In a thrilling showdown at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, former Indiana basketball player Sherron Wilkerson led his high school alma mater, Jeffersonville, to a stunning victory in the Class 4A state championship. On March 29, 2025, the No. 7-ranked Jeffersonville Red Devils edged out the top-ranked Fishers Tigers with a nail-biting score of 67-66, ending Fishers' impressive 43-game winning streak.
With a strong crowd cheering from the upper deck of the NBA arena, Wilkerson's team showcased their resilience and skill, culminating in a momentous win that solidified Wilkerson's legacy as both a player and a coach. This victory marks Wilkerson as the sixth individual to achieve an Indiana high school basketball state title as both a player and a coach, according to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Furthermore, he becomes the 25th person to coach their alma mater to an Indiana high school basketball state title.
Wilkerson, who is 49 years old, was a celebrated athlete in his youth, recognized as a 1993 McDonald's All-American and the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. His journey through basketball included leading the Red Devils to the 1993 IHSAA state title before playing at Indiana University, where he faced challenges that included being dismissed from the team. After finishing his college career at Rio Grande, he played internationally before returning to coaching.
In the championship game, Jeffersonville's standout player, Tre Singleton, delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out four assists. Singleton played the entire 36 minutes of the game, demonstrating his endurance and skill, especially under pressure. Michael Cooper also contributed significantly with 15 points, helping Jeffersonville finish the season with an impressive record of 24-5, having won their last 18 games.
On the other side of the court, Fishers, who were aiming for back-to-back Class 4A state titles, had notable performances from Jason Gardner Jr. and Justin Kirby, each scoring 15 points. Despite their strong efforts, the Tigers fell just short in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Hoosiers basketball program is undergoing a significant transformation as new head coach Darian DeVries steps into his role. As of now, the Hoosiers have no players returning from the 2024-25 season after Bryson Tucker and Myles Rice entered the transfer portal on March 28, 2025. This leaves DeVries with an empty roster to fill as he embarks on his first season at the helm.
The looming April 7 deadline for finalizing NIL agreements adds urgency to DeVries' task of rebuilding the team. With a roster limit of 15 players, the Hoosiers are currently in a unique situation, having previously listed 19 players, including walk-ons, last season. As DeVries evaluates his options, he is hopeful about recruiting new talent to shape a competitive team.
Trent Sisley, a signed freshman, has affirmed his commitment to the program despite the upheaval. Additionally, Luke Goode is considering returning, although it remains uncertain if DeVries will welcome him back or if the NCAA will grant him another season. The situation is further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding coach's son, Tucker, who has also entered the transfer portal but has not yet announced his intentions.
DeVries was present at the Indiana high school state finals on March 29, 2025, scouting potential recruits for the upcoming season. His attendance at the event highlights his proactive approach to building a new roster. He was seen courtside during the Class 3A and 4A contests, where several promising players caught his eye.
Among the players to watch was Josh Henderson, the son of IU great Alan Henderson, who played for University High School in Carmel, Indiana. In the 3A game, Crispus Attucks forward Dezmon Briscoe, a former Iowa commit, also showcased his skills, potentially drawing DeVries' interest as he seeks to assemble a competitive team.
As the new coach, DeVries is tasked with not only filling the roster but also instilling a competitive spirit in his players. His previous coaching experiences at Drake and West Virginia have equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate this challenging transition. Rival coaches have noted that DeVries' teams reflect his competitive nature, and he aims to bring that same intensity to the Hoosiers.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for DeVries as he works to build a roster that can compete at a high level in the Big Ten. The transfer portal is a vital resource for him, allowing for the rapid acquisition of talent as he seeks to establish a new era of Indiana basketball.
In the midst of these changes, one thing is clear: the landscape of Indiana basketball is evolving, and the anticipation surrounding both the Jeffersonville Red Devils' triumph and the Indiana Hoosiers' rebuilding efforts is palpable. As the season progresses and the transfer portal continues to shape rosters, fans will be eager to see how these narratives unfold.
