IHSAA boys basketball top sophomore standouts in Central Indiana

Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star

It was a breakout season for several sophomores in high school basketball. Here are 30 Central Indiana players from the 2026 class who produced for their respective teams this season:

Keaton Aldridge Jr., Cathedral

Indianapolis Cathedral High School sophomore Keaton Aldridge (30) fires off a pass to a teammate during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game against Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Cathedral. Cathedral won, 79-63.
Indianapolis Cathedral High School sophomore Keaton Aldridge (30) fires off a pass to a teammate during the second half of an IHSAA basketball game against Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory High School, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Cathedral. Cathedral won, 79-63.

The 6-4 Aldridge had a big year for the Fighting Irish, averaging 15.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 steals per game for a 18-6 team. Aldridge posted four games of 20-plus points and shot 56% from the field.

Remember the names. These Central Indiana freshmen made an early impact.

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David Brigham Jr., Christel House Manual

The 6-1 guard averaged 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game for Christel House, shooting 46% from the field, including 35% from the 3-point line.

Caden Claxton, Shelbyville

The 5-9 guard averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as Shelbyville went 11-12 to post its highest win total in five years. Claxton has scored 521 career points in two seasons.

Justin Curry, Noblesville

Noblesville Millers Justin Curry (10) shoots a three-pointer, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Noblesville beat Zionsville 67-49 and will advance to play the Westfield Shamrocks in the Class 4A semifinals game on March 1.
Noblesville Millers Justin Curry (10) shoots a three-pointer, Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional game at Noblesville High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Noblesville beat Zionsville 67-49 and will advance to play the Westfield Shamrocks in the Class 4A semifinals game on March 1.

The 6-3 Curry averaged 10.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the 22-3 Millers, who fell just short in the sectional championship against No. 1 Fishers. Curry shot 36% (41-for-114) from the 3-point line.

Tyrone Elmore, Mooresville

The 6-3 Elmore averaged 10.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season for Mooresville. He shot 52% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line.

Luke Ertel, Mt. Vernon

Mt. Vernon Luke Ertel (12) attempts to get around New Palestine Austin Mcmahan (13) as New Palestine plays Mt. Vernon High School in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball S9 Sectional, Feb 27, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
Mt. Vernon Luke Ertel (12) attempts to get around New Palestine Austin Mcmahan (13) as New Palestine plays Mt. Vernon High School in the IHSAA Class 4A Boys Basketball S9 Sectional, Feb 27, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-2 left-handed point guard played in just the final six games of the season due to a football injury but is one of the top players in the class. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his limited time, shooting 9-for-24 from the 3-point line.

Roosevelt Franklin, Washington

Indianapolis Washington's Roosevelt Franklin (2) attempts to drive the basket as Guerin Catholic takes on Indianapolis Washington in the IHSAA Class 3A Boys Basketball Regional 13 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.
Indianapolis Washington's Roosevelt Franklin (2) attempts to drive the basket as Guerin Catholic takes on Indianapolis Washington in the IHSAA Class 3A Boys Basketball Regional 13 Championship, Mar 9, 2024; Greenfield, IN, USA; at Greenfield-Central High School.

The 6-2 guard helped the Continentals to their first sectional championship since the 1995 season in Class 3A. Franklin averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds 2.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game for a 14-13 team.

Grady Gardner, Martinsville

Martinsville will have a new coach after Kip Staggs retried but that person will have some good pieces to build around, starting with the 6-2 Gardner. He averaged 16.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season, shooting 41.1% from the 3-point line.

Albert Gooden III, Lawrence Central

Lawrence Central High School sophomore Albert Gooden III (13) attempts to score while being defended by Pike High School sophomore Muna Newman (50) during the first half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Pike High School.
Lawrence Central High School sophomore Albert Gooden III (13) attempts to score while being defended by Pike High School sophomore Muna Newman (50) during the first half of an IHSAA basketball game, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Pike High School.

The 6-foot guard averaged 10.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals for the 12-10 Bears. Gooden shot 52% from the field, including 38.1% from the 3-point line. Gooden was also Lawrence Central’s leading rusher on the football team as a sophomore.

DeZhon Hall, Pike

The 6-4 Hall played in just 13 games due to injury in his first season at Pike but averaged 12.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He was offered by Illinois, Texas A&M and Wisconsin last fall.

Evan Harrell, Carmel

The 6-8 Harrell played his best basketball in the second half of the season, averaging 10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists for a team that finished 12-11 after a slow start. He shot 49% from the field and 81% from the free-throw line.

Elexander Harris, Tech

Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School sophomore Elexander Harris (0) makes a move around the defense of Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School senior Jacson Payton (23) during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys’ Sectional basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Lawrence North High School.
Indianapolis Arsenal Technical High School sophomore Elexander Harris (0) makes a move around the defense of Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School senior Jacson Payton (23) during the first half of an IHSAA Class 4A Boys’ Sectional basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Lawrence North High School.

The 6-foot guard averaged 14.0 points, 2.8 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 steals this season for a Tech team that improved to 15-9 after going 9-15 the previous season.

Edward Hazelett Jr., Franklin Central

Franklin Central High School sophomore Edward Hazelett III (25) brings the ball up court during the first half of a Boys’ Marion County Basketball Tournament championship game against Lawrence North High School, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Southport High School.
Franklin Central High School sophomore Edward Hazelett III (25) brings the ball up court during the first half of a Boys’ Marion County Basketball Tournament championship game against Lawrence North High School, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Southport High School.

The 6-7 Hazelett averaged 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Flashes, who reached the Marion County tournament championship. Hazelett has offers from Indiana State and Kent State and interest from several high-major programs.

Doron Harris, Lawrence Central

The 6-1 point guard averaged 9.2 points, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals and 1.5 rebounds for the Bears, who finished 12-10. Harris shot 33.3% from the 3-point line in 22 games.

James Kalala, Southport

The 6-7 Kalala averaged 11.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocked shots per game. He shot 53% from the field. Kalala posted seven double doubles.

Kai McGrew, Lawrence North

The 6-8 McGrew averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots per game to help the Wildcats to a 25-4 record, Marion County tournament title and Class 4A regional championship. McGrew shot 55% from the field.

Drew Matelic, Speedway

The 6-3 guard averaged 14.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocked shots per game, shooting 32.5% from the 3-point line. He scored at least 10 points in each of his final 17 games.

Brennan Miller, Lawrence North

Lawrence North High School sophomore Brennan Miller (3) shoots during the second half of a Boys’ Marion County Basketball Tournament championship game against Franklin Central High School, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Southport High School. Lawrence North won, 78-53.
Lawrence North High School sophomore Brennan Miller (3) shoots during the second half of a Boys’ Marion County Basketball Tournament championship game against Franklin Central High School, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Southport High School. Lawrence North won, 78-53.

The 6-7 Miller averaged 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocked shots per game to help the Wildcats to a 25-win season and regional championship. Miller shot 51% from the field, including 10-for-30 from the 3-point line (33.3%).

Jedidiah Minnett, Avon

Avon Orioles sophomore Jedidiah Minnett claps his hands after scoring Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.
Avon Orioles sophomore Jedidiah Minnett claps his hands after scoring Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.

The shooting guard averaged 12.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 assists per game to help Avon to a 15-11 season and the program’s first sectional championship in five years. Minnett shot 33.1% (47-for-142) from the 3-point line.

Mar Nicholson, Shelbyville

The 6-5 Nicholson averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for the 11-12 Golden Bears, shooting 51% from the field.

Ethan Roseman, Bishop Chatard

Indianapolis Bishop Chatard freshman Ethan Roseman (1) shoots during the second half of an IHSAA Sectional Basketball championship game against Guerin Catholic High School, Monday, March 6, 2023, at Indianapolis Shortridge High School. Guerin Catholic won 53-41.
Indianapolis Bishop Chatard freshman Ethan Roseman (1) shoots during the second half of an IHSAA Sectional Basketball championship game against Guerin Catholic High School, Monday, March 6, 2023, at Indianapolis Shortridge High School. Guerin Catholic won 53-41.

The 6-foot Roseman averaged 22.2 points, 4.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game this season for the Trojans.

Eli Sego, Triton Central

The 6-foot Sego averaged 17.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.3 assists this season for the 16-7 Tigers. He shot a blistering 44.8% (43-for-96) from the 3-point line.

Julien Smith, Mt. Vernon

The 6-foot guard averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game for a 15-9 team. Smith shot 34% from the 3-point line. He has scored 674 points in his two seasons at Mt. Vernon.

Noah Smith, Plainfield

Plainfield Quakers sophomore Noah Smith dribbles the ball around Avon Orioles junior DeAndre Lott-Hancock Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.
Plainfield Quakers sophomore Noah Smith dribbles the ball around Avon Orioles junior DeAndre Lott-Hancock Jan 5, 2024, at Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana.

The 6-8 Smith averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game for the 15-8 Quakers. Smith, who shot 56% from the field, including 12-for-37 from the 3-point line, has an offer from Indiana State.

Joe Taylor, Roncalli

The 6-7 Taylor put together a strong season in his first varsity campaign, averaging 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds. He shot 59% from the field, including 50% (17-for-34) from the 3-point line.

Jamar Thomas, Lawrence North

Lawrence North Wildcats Jamar Thomas (5) rushes up the court against New Palestine Dragons Evan Darrah (14) on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, during the game at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. The Lawrence North Wildcats defeated the New Palestine Dragons, 57-48.
Lawrence North Wildcats Jamar Thomas (5) rushes up the court against New Palestine Dragons Evan Darrah (14) on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, during the game at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis. The Lawrence North Wildcats defeated the New Palestine Dragons, 57-48.

The 6-5 Thomas did not see a lot of playing time on a deep team but made the most of it by averaging 3.6 points and 1.6 rebounds. With his size and athleticism, Thomas should be a key contributor for the Wildcats moving forward.

Elijah Tricker, Danville

The 5-9 point guard averaged 11.2 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the 22-4 Warriors, who reached the Class 3A semistate. Tricker improved his shooting numbers across the board from his freshman year, hitting 50% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line.

Baron Walker, Noblesville

Noblesville Millers guard Baron Walker (30) goes in for a lay-up against Fishers Tigers Jason Gardner (5) on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 49-47.
Noblesville Millers guard Baron Walker (30) goes in for a lay-up against Fishers Tigers Jason Gardner (5) on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during the Class 4A sectional final at Noblesville High School in Noblesville. The Fishers Tigers defeated the Noblesville Millers, 49-47.

The 6-1 Walker played his way into a key role as a knock-down outside shooter (30-for-53 from 3 for 57%), averaging 6.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the 22-3 Millers. Walker should be a big part of Noblesville’s core the next two seasons.

R’mani Wells, Mt. Vernon

The 6-4 Wells averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds as a sophomore for Mt. Vernon after averaging 4.8 points and 3.3 rebounds as a freshman.

Cameron Webster, Lawrence North

Lawrence North High School sophomore Cameron Webster (2) defends Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School junior Chris Hurt (1) as he brings the ball up court during the first half of an IHSAA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at Lawrence North High School.
Lawrence North High School sophomore Cameron Webster (2) defends Indianapolis Crispus Attucks High School junior Chris Hurt (1) as he brings the ball up court during the first half of an IHSAA basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at Lawrence North High School.

The 5-10 Webster averaged 3.7 points, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 rebounds this season off the bench in 22 games for the Wildcats. Webster gives Lawrence North a spark.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Top sophomores in Central Indiana boys basketball from 2023-24 season

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