It is difficult to believe, and a more than a little sad, that there is less than a month left of high school boys basketball regular season.

With that in mind, it is a good time to take a closer look at the candidates for the 13-player Indiana All-Stars team. Keep in mind, Indiana All-Stars director Mike Broughton is looking to put together the best team to beat Kentucky, not necessarily a list of the 13 best players on paper.

This group, overall, is not as deep as some of the recent classes and certainly not as deep as the 2025 class, which looks to be one of the best in the past 12-15 years. But as usual, it is a difficult exercise to cut the list to 13 players. Here is how I see the Indiana All-Stars at this point in the season:

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LOCKS

I think these players are on the team regardless of what happens the rest of the season:

Flory Bidunga, Kokomo

Yeah. Easy one. The 6-9 Bidunga is a Kansas recruit and the only McDonald’s All American from the state this year. He is averaging 17.6 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots as a senior and is already over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds for his three-year career at Kokomo. Bidunga led the Wildkats to the Class 4A state finals last season and has helped them to a 16-3 record and No. 7 ranking this season in 4A.

Jack Benter, Brownstown Central

Yeah. Another easy one. The 6-4 Benter, a Purdue commit, has missed five games, including the Hall of Fame at New Castle, due to a pair of injuries. That might have hurt his chances at making a run for Mr. Basketball, though I think that possibility is still there if Class 2A third-ranked Brownstown Central (16-4) can make a tournament run. Benter is averaging 24.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists and shooting 44.4% (56-for-126) from the 3-point line this season. He has 2,227 points to rank No. 27 on the state’s all-time list and will continue to vault up the list at his current pace.

K.J. Windham, Ben Davis

The 6-3 Windham, a Northwestern recruit, already has a state championship under his belt after the Giants went undefeated last year and won a 4A title. Windham played a key role on that team and earned a core spot on the Junior All-Star team. This season he is Ben Davis’ leading scorer, averaging 15.5 points, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.8 rebounds per game for the 11-4 Giants, who are ranked No. 10 in 4A. Windham is shooting 37.7% from the 3-point line.

Micah Davis, Franklin

The 6-2 lefty guard and Eastern Kentucky recruit is averaging 25.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 54% from the field, including 32.1% (25-for-78) from the 3-point line. Davis is also leading his team to the most team success it has had in five years as the Grizzly Cubs are 13-3 going into the weekend. He led Franklin to the regional championship game as a sophomore, but that team was 8-14 going into the sectional.

Keenan Garner, Fishers

I’m not sure the 6-6 Garner was close to being this high on the list going into the season, but he has played his way there, in my opinion. With Jalen Haralson’s departure for La Lumiere, Garner ramped up his production to become the Tigers’ leader in scoring (17.0 ppg), rebounding (8.4 per game) and blocked shots (1.6 per game). He is also averaging 3.6 assists and shooting 61.7% from the field. Garner was a key player last year for the Tigers, averaging 7.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, but has been the best player for a 16-1 team that is ranked No. 3 in 4A.

Evan Haywood, Brebeuf Jesuit

The 6-3 Butler recruit is averaging 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.5 assists per game for the 10-4 Braves, who are ranked No. 2 in Class 3A. Haywood is an outstanding outside shooter, knocking down 43.4% (49-for-113) from the 3-point line. He was probably on the trajectory toward becoming an Indiana All-Star after averaging 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and shooting 37.1% from the 3-point line as a junior, but his senior season has solidified his place. A sectional championship will be difficult with last year’s state runner-up, Guerin Catholic, in the same Sectional 27 field. But I think Haywood is in a good spot.

ON THE VERGE

I believe one or both of these players will make the All-Star team, though they do come from the same team:

Tyler Parrish, Chesterton

The 6-3 Parrish was selected as one of six core members of the Junior All-Star team last year after averaging 20.7 points and 3.3 assists for a team that went 20-6 and played in a Class 4A regional, falling to Mr. Basketball Markus Burton and Penn. That was a year after playing a key role as a sophomore on Chesterton’s 4A state finalist team. This season, Parrish is averaging 21.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds and is shooting 39% (39-for-100) from the 3-point line for the 9-6 Trojans. He has offers from Marian, Bethel, Grace and Purdue Northwest. I almost had Parrish in the lock category.

Justin Sims, Chesterton

Two players from Chesterton, both with strong credentials. The 6-6 Sims, who committed to Marian University last month, was a Junior All-Star last year as he averaged 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots last season on a 20-6 team. Sims’ numbers might not be quite as strong this season, but he is averaging 14.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots per game on 48% shooting from the field. This Indiana All-Stars team will need size and Sims would fill that void. He also has more than 1,000 career points, as does teammate Parrish.

ON THE BUBBLE

Guards, guard, guards. There are a couple names here at the top of the list that definitely have the career numbers to make the team. There are other guards that are impressive, too. Again, it could come down to what the coach wants to do with the remaining few spots.

Josiah Dunham, Evansville Christian

This is where it gets a little more difficult. As you notice, the guard spots fill up quickly. The 6-1 Dunham is averaging 22.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.8 steals per game for a team that is 16-1 and ranked No. 1 in Class A. The Eagles have nine wins over 3A and 4A programs, including Brownstown Central (Benter was out), Scottsburg, Terre Haute North, Castle, Princeton and Southridge, among others. He is currently No. 47 on the all-time scoring list with 2,105 career points, which is second to Benter among active players.

Jevon Lewis, Fort Wayne Wayne

As mentioned above, this is where it gets tough. The 5-9 Lewis is another guard who is averaging 20.4 points, 7.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game for a team that is 15-3 and coming off a 4A regional title last season with a team that is largely intact. Lewis, who has 1,314 career points, has a chance to become the program’s all-time leading scorer. He is shooting 40.2% (43-for-107) from the 3-point line.

Aaron Fine, Noblesville

Another guard with good credentials. The 6-3 Fine, who has a preferred walk-on offer from Purdue, was a Junior All-Star last year after helping the Millers to a 19-7 record and the program’s first sectional championship since 2010. Fine is averaging 17.5 points, 3.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds this season for Noblesville, which is 15-2 and ranked No. 4 in Class 4A. Fine is shooting 40.7% (22-for-54) from the 3-point line.

Trey Buchanan, Westfield

The 6-1 Buchanan was a Junior All-Star last season and certainly has the game to help the All-Stars team. He can handle the ball, shoot it and is a tough competitor. Buchanan is averaging 13.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for a Westfield team that is 14-1 and ranked No. 2 in Class 4A. He is shooting 39.8% (39-for-98) from the 3-point line. Buchanan also played a role on the Braden Smith-led team two years ago that won the program’s first sectional title.

Nic Book, Westfield

Is there a scenario where Westfield does not win the sectional and still gets two players on the Indiana All-Stars? I’m not sure. And winning Sectional 8 at Noblesville will be difficult with the host Millers and Fishers included in that deep field. But as noted, this team needs size and the 6-8 Book can provide a boost in that category. Book is averaging 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists and shooting 54% from the field. The New Zealand native is a one-year in-state player after transferring from Oak Hill Academy, but I don’t believe that will matter much in selecting the team if Broughton and the All-Stars coach believes he fits a role.

Isaac Andrews, Wapahani

Yes, another guard. The 6-1 Andrews should get a long look as he is averaging 25.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game for a team that is 14-2 and ranked No. 4 in Class 2A. Andrews has been a consistent scoring threat throughout his high school career, scoring 1,852 career points and shooting 42% from the 3-point line for his career (250-for-600). Andrews is 44.2% (61-for-138) from the 3-point line this season. Wapahani won a regional last year. If Andrews can carry the Raiders on a tournament run, it will help his chances.

Ron Rutland III, Crispus Attucks

The 6-2 Rutland (yes, other guard) is a University of Indianapolis recruit who was on the Junior All-Stars team a year ago. His overall numbers are not quite as strong as a year ago (he averaged 18.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists), but he is averaging 13.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals and shooting 38% (38-for-100) from the 3-point line on a team that is better than it was a year ago. Rutland has won back-to-back City tournament championships. Attucks is 15-4 and ranked No. 8 in Class 4A. Maybe the Tigers need a tournament run to boost his chances.

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Kobi Bowles, Lawrence North

If Lawrence North is undefeated and wins the state championship, I don’t see any possibility there is not a Wildcat on the All-Stars team. And even if Lawrence North does not go undefeated, or win state, I think the 6-1 Bowles still has a chance to make the team. Bowles (12.3 ppg, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals) is the second-leading scorer on a team that is 17-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state. Bowles is a serious athlete, too. I think he is going to be a really good college player.

Jake Smith, Lake Central

The 6-6 Smith has size and plays on a team that is 13-2 and was ranked in the top-10 in Class 4A before losing games to Portage and Chesterton. Smith is leading his team at 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, shooting 52.3% from the field and 34.3% from the 3-point line (12-for-35). Smith probably has some work to do to make the team and might still be on the outside, but he is another versatile player with size.

Malachi McNair, Evansville Harrison

Another player with size (McNair is 6-6) who is having a strong season, averaging 19.2 points and 11.0 rebounds and shooting 72% from the field. Harrison is 14-2 with its only losses coming to Carmel and Jeffersonville. I like McNair’s game and think he could be a sleeper pick. Harrison would probably have to make a run in the tournament but should be the favorite to win the sectional.

BUBBLE WITH WORK TO DO

The names above get us to 18 already. Depending on how you construct the team, I think some of the names listed below could also get into the mix. Also, leave open the possibility of a tournament run putting one or two of these names in a more prominent spotlight:

Braden Walters, Terre Haute North: The 6-5 Walters, a transfer from Linton-Stockton’s 2A state finalist last year, has a shot. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals for 14-3 Terre Haute North. Walters is not a scorer but does a lot of things well.

Karson Rogers, Kokomo: The 6-6 Rogers is athletic and putting up big numbers this season, averaging 17.4 points and 8.5 rebounds. He might not be a name people think of for All-Stars consideration, but I think he will get a long look.

Payton Baird, South Bend Riley: The 6-5 Baird, a Bethel commit, has helped his team to a 15-4 record. Baird can play. Another player who could add some size and versatility. He is averaging 14.1 points and 7.2 rebounds. Baird is shooting 35.4% (28-for-79) from the 3-point line.

Taray Howell, Evansville Bosse: The 5-8 Howell reached the 1,000-point mark for his career early in the season and was a Junior All-Star last season. He is averaging 20.2 points, 4.0 assists, 4.0 steals, 2.5 rebounds and shooting 34% (41-for-121) from the 3-point line.

Josiah Gustin, Pendleton Heights: It would probably take a tournament run for Pendleton Heights, which is 8-10, but the 6-7 Gustin is averaging 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and shooting 50% from the field. He is also just 46 points from 1,000 for his career.

Jaelyn Johnson, Portage: Johnson, who is 6-7 and was a Junior All-Star last season, is averaging 10.9 points and 7.9 rebounds for a team that is 9-7.

Jaxon Pardon, Carroll (Fort Wayne): The 6-4 shooting guard is signed with Bowling Green, but his team is just 6-11.

Tucker Tornatta, Evansville Memorial: The 6-7 Tornatta is averaging 16.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists for a team that is 10-5 in Class 3A.

Joey Schmitz, Center Grove: The 6-2 Schmitz is averaging 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists and is shooting a sizzling 57% (48-for-84) from the 3-point line for an 11-4 team.

OTHER NAMES TO WATCH

Depending on how the season plays out or a potential big showing in the Top 60 Senior workout, here are some other names, among others, which could emerge:

Jaxson Bell, North Central; Eli Ellis, Plainfield; Mason Harvey Seton Catholic; D’Amare Hood, Delta; Cannen Houser, Carroll (Fort Wayne); Drew Kegerreis, Roncalli; Jordan Lomax, Brownsburg; Taden Metzger, Fishers; Jack Miller, Scottsburg; Dylan Murans, Guerin Catholic; Grant Porath, Brownsburg; Collin Schmidt, Plainfield; Rob Sorensen, Guerin Catholic; Hunter Walston, Noblesville; Ajani Washington, New Haven; Wyatt Zellers, Scottsburg

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

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana All-Stars 2024: Predicting who will make this year's team