Since it’s November now I’m going to go into a 6 pack of Must- See games category for Northern Indiana, Central Indiana, and Southern Indiana. These are the top 6 must-see games for the upcoming 2025- 26 H.S. basketball season. These will give you a preview and idea of what games to try and catch this year. I’ll be putting out a 6 pack of games that include the best teams, atmosphere, and players. This gives you all a chance to put these games in your basketball calendar before the season starts. This week we’re looking at games to see in Central Indiana.
December 6. Plainfield v. New Albany @ Brownsburg. The first of a full day of great games @ the Sneakers for Santa Event. This will be an interesting game for both teams. Plainfield comes in with one of the better seniors in all of Indiana, 6’9 Noah Smith, while New Albany features my #1 player in the class of 2028, Noah Washington. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to limit Smith in this one because they just don’t have a way to matchup 1 v. 1 against a 6’9 player of his caliber. If Quaker guards Harper Baker Lands and Landon Gilliatt can match the waves of guards that the Bulldogs have it would bode well for the Quakers. A win for New Albany here @ this event in central Indiana would go a long way in earning them respect throughout the state. A W for Plainfield would further solidify their spot as one of the top 4A South contenders.
December 6. Fishers v. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) @ Brownsburg. I had to include a potential state finals preview in the Must- See matchups. There could be 2 or 3 Mr. Basketball’s on the floor at the same time in this one. MV’s Luke Ertel is nearly a lock to win the award this year and could very well lead his team to Bankers Life out of the 4A South. Fishers is a machine right now that just keeps on producing talent. Juniors Jason Gardner and Cooper Zachary are the big names but don’t be surprised to see freshman, Tristian Breland make an impact throughout the year. A win for MV would show the state they’re ready for the big time and that Fishers can be beaten. A win for Fishers and most likely puts them as the favorite to win their 2nd state title in 3 years.
December 10. Lawrence North @ Lawrence Central. The battle of Lawrence hasn’t been this good or even in a while. Both teams should come in ranked in the top 10 of 4A and as South contenders to get to Bankers Life in March. The Bears and Wildcats certainly did well for themselves bringing in some very strong pieces this year. JJ Craig, Dayton Stephens, Doron Harris, Caleb Wells, Jeremiah Bellamy, Albert Gooden, and Gavin Petty make one of the most talented groups the Bears have had. Meanwhile the Wildcats come in with Indiana All Star candidate, Brennan Miller, Duke Karnes, Chandon Gilbert, Kam Webster, and Lavell Love. This is a game with rivals, atmosphere, and lots of talent.
December 12. Noblesville @ Carmel. It’s usually always special when these 2 teams meet up. This year with both in the top 10 of 4A this game should be extremely competitive. The Greyhounds have some depth this year and Cathedral transfer Cash Daniels should make an immediate impact as the starting point guard. The matchup with Carmel’s guards such as Jamichael Fountain and Noblesville’s Baron Walker should be fun. The Miller’s Justin Curry is capable of going on a heater from outside so the combo of Vogt, Daniels, Fountain, and Nover for Carmel defending him is key. Max Flanigan and Adam Fine could play key roles if Noblesville wants to come away with a big time W on the road. Greyhound senior Evan Harrell could really breakout this game.
January 2 and 3. Fishers Tournament. Big time 2 day event up @
Fishers right after New Year’s. The state already should know how good Fishers will be but there’s 7 more legit teams that you’ll get a chance to see in this one. FW Wayne and Fishers kick things off in this one while Chesterton matches up with Evansville North in Game #2. Evansville Bosse comes up to Hamilton County and faces off against a sneaky good Columbus North squad while on paper the game of the first round happens in Game 4 as New Albany faces off against Lawrence Central. On paper Chesterton and Fishers would be a fun matchup while Bosse and either LC or NA would make for a good time. Do yourself a favor and check this one out if you’re in the Indy area.
February 5. Ben Davis @ Pike. Sectional rivals meet in this one as the Giants and Red Devils square off. Talk about talent on the floor; this game really has it all. Pike comes in with the Lampley bros, 6’10 Isaiah Hill, and lead dog of the Indy Heat 16U championship, Jahari Miller. Ben Davis is always a threat and puts athletes out on the floor. The combo of Sherman Moss Wright and Jashawn Ladd is one of the better duos in the state. Is this the year Pike overcomes Giants of Sectional 11? This is a state finals- caliber matchup where only 1 team (or neither) will get out of their own sectional. I would love to see the Pike gym rocking like the early 2000s days in this one.
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