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. 40-36
No. 40: Josh Sandoval, South Side
Josh Sandoval gives South Side a proven perimeter threat heading into his senior season after averaging 8.9 points and 1.3 assists per game last winter. An All-SAC honorable mention selection, Sandoval shot 37 percent from three-point range, helping the Archers finish 18-5. His ability to change a game from beyond the arc showed against Bishop Dwenger, when he knocked down five threes and scored 19 points in a 60-48 victory. With his shooting drawing attention, Sandoval’s ability to stretch defenses should remain a valuable complement to South Side’s talented backcourt.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SANDOVAL
“Josh Sandoval is fiery shooter with long range that is never detered by misses.” – South Side coach JJ Foster
No. 39: Ian St. John, Columbia City
Ian St. John heads into his junior season as a promising piece of Columbia City’s backcourt after averaging 9.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game last winter. He showed his ability to deliver in big moments during the Eagles’ sectional championship run, scoring 17 points—including eight in the third quarter and a pair of three-pointers—in a 51-41 semifinal victory over Fairfield. After providing scoring support alongside seniors Owen Marshall and Landon Richmond, St. John looks positioned for greater responsibility, with his perimeter shooting and postseason experience giving Columbia City a strong foundation in the backcourt.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ST. JOHN
“Ian is our lone returning starter from last year’s Final Four team. He played a big role with that group, but it will be expanded this year. He will be one of the better scorers in the area, but we also want him to be one of the best creators and facilitators. We are excited to see his growth as a leader and voice for our program.” – Columbia City coach Matt Schauss
No. 38: Shane Rogers-Smith, New Haven
Shane Rogers-Smith gives New Haven an experienced, versatile backcourt presence after averaging 7.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game during the Bulldogs’ Class 3A state runner-up season. The 6-foot-1 senior shot 48.7 percent from the field and 38.1 percent from three-point range entering the state finals, providing efficient scoring alongside his playmaking. His ability to contribute in big moments showed with 12 points in New Haven’s historic regional championship victory over West Lafayette. Rogers-Smith has a solidly smooth pull-up jumper but also an ability to attack off the dribble—tools that position Rogers-Smith for an expanded impact this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ROGERS-SMITH
“Often forgotten and underrated. He is one of the hardest workers in our program. He is a superb student and looks to improve even more on his role within our program now as a senior.” – New Haven coach Brandon Appleton
No. 37: Brayden Freiburger, Huntington North
Brayden Freiburger enters his junior season as a versatile building block for Huntington North after averaging 9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.7 steals per game last winter. The 6-foot-4 guard earned second-team All-NE8 honors, demonstrating the ability to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator. His offensive potential showed in a 68-67 victory over eventual Class 3A state runner-up New Haven, when he delivered 20 points and seven rebounds while shooting 8-for-13 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range. That combination of perimeter scoring and work on the glass makes Freiburger a strong candidate to take on greater responsibility alongside Titus Schultz this season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON FREIBURGER
“Starting to understand his role and our expectations for him. Wants to have that bigger role. One of our better shooters. Continues to improve on being a leader. Brayden is our second leading scorer returning. Has a chance to be our to stat leader in multiple areas.” – Huntington North coach Eric Thompson
No. 36: Jonah Lagrange, Leo
Jonah Lagrange enters his junior season as an emerging frontcourt presence for Leo after earning All-NE8 honorable mention honors as a sophomore. The 6-foot-6 forward showed his ability to impact conference games with 16 points and six rebounds in a victory over Bellmont, giving the Lions a productive scoring and rebounding option. With his size and growing résumé, Lagrange looks positioned to take on greater responsibility for Leo this winter.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LAGRANGE
“Jonah became a go-to option midway through last season as a sophomore. Through the ups and downs, he has developed a better understanding of what it takes to be successful at the varsity level and has made significant strides in several areas of his game. His continued growth will be essential to our success this season. Beyond basketball, Jonah is a great all-around kid who excels in the classroom and is continuing to grow as a leader both on and off the court.” – Leo coach Derek Hinen
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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