Indiana Basketball Source has updated its class rankings on the main page. Here are some thoughts on those team rankings.
Class 4A
Hamilton Southeastern was the number one team last week, and the Royals won the Huntington Holiday Tournament once again. They had a tough game against the host school but pulled it out. The Royals have proven that they can compete with the best in the state and come out on top.
Warren Central is a complete and balanced team. The Warriors won the Noblesville Holiday Tournament despite Dean Tate being absent due to a football camp. Warren Central had no problem with Chesterton, Pike or Noblesville. Warren Central’s versatility and toughness make them difficult to beat.
South Bend Riley has been inactive for the last week. New Albany defeated Evansville Central without Romeo Langford. He was out with a dislocated finger. Center Grove continues to beat teams that they are expected to beat with Trayce Jackson-Davis and Spencer Piercefield leading the way.
Ben Davis faced Lawrence Central and Brebeuf over the last week. The Giants won two close games. Guard play has been an issue for Ben Davis all season. If they are going to make a run, Ben Davis will need to get better ball-handling and decision making from its guards.
Cathedral was impressive while winning the Bob Wettig Memorial Tournament. Armaan Franklin took home the tournament’s MVP award by scoring 30 points in the championship game. Jarron Coleman was really good as a creator and scorer in the tournament.
North Side looked good in winning the SAC Tournament. The Legends were clicking against rival South Side in the title game. Austin Boucher has been consistent and efficient this year for North Side. That’s exactly what they needed from him. Keion Brooks is scoring and rebounding at a high level like expected. North Side is going to be a contender in 4A, especially as they improve chemistry and continuity.
Zionsville is 8-0 with wins over Carmel and Valparaiso. The Eagles have a case to be higher, but they will get to prove their ability in January when the schedule gets tougher.
Brownsburg has wins over Pike, Culver Academies and Southport. The Bulldogs are a young team that should improve by the end of the season. One concern for Brownsburg is outside shooting. They are shooting 24% from deep as a team.
Class 3A
New Castle moved to the number one spot last week. The Trojans solidified their ranking by winning the Hall of Fame Classic by defeating Oak Hill and Bloomington South. Mason Gillis was named the tournament’s MVP with Luke Bumbalough making the all-tournament team. New Castle is a strong team that shoots really well. They are going to be tough to beat in the tournament if they stay healthy.
Evansville Bosse made a statement in Indianapolis this week. The Bulldogs destroyed Northwest then beat North Central by five points. Mekhi Lairy is sealing his spot on the Indiana All-Star team with his play this season. Kiyron Powell has emerged as a big-time shot blocker in the paint. Powell, a sophomore, picked up an offer from Miami of Ohio. Bosse and New Castle are in Tier 1 of 3A.
Culver Academies has been inactive since mid-December. They have played a really tough schedule to this point and fared well. Brebeuf gave Ben Davis a tough game before falling to the Giants. Marion has been a bit of a surprise with sophomore JK Thomas and freshman Jalen Blackmon leading the way.
Class 2A
Although most of the top 10 teams have remained the same from last week, the order has been shaken up with the holiday tournaments. Indiana Basketball Source has moved Westview into the number one spot. There is a chance for Westview to have a perfect regular season as they should be the favorite in the rest of their games. Elijah Hales has been really good for Westview this season.
Forest Park made a jump to number two. Sam Englert is averaging 17 points per game for Forest Park while freshman Curt Hopf is scoring 12 per game. The Rangers have been steady to begin the season.
Frankton drops to third after losing to Westfield at home. Oak Hill lost two games at the Hall of Fame Classic. The Golden Eagles held a large lead over Floyd Central before losing in overtime.
Paoli is undefeated with the help of freshman Brett Bosley. His size and athleticism have taken Paoli to a new level this season.
Class 1A
Tindley remains number one despite dropping the championship game of the Bob Wettig Memorial Tournament to Cathedral. They beat Greensburg and Richmond in the tournament. Purdue-bound guard Eric Hunter gives Tindley a chance to beat any team in the state.
Blackhawk Christian won the Graber Post Buildings Tournament with a 68-48 win over Barr-Reeve. There is an argument to make them the top team in 1A. At this point, Indiana Basketball Source is sticking with Tindley as the top team.
University suffered its first loss of the season to Vincennes Lincoln in the title game at Vincennes. University did beat Guerin Catholic in the tournament. They are 10-1 on the season.
Southwood dropped the first game of the season to Wapahani by three points then lost on the road to a good Huntington North by three points as well. Since then, Southwood has won six games in a row including winning the Wabash tournament over the host by 22.
Gary 21st Century is rounding into form as the Cougars have won seven games in a row including capturing the Lebanon tournament over Marquette. 21st is already 11-3. That will result in a light schedule in February.
Central Christian, Indianapolis Metropolitan, Christian Academy and Lafayette Central Catholic are just on the outside looking into the top 10.