Most of the top scorers in the TEC graduated a year ago -- but that doesn't mean there's not plenty of talent to watch around the area.
RICHMOND, Ind. – Thirteen of last year’s top 15 scorers in the Tri-Eastern Conference have graduated, and just one returning player averaged double-figures.
Suddenly, Richmond has talent, and experience that makes them an interesting story line, but the unknowns from around the area make the TEC an interesting one to follow, as well. Five of the top players returning were freshmen a year ago.
Here are 18 players to watch entering the 2018-19 boys basketball season, listed in alphabetical order by last name.
One of two seniors that started as freshmen, Brenneke averaged 8.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Cardinals.
The Tri-Village senior averaged about 13 points per game off the bench.
Frye didn't start playing basketball until he was 14 years old, but he credits Rick Wedlow for instilling in him the passion for the game. Head coach Shabaz Khaliq appreciates Frye's desire to get better, and as a senior, Frye will have his biggest role yet. Frye's 3.6 rebounds per game are the most among returning Red Devils, and he only averaged 2.1 points. But again, stats aren't his biggest contribution to the team.
Harrison averaged 15.6 points per game and was named to the All-Cross County Conference team, as National Trail went 15-9 for their first winning season since 2005. Harrison had a school-record 69 3-pointers, shooting 43 percent from the 3-point line, 54 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line.
Hillard was part of a very successful run at Northeastern, including averaging 9.8 points, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a junior. He transferred to Richmond when his father, Shane, took over as Richmond’s girls basketball coach following the death of former head coach Casey Pohlenz.
Kroft showed some of what he can do when he threw down a dunk during the scrimmage on Saturday, and like his brother, has the makeup to one day be a Division I basketball player.
Kroft instantly makes Richmond better. Just days after transferring to Richmond, he announced his verbal commitment to Ball State University and has since signed. Kroft averaged 12 points per game during his junior season at Fort Wayne North, and led Richmond with 29 points during Saturday’s scrimmage against Franklin Central.
Lumpkin played in all 26 games as a freshman, averaging 8.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a freshman for the Knights, one of the most consistent programs in the past decade.
Moynihan averaged a near double-double as a freshman, as Seton advanced to the regional championship game for the first time in school history.
Moynihan chipped in 9.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 3.4 blocked shots per game, had 10 double doubles and a triple double.
The other three-year starter, Reichley averaged 9.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He and Moynihan tied for team-highs with 31 made 3-pointers.
The 6-foot-7 Sparks played in 17 games as a freshman, averaging 5.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Swimm averaged 11.5 points per game a year ago, the most among returning players. A three-sport standout, Swimm enters the season as a leading contender for the TEC Player of the Year honors. He also averaged 3.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists just under a steal per game for the 15-8 Tigers.
Torres averaged 7.6 points, 2.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Wayne County champions.
Vanlandingham was another freshman that played in all 26 games for the Knights, and his career-high 20 points against Centerville helped the Knights advance to the sectional championship game.
Wissel averaged 10.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.8 steals per game for the Rebels.