Indiana High School Basketball Stars Shine in National Rankings

Indiana High School Basketball Stars Shine in National Rankings

Indiana has produced several basketball stars who have left a lasting legacy both at the high school level and in professional basketball. Recent rankings have spotlighted these talented players, showcasing their achievements and contributions to the sport.

Elite Players Featured

The rankings have highlighted several standout athletes, including Greg Oden, who led Lawrence North High School to three consecutive state championships and was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball in 2006. Oden also received the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006. During his time at Ohio State, he averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks, earning honors such as First-team All-Big Ten and NABC Defensive Player of the Year. He was drafted first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007 but faced challenges in his professional career due to injuries.

Deshaun Thomas from Bishop Luers High School also made a significant impact, leading his team to two state titles and averaging 29 points per game in his senior season in 2010. He ranks as Indiana’s No. 3 all-time scorer with 3,018 career points and was recognized as a first-team Parade All-American, receiving Mr. Basketball honors before heading to Ohio State. Thomas was selected as the 58th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Eric Gordon shined at North Central High School, where he averaged 29 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, leading his team to the state title game in 2007. Gordon, who was named both Indiana’s Mr. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year, was ranked second in the ESPN 100. He had a promising freshman season at Indiana University, averaging 20.9 points per game, alongside earning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Gordon was drafted 7th overall by the LA Clippers in 2008 and has enjoyed a successful 17-year NBA career.

Noteworthy Contributions

Jamarcus Jeffries earned his accolades as Indiana’s Mr. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2000, averaging 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He went on to become the Big Ten Player of the Year and was selected 11th overall by the Washington Wizards.

Tyler Hansbrough led the Cougars while averaging 21.8 points and 13.7 rebounds in his senior year (2002). He also received Mr. Basketball honors before taking North Carolina to a national title, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2005 NCAA tournament. Hansbrough was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats.

On the girls’ side, Kelsey Young set the record as Indiana’s all-time leading scorer with 3,268 points and helped the Princeton High School Tigers secure a state title in 2015. Young averaged an impressive 34.9 points per game in her senior year and later played for Notre Dame, contributing to their national title in 2018, before being drafted first overall by the Las Vegas Aces in 2019.

Skylar Diggins had a stellar high school career at Washington High School, leading her team to a state title and averaging 29 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists as a senior. She secured prestigious awards such as Indiana’s Ms. Basketball and Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2009. After a successful collegiate experience at Notre Dame, Diggins became a multiple-time WNBA All-Star.

The list also includes Jackie Zolman, who led Indiana in scoring for four consecutive years and accumulated 3,085 points before playing at Tennessee and being drafted No. 16 by the San Antonio Stars. Additionally, Morgan Phillips propelled Brebeuf Jesuit Prep to two state titles while averaging 21.6 points and 15.3 rebounds in her senior season, ultimately being named Indiana’s Ms. Basketball and Gatorade Player of the Year.

Emerging talent includes Mollie Ernstes, a 6-foot sophomore guard from Jennings County who has attracted attention as a top 3-point shooter with averages of 14 points per game and a shooting percentage of 46%. She has received multiple scholarship offers following her exceptional performances in AAU basketball.

Impact on the Basketball Community

These athletes have not only showcased their basketball skills but have also played crucial roles in shaping Indiana’s rich basketball heritage. Their journeys from high school stars to recognizable names in the NBA reflect the talent and dedication present in the state’s competitive basketball scene.

FAQ

Key Features of the Indiana Basketball Stars