Our Week In Preview feature takes a look at ten of the best games from around the state in the coming week. We will highlight fierce conference rivalries, local grudge matches, out of region battles, and intriguing matchups between star players. All times listed are Eastern, and make sure to double check with host schools for their fan policies before heading out to a game this season!

 

Without further ado, here's ten of the best games for the opening week of the 2020-2021 Indiana high school basketball season.

 

Tuesday November 24

 

Bowman Academy at Cathedral 8:00pm

Our first major out of region matchup this year features the Bowman Eagles heading down I-65 to Indianapolis to take on Cathedral. Bowman features star senior wing Koron Davis, who averaged nearly 25 points a game last year. The athletic wing is one of the top available 2021 prospects in the state. Cathedral is led by a pair of standout juniors in point guard Tayshawn Comer and forward Pete Moe, who is poised to step into the spotlight this year. Comer made Indiana Basketball Source's 4A preseason all-state team. Senior wing Vincent Brady is headed to Air Force and provides versatility and athleticism for Jason Delaney's squad. Watch out for Cathedral's sophomore class as well - Jake Davis, Jaron Tibbs, Xavier Booker, and Sincere Germany. 

 

Columbus North at Carmel 7:30pm

Blake Barker returns for his senior year as the leader of the Bulldogs, who lost to Bloomington South in the sectional semifinals last year. He's joined by classmate Reese Harmon in the backcourt while sophomore Cooper Horn looks to expand on a great freshman campaign last year. Carmel comes into this season as one of the favorites in 4A. The headliners for the Greyhounds are a pair of juniors - guard Pete Suder and post Charlie Williams. Seniors Connor Gioia at the point and Brian Waddell on the wing give Carmel as much returning talent as anyone in the state. Sophomore Sam Orme could provide more shooting as well. 

 

Perry Meridian at Southport 7:30pm

These two district foes face off in a battle for south side bragging rights. Perry Meridian looks to improve on a 7-win campaign last year behind the skills of senior guard Jayden Taylor, who is headed to Butler. Taylor made Indiana Basketball Source's 4A preseason all-state team. Southport finished with just nine wins last year, but brings back a lot from a very young squad a year ago. AJ Dancler at a guard spot is one of the bright spots for the Cardinals. Forward Anthony Ball is capable of going for a double double on any given night as well.

 

Wednesday November 25

North Central at Brownsburg 7:30pm

The highlights should come in plentiful numbers when these two heavyweights square off. All-state guard Leland Walker of North Central looks to build on a fantastic sophomore season under the tutelage of North Central legend and new head coach Jason Gardner. The 1999 Mr. Basketball winner also has guards Mike Elliott and Theron Johnson for support. Brownsburg returns Butler-bound 6'6 wing Pierce Thomas, one of the most athletic players in the state. Guard Luke Lacey is capable of manning either backcourt position. Coach Steve Lynch will have to find an answer inside after losing Malek Edmonds to graduation.

 

Plainfield at Avon 7:30pm

These Hendricks County rivals open the year looking for respect out on the west side of Indy. The Quakers return much from last year's 20 win team, including forwards Ian Scott and Cael Vanderbush as well as 6'4 point guard Aidan Booher. Chrishon McCray steps into the spotlight for the Orioles following the loss of wing Jayden Brewer, who transferred out after last year. McCray is a natural scorer that has quickness off the dribble and deep range. Junior guard Timmy Pepper is a breakout candidate for the Orioles as well. Avon will need help to emerge around him if they want to better last year's total of 13 wins.

 

Norwell at Carroll 7:00pm

The Knights went 22-2 a year ago and capped it off with a sectional title. But with do-everything forward Will Geiger off to Grace College, Norwell looks to a corp of fresh faces stepping into new roles to help replace Geiger's production. They travel to Carroll to face the Chargers in the season opener for both teams. Carroll is lead by junior power guard Jalen Jackson, one of the most physical backcourt players in the state. A pair of seniors in sharpshooting Ryan Preston and forward Sam Strycker look to build on junior campaigns that saw them average just under 10 points a game each.

 

Friday November 27

Kouts at Hebron 8:00pm

The first small school showdown of the year takes us to Porter County as the Kouts Mustangs face off against the Hebron Hawks. Kouts has the good fortune of not one but two sets of talented twins that are all entering their senior year. Cole and Cale Wireman man the backcourt, where they combine to average nearly 40 points a game last year, thanks to Cole putting up 25 a contest. Cole made Indiana Basketball Source's Class A preseason all-state team. The Kneifel's, Parker and Hunter, as versatile 6'3 forwards who can hurt you inside or outside. Hebron brings back a pair of juniors in Reece Marrs and Griffin Moore who look to build on a 15 win season a year ago. Marrs averaged 14 points a game while shooting just under 50% from behind the arc.

 

Saturday November 28

North Harrison at Heritage Hills 8:00pm

A fantastic matchup in the frontcourt highlights this southern Indiana showdown. Evansville-bound Blake Sisley of Heritage Hills looks to keep the Patriots near the top of 3A this season, but will be doing it without Simon Scherry and Murray Becher, who both graduated from last year's team. The UE signee made Indiana Basketball Source's 3A preseason all-state team. Sisley will have help from Evansville Central transfer Cameron Banks. The senior guard is a powerful and steady backcourt option. Sisley has a tall task, literally, in facing off with 6'10 forward LT Hatton of North Harrison, who will be heading to William & Mary following graduation. Hatton also made the 3A preseason all-state team. Hatton is equally adept at scoring in the post or behind the three point line, where he shot almost 40% last season.North Harrison also has scoring guard Logan McIntire, Ethan Oakley, and Sawyer Wetzel.

 

Mt. Vernon at Hamilton Heights 7:30pm

This matchup provided fireworks a year ago, when Hamilton Heights guard Gus Etchison went for 56 points on Mt. Vernon last season. The future Western Michigan Bronco averaged 25 points as a junior last season. That placed Etchison on Indiana Basketball Source's 3A preseason all-state team. Senior guard Lucas Letsinger and junior forward Luke Carroll figure to step into more substantial roles for the Huskies this season. The Jarrard twins, Ahmad and Armon, look to improve on solid campaigns a year ago for the Marauders where both averaged in double figures. Both Jarrards have D1 potential. Junior forward Razhaun Wells provides strength inside, where he averaged eight points and five boards last season.

 

Bloomington South at New Albany 7:30pm