March 29, 2025
1A State Championship Game; Orleans v. Clinton Prairie
The Bulldogs came into Saturday after beating the #1 and #2 teams at the Seymour semi state so why not beat the #3 team for a state title. The last two weeks I’ve gotten to follow Orleans at the regional and semi state so I’ve gotten to know this team quite well. All the way up Orleans 2024 class was the special group that was thought would lead them to a state finals so it’s kind of ironic that the class after them is the one that got them to Indy. I also was looking forward to seeing Clinton Prairie’s super senior Jake McGraw. I haven’t got to see him live and wanted to see what he could do before our ERA Awards. The Bulldogs grabbed an early lead thanks to 6’3 junior all state Alex Dewitt, who got going early. Orleans held a steady lead throughout the first, but CP and one of their seniors, Alex Farley hit some shots made a run while finishing with 16 pts. McGraw got going to the basket and even tied it at one point in the 2nd. Just like Orleans has done all tourney long, they found a way to hit big shots and got a really good game from their senior guard, Bryce Jones who put in 17 pts. Fellow Senior Rylan Crocker had himself a good game as well with 16 pts. 6’6 junior Mason Freed came up with some big baskets and rebounds (4 pts and 5 rbs.) too, but it was Dewitt, who scored a game-high 24 pts and 7 boards to lead the Bulldogs to their first every state championship. McGraw led the Gophers with 23 pts.
2A State Championship Game; University v. Manchester
An unexpected state championship between two teams that were supposed to lose weeks ago went down in the 2A game. University came in unranked getting through Linton and Parke Heritage in the semi state while Manchester had a record of 25-2 but were underdogs v. Gary 21st Century last weekend. Grace commit, Gavin Betten for Manchester really got himself going in the 2nd half driving the ball and using his size and length. University’s junior guard Blake Gray really impressed me and a kid I wasn’t familiar with. Gray along with senior Max McComb, who hit some big time three’s in the 2nd half were two really good pieces. Possibly the most impressive player in terms of the future for University was 6’6 sophomore Joshua Henderson (some of IU great Alan Henderson). The Trailblazers took a brief lead in the 4th but the Squires were just too much led by Betten’s double double of 21 pts and 10 boards. In the end Manchester did just enough to bring home the school’s first basketball state title, 59-54
3A State Championship Game; Attucks v. South Bend St. Joe’s
This game was supposed to be the first team to 80 or 85 wins. The pace was certainly fast enough but the production was just a little off. Attucks came in with athletes all over the floor in 6’8 senior Dez Briscoe, senior Chris Hurt, and Kayden English. The defending 3A runners up featured senior Chase Konieczny, juniors Nick Shrewsberry and Ethan Roseman, and super sophomore Elijah King. The Tigers are used to being the fastest, most athletic team on the floor to pressure and overwhelm opponents. This was not the case in this game; St Joe’s was just a little bit faster and just a little more athletic which usually doesn’t happen when Attucks is on the floor. Konieczny struggled to get going early but he still made his presence known on the glass ending with double figure rebounds. King was the spark offensively for the Huskies while Attucks put the ball in Briscoe’s hands. Both teams struggled from the arc and towards the end, Attucks took momentum and climbed back from a deficit to tie it with just over a minute left. That’s when Konieczny happened. Shrewsberry took a fadeaway jumper with 50 seconds left and Dez looked to be in position to come down with the rebound. Chase comes flying out of nowhere almost taking the ball out of his hands for the putback (and go ahead) dunk. That completely switched momentum towards St Joe’s and they never trailed or tied after that. The Huskies get their state title, 56-52. It looks as if St Joe’s will be moving on up to 4A next season. Briscoe finished with a double double, 17 pts. and 11 rebounds for Attucks
4A State Championship Game; Jeffersonville v. Fishers
(see previous article)
5 Statewide Stars for the Week
Jr. Alex Dewitt- Orleans. 24 pts and 7 rebounds in a State Championship W v. Clinton Prairie
Sr. Gavin Betten- Manchester. 21 pts. and 10 rebounds in a State Championship W v. University
Sr. Chase Konieczny- South Bend St. Joe’s. 10 points (game winning dunk) and 11 rebounds in a State Championship W v. Attucks
Sr. Shawn Boyd- Jeffersonville. 11 points (three 3’s) and 2 rebounds in a State Championship W v. Fishers
Sr. Tre Singleton- Jeffersonville. 26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in a State Championship W v. Fishers
5 Top 60 Standouts from Sunday
- Chase Barnes- Fort Wayne Wayne
- Dereon Truesdale- Fort Wayne Luers
- Drelyn Truesdale- Fort Wayne Luers
- Mason Bales- Northridge
- Anthony Murphy- Michigan City
Storylines Going Into Next Year
- What Jeffersonville was this year we expect the same out of Silver Creek next year at the 3A level. They return all but one from their roster and check all the boxes (Brandon Hunter, Dane Sprigler, Dane Caldwell, Kasen Daeger, Levi Linderman, Donavon Whitehead, Brody McLaughlin, Julian Miles, and Evan Renn). I don’t see a scenario they don’t go into next year as 3A preseason #1.
- How much will the new transfer rule that goes into effect on June 1 make a difference? My guess is there is slightly more movement this upcoming year and continue to increase in transfers going forward. This is possibly the biggest rule change to hit high school ball in Indiana since the instillation of class ball in 1998.
- The class of 2025 left a big hole, not just in southern Indiana but in the entire state. The class of 2026 is starting to shape out very well with about 25-30 real solid players and college prospects. The incoming freshman class of 2029 looks like it has potential to be special but first we’ll see who adjusts to the high school game.
- Who is the leader going into the year for Mr. Basketball? As it stands now, it looks like SB Washington’s Steven Reynolds and MVs Luke Ertel will be the favorites but there’s certainly room for someone to play their way into the conversation.
- Will the 4th time be a charm for Parke Heritage? The Wolves have made 3 straight semi state appearances but haven’t gotten a trip to Indy yet. Returning a big chunk of their roster they’ll be in consideration as the preseason #1 in 2A.
Insanely Way Too Early Look Into Top Teams for Next Season –(before the transfer portal hits) (alphabetical order)
1A
- Bloomfield Cardinals
- Liberty Christian Lions
- Monroe Central Golden Bears
- Orleans Bulldogs
- Southwood Knights
2A
- Gary 21st Century Panthers
- Parke Heritage Wolves
- Southwestern (Hanover) Rebels
- University Trailblazers
- Westview Warriors
3A
- Charlestown Pirates
- Guerin Catholic Golden Eagles
- Indianapolis Cathedral Irish
- Northview Knights
- Silver Creek Dragons
4A
- Crown Point Bulldogs
- Fishers Tigers
- Lawrence North Wildcats
- Mt. Vernon (Fortville) Marauders
- Noblesville Millers
