OPINION: 2A Class - Best Ever?

Since the inception of class basketball in Indiana, there has been fierce and constant debate as to its existence, legitimacy, and effect on the glorious tradition of our hoops-adoring state. Regardless of the arguments for or against class basketball (I believe both sides have valid points, and that there in no chance of ever returning to single class), one thing is for sure: the talent, depth, and quality of teams in the 2A class in the 2008-2009 season is the best I can remember. In fact, I will go as far as to say that 2A is better than 3A this year, second only to the big dogs in 4A. Some of the top 2A teams have more hype, bigger stars, or more history than the lesser-known but highly-ranked ones, but the 2A State Title is truly up for grabs this year. Here's a look at some of the best 2A teams, what they've accomplished so far this season, and why they have a chance to reach the final podium at Conseco Fieldhouse this year.

The Top Eight Contenders

Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers - Let's start with the obvious: the defending champs. Luers is probably the most well-known 2A team with the most hype, and rightfully so. They are already 4-1 on the young season, with their only loss coming this weekend in the Circle City Classic to 4A #4 Lawrence North. Through three quarters, Luers appeared to be the better team, trailing by only two to a team dominating them in size, skill, and athleticism (which won out in the end). The #2 ranked team in 2A is led by nationally ranked top-ten 6'7" junior Deshaun Thomas. Thomas, headed to Ohio State, is worth of all the accolades and praise he receives. Put him on any team in the state, and they immediately become contenders. I believe he is easily the best player in the state, regardless of grade or position. In their four wins this season, they have utterly destroyed the competition, winning by an average of 27.5 points. The Knights are the obvious pick to repeat, but there are many capable teams waiting to dethrone them, if provided the chance.

Tipton - The current number-one in 2A, Tipton has blazed out of the gates to an undefeated 5-0 record behind the play of 6'9" IU-bound forward Derek Elston. A top-100 national recruit, Elston does it all for the Blue Devils, scoring defending, rebounding, and distributing the rock. He is averaging 22.4 points and 11.8 rebounds so far this year, while sitting much of the second half in many games, due to the disparity in the score. Like Luers, Tipton has demolished all comers so far, winning by an average of 42.2 points!!! Even though their competition hasn't been amazing so far, winning by over forty a game is darn impressive. Their road gets tougher in the near future, facing quality teams such as Westflied (4A), Mt. Vernon (3A), and Kokomo (4A) in the coming weeks. We'll better see what Tipton is truly made of then.

Lawrenceburg - The Tigers are coming off a HUGE week, proving the might of 2A. First, they defeated 3A #1 Batesville, and then they turned around and beat 4A team East Central, who was 4-0 until facing the Tigers. Lawrenceburg is led By Sean Dowell, who scored 36 points in their big win over Colt Ryan and Batesville. After losing in embarrassing fashion to Winchester in the regional finals last year, many doubted the quality of the Tigers team, but they have effectively served notice that are for real.

Heritage Christian - The Eagles, the #6 team, are 3-0 already this season with a couple impressive wins so far. Heritage defeated 4A Columbus East on the road, and then turned around with another road victory at Bishop Chatard before a hostile crowd. The Eagles schedule doesn't get any easier, but if they can traverse it well, they will be more than sufficiently prepared for postseason play. They've got games coming up against 2A powers Guerin Catholic and Covenant Christian, and other great squads like 4A #2 Cathedral and Brebeuf Jesuit, as well as games in the Indianapolis City Tournament. Heritage is led by 6'5" senior guard Tommy Eggleston who is averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 boards, 3.3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1.7 steals so for this year. The Eagles also have 6'4" senior forward Morgan Cook (10 ppg) and one of the top freshman in the state in 6'6" guard Joel Smith (8 ppg, 6 rpg). If their solid play continues, expect them to move further than their early Regional loss from last season.

Bluffton - These Tigers are a defensive stalwart, giving up only an average of 42.3 points per game to their opponents. Bluffton has played themselves into the #4 ranking in 2A, going 4-0 with wins over two 3A squads. A team that went 23-1 last season (losing only to Luers by two in the Sectional Final), Bluffton returns star Brock Woodward and is looking to take the next step, finishing on top of 2A. Getting out of that killer Sectional is the key, but if they do, there aren't many teams who can stop them.

Oak Hill - The Golden Eagles are another team off to an undefeated start at 6-0 already, with wins over four 2A schools and two 3A squads, earning them the number three ranking in 2A. Their schedule is rather manageable, where they will be favored in most games, aside from a tilt with 4A powerhouse Marion, and possibly 3A squad Peru. Oak Hill is led by a trio of seniors averaging in double figures: Erik Doyle (21ppg), Jared Perkins (14 ppg), and Derrick Pond (12.8 ppg). While playing a relatively soft schedule so far, the Golden Eagles are averaging 74.5 points per game, while holding opponents to 44 a game.

Winchester - The runners-up to Luers last year are the only team of this bunch with a loss so far, but it was without a few of their top players, including 6'5" senior guard, Tyler Koch, headed to Wright State. There were some off-the-court issues that led to his absence, but his return will come soon, and he will likely play with more resolve and purpose due to the punishment. They play a stout schedule, with killer games coming up against North Montgomery, Bluffton, Danville, and Jay County. Winchester lost Brock Morrison, now at Anderson University playing significant minutes as a freshman, which will make their road tougher, but Winchester has the offensive firepower to reach the top.

Guerin Catholic - Speaking of firepower, the Guerin Golden Eagles have it. With two ninety-plus point games already, Guerin can fill it up with the best of them. But they have also recently proven that they can get it done in tight games against big time teams. This past week, they knocked off an athletic Indianapolis Washington squad led by Brandon Demmings, and followed it up with a stunning win over 4A power Hamilton Southeastern, who had just defeated a ranked Noblesville team. They are led by sharpshooting senior Ryan Nowicki, a threat to fire it up from anywhere. Guerin has not had much past success, so the new found hype surrounding them, while exciting, may prove too much to handle. So far, however, they are playing like a top team.

* NOTE - Tipton, Oak Hill, and Guerin are all in Sectional 40. WOW!!! Talk about a killer. Whoever comes out of that one has big time bragging rights.

In my estimation, these are the teams most likely to compete for the title in the deepest 2A class in Indiana history. There are other teams who could sneak in, like Covenant Christian (when Andrew Smith returns) or Evansville Mater Dei, or even past winner Forest Park, just proving the depth of quality in 2A. Like many others, I believe that if anyone but Luers wins, it will be an upset, but as you can see, it is more than a mere possibility in this season of parity.