kyle sokeland, evansville courier & press
·4 min read
EVANSVILLE — It's nearly the return of Indiana high school boys basketball.
The end to last season in Southwestern Indiana was chaotic. Only one team (North Daviess) advanced beyond the regional and it was playing up a class by choice. Neither the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference or Pocket Athletic Conference champion won a postseason game. At least it was interesting.
There will be a lot to unpack over the next three months in the Evansville area. We've already looked at players to watch. But what about the top teams heading into the season? Therefore it's time for the preseason Courier & Press boys basketball power rankings.
One thing is certain. It's good to have basketball back.
More: 60 high school boys basketball players to watch in SW Indiana for 2023-24 season
1. Harrison
The defending SIAC champions have another roster capable of winning again. Six of the Warriors' top eight players return including All-SIAC selections Shane Sims and Malachi McNair. A good mix of shooting and height. Harrison remains my early pick until it's proven otherwise.
2. Heritage Hills
The positives start with the top individual player in the area in four-star junior forward Trent Sisley. The Patriots also return all but two main contributors from last season. That's a lot of experience to make up for zero seniors on the roster. One piece to keep an eye on will be outside shooting to space the floor with Sisley. But what Heritage Hills has is enough to be the early Pocket Athletic Conference favorite.
3. Reitz
This is likely based on potential. Reitz graduated three all-conference starters after winning the sectional. But the talent level this winter is possibly just as high with freshman Jaylan Mitchell, sophom*ore Braylen Langley and transfer point guard Jayce Swanson. It also may take the Panthers time to reach their potential. Once they do? Watch out.
4. Bosse
One big reason to take the Bulldogs this season. They'll score with the best of them with most of the roster back including Junior All-Star Taray Howell. This backcourt will keep them in games if not win several. The issue last season was defense and post play. If Bosse can remedy at least one of those, its ceiling rises.
5. North
A potential sleeper to win the SIAC. The Huskies have nearly everyone returning and add additional pieces in transfers. The only possible question is perimeter shooting but the roster has height and quickness. One could argue North could be higher but is also coming off an 8-win season. Let's see what it can do.
6. North Posey
The Vikings graduated one player but return every main contributor. The headliners are All-PAC forward Jackson Graff and All-PAC guard Colin Schipp, but the entire top seven should be solid. North Posey might take a few weeks to get there with football advancing to the state championship. The end result will still be a PAC contender.
7. Princeton
The Tigers have quietly been building to this season with the entire rotation back from a 13-win campaign. Jace Jenkins has the potential to be one of the top guards in the area. What could set them apart is depth in the lineup. Four players averaged eight points or more last year.
8. Memorial
The Tigers have two All-SIAC returners in guard Luke Ellspermann and forward Tucker Tornatta. The rest of the roster has potential in year four under coach Heath Howington. The rest of the roster is also mostly unproven at the varsity level. If they're ready for SIAC basketball, then Memorial will be a contender again.
9. Pike Central
A possible sleeper in the PAC. The Chargers had their best record in six years with 13 wins last winter. What they return should keep them competitive in the conference and sectional. The key pieces are senior guards Quade Morton and Julian Gish. It may be enough to overcome questions in the frontcourt.
10. Castle
One of the bigger wildcards in the area. Replacing the SIAC Player of the Year is easier said than done. What the Knights do have is size and plenty of it. A possible breakout player is also junior guard Xander Niehaus. Castle coach Brian Gibson usually makes the pieces work, so this group gets that benefit to start.
Honorable mention: Evansville Christian, Forest Park, Washington, Gibson Southern, Jasper
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA boys basketball: Courier & Press preseason power rankings
