Yoder gives Westview a young point guard whose confidence and playmaking ability extend beyond his size. After averaging 4.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal per game as a freshman, Yoder enters his sophomore season with All-NECC honorable mention recognition already on his résumé. Prep Hoops has highlighted his willingness to attack the basket, finish against taller defenders and create opportunities for teammates, while its social media coverage identified him among prospects to watch at its Sophomore ID Camp. That combination of varsity experience and an attacking approach gives Yoder a strong foundation to become an increasingly influential part of the Warriors’ backcourt.
COACH’S QUOTE ON YODER
“Bryce brings an intensity to our defense with his ball pressure. He helps set the tone for our team. He has improved his scoring and passing ability against length. We are excited for him to have a bigger role offensively for us this year.” – Westview coach Chandler Prible
No. 47: Josh Aulbach, Southern Wells
Josh Aulbach gives Southern Wells an experienced interior anchor entering his senior season, bringing 6-foot-6 size and production of 10.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. An All-ACAC honorable mention selection last winter, Aulbach recorded six double-doubles, including three straight late in the season against Woodlan, Anderson Prep and Muncie Burris—a stretch highlighted by 16 points and 11 rebounds against Anderson Prep. His scoring around the basket, steady rebounding and experience as a varsity captain give the Raiders a dependable frontcourt foundation and a leader capable of setting the tone this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON AULBACH
“Josh is a great leader and will be a big part of our team this year. He has size and skill that can be hard to guard at the 1A level but more importantly he is a great teammate and will be a big help with the younger players this year. e are looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.” – Southern Wells coach Mickey Strong
No. 46: Sam Lara, Warsaw
Sam Lara gives Warsaw an experienced senior point guard who can influence games through scoring, playmaking and defensive pressure. After averaging 9.8 points, three rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game, Lara returns with All-NLC honorable mention recognition and a proven ability to deliver late. He scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter of a comeback win over Providence and added six fourth-quarter points in a road victory at Concord. Lara enters the winter positioned to provide the backcourt leadership and production Warsaw needs to take another step forward.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LARA
“Sam returns having been a part of some big moments the previous two years in Tiger basketball. His competitive spirit and leadership will be profound for us to take the necessary steps forward this upcoming year.” – Warsaw coach Matt Moore
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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