Bloomington Area Basketball Stars Compete for Readers Choice Player of the Year Honor

The Bloomington area basketball community celebrates another exceptional season as twelve outstanding players compete for the prestigious IU Health Herald-Times Readers Choice Boys Basketball Player of the Year award, showcasing the remarkable talent across six local high schools.

The annual recognition follows the successful conclusion of the girls basketball poll, where Bloomington Souths Violet Hall dominated with 7,727 votes, capturing 64 percent support to defeat Owen Valley freshman Kendall Freeman, who garnered 28 percent of total votes cast.

Leading the boys competition is Derrick Cross from Bloomington North, whose exceptional season included averaging 19.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while maintaining impressive shooting percentages across all categories. Cross demonstrated remarkable consistency by recording twelve games with twenty or more points, including a season-high 33-point performance.

Cross shot an exceptional 45 percent from both the field and three-point range, converting 68 of 150 attempts from beyond the arc while maintaining 78 percent accuracy from the free-throw line. His all-around production included three assists and two steals per game, establishing him as one of the areas most complete players.

Coby Sykes from Eastern Greene earned recognition as the areas leading scorer at 20.0 points per game while contributing team-high totals in rebounds (6.5) and assists (4.0). Sykes achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1,000 career points during the season while maintaining exceptional shooting efficiency.

Sykes converted 48 percent of field goal attempts and 40 percent from three-point range, demonstrating the scoring versatility that made him such a consistent offensive threat. His 84 percent free-throw shooting further highlighted his fundamental skill development.

Bloomington Souths Jack Clark brings unique efficiency to the competition, averaging 17.1 points per game while shooting an remarkable 63.6 percent from the field. Perhaps most impressively, Clark converted 57 percent of three-point attempts, making 48 of 84 shots from beyond the arc.

Clarks 90.2 percent free-throw accuracy (92 of 102 attempts) demonstrates the precision shooting that will continue at Wabash College next season. His combination of efficiency and production makes him a compelling candidate for recognition.

Timothy Lautenbach from Lighthouse Christian provided imposing interior presence at 6-foot-7, averaging 12.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game with multiple double-double performances. Lautenbachs 50.7 percent field goal shooting and surprising 40.5 percent three-point accuracy showcase modern big man versatility.

Aiden Jones, also from Lighthouse Christian, led his team in scoring at 18.3 points per game while contributing 6.2 rebounds and demonstrating defensive impact with 13 blocked shots. His 49 percent field goal shooting and leadership qualities earned team recognition.

Other notable nominees include Duncan Combs from Bloomington South, whose 15 points and 5.8 rebounds per game featured 54 percent field goal shooting and team-leading 23 blocks. Eastern Greenes Kyan Hudson contributed 15 points and 4.6 rebounds while leading his team with 1.4 steals per game.

Edgewoods Caden Jones averaged 15 points and six rebounds before missing sectional action due to injury, while teammate Reece Roberts expanded his role to contribute 8 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Owen Valleys senior leadership came from Noah Hall, who provided steady production with 8.2 points and 3.4 rebounds, while sophomore Joey Richardson led team scoring at 9 points per game.

Voting continues through Friday, March 20 at noon, with readers encouraged to participate multiple times in selecting their preferred candidate from this exceptional group of student-athletes who represented their schools and communities with distinction throughout the season.