One of the state’s premier offseason high school boys basketball showcases won’t lack for representation from Indian Creek.
The Braves’ starting backcourt of junior Tim Abel and sophomore Jared DeHart are both playing in the April 2 Post Your T Indiana East/West All-Star Game.
Abel and DeHart compete in the Class 3A boys game at Knightstown High School. It is one of eight boys and All-Star games taking place that day at Knightstown.
DeHart, a 6-foot point guard, recently was named to the Daily Journal’s All-County Team after averaging 13.7 points 4.7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2.3 steals this season.
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Abel is a 6-2 shooting guard who led Indian Creek in scoring (17.4) to go along with his 4.5 boards and 2 assists.
Players are selected after coaches throughout Indiana nominate underclassmen players to game director Mike Walker.
Indian Creek finished 16-8 overall and was runner-up in the Mid-Hoosier Conference standings with an 8-1 record.
DeHart and Abel have played at Knightstown earlier this season for a regular-season game. The Braves defeated the Panthers, 59-51, on Dec. 12.
“I’m very excited, just seeing who’s there and playing and having fun. I’ll try to play my game and get my teammates involved,” Abel said. “Jared and I are used to playing on the court together, so there should be a little bit of chemistry out there, too.”
The all-star games also are an opportunity for men’s and women’s college basketball coaches to watch prospective recruits for the first time in a game setting.
Indian Creek boys basketball coach Derek Perry said being assertive on defense could benefit both his players.
“It gives both kids a little bit of exposure. It’s an honor to be picked,” Perry said. “But I don’t know how much defense will be played.
“I just want them to go out and play their games and to play some defense in this game.”
Other players who are be part of the boys Class 3A All-Star Game include 6-4 junior guard Jordan Smith of Hanover Central (13.8 ppg), 5-7 Mississinewa sophomore guard Conner Wilson (13 ppg, 7 apg) and 6-2 Pike Central junior guard Trey Wornica (8 ppg).
Both DeHart and Able soon will be starting their AAU basketball seasons for Indiana Elite and Indiana Faith teams, respectively.
DeHart looks to use the All-Star game and AAU season as opportunities to work on defense and footwork. Abel wants to work on ball-handling and perimeter shooting.
“I’m going to take the game seriously, but I also feel it’s a good opportunity to play basketball with my teammate before our AAU seasons start up,” DeHart said.
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IF YOU GO
What: Post Your T Indiana East/West All-Star Games
When: April 2
Where: Knightstown High School
Girls game times: 9:30 a.m. (Class A Game), 11 a.m. (2A), 12:30 p.m. (3A) and 2 p.m. (4A)
Boys game times: 3:30 p.m. (Class A Game), 5 p.m. (2A), 6:30 p.m. (3A) and 8 p.m. (4A)
Local players: Girls – Madelyn Bitterling and Allison Utterback (Center Grove). Boys – Tim Able and Jared DeHart (Indian Creek)
Admission: $8 for an all-day pass
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