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 continue the countdown on the boys hoops side with positions No. 45-41.
No. 45: Ayden O’Neal, Garrett
Ayden O’Neal showed how much he could bring to Garrett immediately, scoring 22 points on 80 percent shooting and grabbing eight rebounds in his Railroader debut against Heritage. Despite missing two months with two separate injuries, he averaged 11.1 points and six rebounds and earned All-NECC honorable mention recognition. O’Neal found his rhythm late, scoring at least 13 points in four straight games to close the regular season, while his work on the offensive glass included six offensive rebounds apiece in wins over Central Noble and Churubusco. That finishing ability and rebounding strength make him an important part of Garrett’s interior entering his senior season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON O’NEAL
“Ayden is such a unique player that pours everything he has into winning games and doing whatever it takes for the team to be successful. Similar to [Isaiah King], he had to battle a lot last year with injuries and didn’t get to play as much as we all would have liked him to. He is hungry and really has taken a leap in terms of his development as a basketball player and as a person. Ayden is a player that we think can average a double double this season just by how hard he plays.” – Garrett coach Logan Traylor
No. 44: Camden Brooks, Woodlan
Camden Brooks wasted little time establishing himself in Woodlan’s backcourt, averaging 9.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists as a freshman while earning second-team All-ACAC honors. He showed his scoring potential with 17 points against Lakewood Park and 15 points on 75 percent shooting in a win over Prairie Heights. Brooks continued drawing attention with his three-point shooting as one of the areas best underclassmen to watch. That perimeter threat, paired with a full season of varsity experience, positions Brooks to take on an even larger offensive role for the Warriors this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BROOKS
“The work Camden continuously puts into his game allows him to impact the game in a variety of ways. He shows great poise and maturity, which allows him to be a consistent presence on the court. We look forward to seeing what this season brings, as we will continue to rely on him in all facets of the game.” – Woodlan coach John Baker
No. 43: Rashon Johnson, Concordia
Rashon Johnson gives Concordia a versatile senior who can contribute across the floor after averaging 10.1 points, five rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game and earning second-team All-SAC honors last season. He stands out with how he uses his length, athleticism and ability to finish through contact in transition, traits that complement his rebounding and defensive activity. Johnson also showed his scoring potential with 17 points on 58 percent shooting against Northrop, giving the Cadets a returning leader capable of taking on a larger offensive role while continuing to impact both ends.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JOHNSON
“Rashon has been an important piece for us the last 2 seasons. His athleticism, length, and toughness makes him a difficult match up on the court. Rashon has a great motor giving everything he has all the time. As a coach, you appreciate seeing his work ethic in practice knowing every rep is going to be 100%. This offseason, you have seen the growth and maturity in the little things that contributed to him taking the next step. Being able to guard multiple types of players and taking pride in it. His ability to create and find teammates. His determination to get to the rim and finish. Rashon will be an exciting player to watch this season!” – Concordia Lutheran coach Phil Brackmann
No. 42: Alex Scott, East Noble
Alex Scott gives East Noble an athletic, experienced senior whose energy and scoring make him an important complement to Carson Waltke. An All-NE8 honorable mention selection last season, Scott has drawn praise for his competitive approach and ability to translate his football athleticism to the hardwood. He showed his scoring efficiency with 15 points on 60 percent shooting against Woodlan and 14 points on 70 percent shooting against Goshen, then delivered a team-high 20 points in the Knights’ sectional victory over Bishop Dwenger. Those performances offer a strong foundation for Scott to become an even more consistent offensive threat while helping set East Noble’s competitive tone this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SCOTT
“Alex has turned into a coach’s dream in all sports here at East Noble… he’s just a competitor. He wants to win and is willing to do the things it takes to win. His football, hawking skills shows themselves on the court. Great defender for us and he always wants to guard the best offensive player on a night-in and night-out basis. Alex worked extremely hard on driving to the rim with a plan and a sense of urgency. He simply makes others around him better. Alex will be a guy that we lean heavily on… on both ends of the floor. Really proud of his growth as a leader on and off the court.” – East Noble coach Ed Bentley
No. 41: Anthony Barnes, Northrop
Anthony Barnes gives Northrop a proven interior presence entering his senior season after averaging 11.5 points, eight rebounds and 1.5 steals per game and earning second-team All-SAC honors. The 6-foot-6 forward’s work on the glass stands out: he recorded seven double-digit rebounding games last winter, including 16 boards against Canterbury and 15 apiece in wins over Lakewood Park and Hanover Central, grabbing seven offensive rebounds in each victory. Barnes also scored 20 points in Northrop’s narrow sectional loss to North Side, showing the scoring potential that, paired with his rebounding and defensive activity, makes him a key building block for the Bruins this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BARNES
“Anthony is a young man with an incredible upside. We are going to ask a lot of him this year. He will need to impact both sides of the floor for us to be successful. I expect him to take on a significant leadership role going into his senior year.” – Northrop coach Shane Merryman
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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