Carroll has a proven scorer to build around and a strong SAC finish to build upon, but the Chargers’ next step will depend on how quickly a reshaped supporting cast develops. Following a 14-10 season that included a 7-2 conference record, Carroll enters the 2026-27 campaign with experience in the backcourt and opportunities throughout its rotation. Head coach Chris Benedict’s challenge will be turning that returning foundation into a balanced group capable of sustaining success against the area’s best.
Last season offered evidence of what Carroll could accomplish when it found its rhythm. The Chargers closed the regular season with six consecutive victories, including a 48-46 win over Homestead, a 60-45 victory against Norwell and a 56-53 win over Bishop Luers. That momentum ended with a 58-48 sectional loss to Snider, leaving Carroll with both encouraging results to build on and a reminder of the demands of March basketball.
Senior Jack VanOrder will be central to the Chargers’ efforts to take another step. The 6-foot-2 guard returns after averaging 12.2 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game, making him Carroll’s leading returning scorer and its most established offensive option. With several experienced teammates gone, VanOrder figures to receive increased attention from opposing defenses. His ability to continue producing while creating opportunities for others will be important as new contributors settle into their roles.
Carroll also brings back junior Carter Middleton and senior Lincoln Powell, giving VanOrder familiar company on the perimeter. Middleton, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 5.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists last season and has an opportunity to become a more prominent offensive threat. Powell contributed 4.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Together, the three guards return a combined 22.3 points per contest, providing a starting point for an offense that needs additional players to emerge.
The graduation losses explain why that development matters. Brody Fisher departed after averaging 12.8 points and 7 rebounds, leaving a significant vacancy in both scoring and rebounding. Carroll also graduated Miles Hering, Dominic Keferl, Monzer Omar and Cole Lambert. Those five players combined to average 30.9 points and 17.8 rebounds per game, meaning the Chargers must replace substantial production along with the experience of players accustomed to handling varsity responsibilities.
Senior Sullivan Hill and junior Finn Murphy give Carroll size to develop as it rebuilds its frontcourt production. Hill, a 6-foot-6 forward, averaged 0.6 points and 1.1 rebounds last season, while the 6-foot-7 Murphy contributed 0.6 points and 0.4 rebounds. Neither enters with a large statistical résumé, but both have an opportunity to make a greater impact. Rebounding, protecting the basket and finishing opportunities created by the guards would give Carroll valuable support without requiring either player to immediately become a featured scorer.
Senior DaRon Truesdale adds another frontcourt option. At 6-foot-2, his contributions on the glass will be particularly valuable alongside Carroll’s taller players. The Chargers also return senior guard Tony Rongos and junior Cohen Meyers, a 6-foot-4 guard who averaged 1 point per game. Their development could give Benedict more flexibility with his lineups and help keep the offense from becoming overly dependent on its top three returning scorers.
Sophomores Paxton Hyde and Cameron Rudolph move up from junior varsity with opportunities to compete for roles. Hyde is a 6-foot-1 forward, while Rudolph stands 6-foot-2, adding two more developing options to the roster. With so much production departing, Carroll has room for players to establish themselves through dependable defense, rebounding and sound decisions. How quickly the newcomers and returning reserves adjust to greater responsibility will help determine the Chargers’ depth.
Carroll’s path forward begins with its returning guards, but its ceiling will depend on the group around them. VanOrder gives the Chargers a proven scoring presence, Middleton has room to expand his impact and Powell adds senior experience. If Carroll can complement that perimeter foundation with consistent rebounding and reliable contributions from its developing rotation, the Chargers have a chance to build on last season’s conference success and enter the postseason with a more complete team.
“The Chargers will be a team that will need to be efficient offensively and a solid unit together defensively to ensure success. Carroll plays a demanding SAC and non-conference schedule that should prepare them along the way for tournament play at the
end of the season,” said coach Chris Benedict.
WHY #10?
Carroll is right on the cusp of being considered a contender in the SAC and it will really depend on how guys develop into bigger roles with the graduation of a decent sized class in the spring. But still at the forefront of that are guys who can score well and a defensive core that is ready to go to another level.
If all else fails, they have a guy named Chris Benedict on the sideline, who has won 486 games and he heads into his 35th season on the bench, looking to surpass 500.
CRITICAL GAME – December 19 at Warsaw
While Carroll has some good games leading up to this one, Warsaw marks the hardest place that the Chargers have to play on the road up until this point in the season. Being able to go on the road and win tough games is going to be something in Carroll’s future so a good start here against an always strong and consistent program is important. Trips to New Haven, Snider and Huntington North in the second half of the season are going to be massive tests so a solid, but not so immense test on December 19 is going to be a g ood proving ground for the Chargers.
CRUCIAL PLAYER
Sullivan Hill averaged just 0.6 points and 1.1 rebounds per game last season, doing so in just 4.6 minutes per game over 19 appearances. Now a senior, and considering how Carroll has used their post presence the past two seasons, how Hill steps up for this group is crucial. In each of the past two seasons, Carroll has used their big man – Brody Fisher and Paxton Crane – to really set up their offense with and each year, that guy became the leading scorer.
How Carroll adjusts is yet to be seen but all signs point to importance in the post. Hill could be a breakout player in the area this season if Carroll finds ways to consistently get him involved – and more importantly, if he steps up to the plate to find success.
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