Boys Basketball

2025-26 Season Review

The Royals entered this season with championship aspirations, and they finally were able to achieve some goals that have been on their list for a few years. The team has been building towards this for a few years as a program, and it felt great! Led by their five seniors, Luke Baker, Brayden “BC” Collins, Luke Feldman, Conner Kesler & Joe Taylor, this 18-win, sectional & regional championship team was an entertaining one to watch.

Some season highlights included:

Started the season 6-0 (including a win over 2025 4A State Champs, Jeffersonville and 2026 4A Regional Champ, Decatur Central)
A road win at New Pal, after losing five straight to the Dragons over the last four years
Advancing to the sectional finals for the third year in a row
Winning three games and a sectional title by an average of 13 points
Beating higher-ranked Northview in the regional 54-43
18 wins – highest win total since 2017-2018 season
Joe Taylor set a school record for rebounds in a career with 535 rebounds
Junior Will Hegwood set a school record for assists in a career with 300 assists, and he still has one more season to play
Service Projects with Beggars for the Poor and Wishing Well
Conner Kesler and Joe Taylor selected for the Circle City All-Conference Team
Will Hegwood and Conner Kesler selected as Honorable Mentions on All-Marion County Team
Joe Taylor selected as an All-Marion County 2nd Team.
Joe Taylor selected to play in Marion County Senior All-Star Game

Senior leadership was at the forefront this season, and this group of boys will be missed by the program. Joe Taylor averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 56% from the field, all while being really valuable defending the paint. Conner Kesler was the team’s leading scorer both his junior year and his senior year. He averaged 14 points per game and grew into a real leader for the Royals, and he was willing to do anything it took to win the game. Conner hit 93 three-pointers over his last two seasons and will certainly be missed. Luke Feldman led the team with 57 made threes this season, while shooting them at 43%. He was way more than just a shooter for the Royals, but his game winning three at New Pal will be remembered for a very long time! He will go down as one of our most efficient scorers in school history. Luke Baker grew into a super valuable part of our team. He was our starting four man, who was our second-leading rebounder, second in assists, and he usually guarded the opponents best player. “Bake’s” energy and spirit will be greatly missed! Brayden Collins provided everyday leadership with his approach and encouraging, helping voice. The ‘Best Teammate’ award-winner was always ready when his name was called, and he had a huge three pointer against Perry Meridian that nobody in the gym will ever forget. BC will always be a huge part of our program as he made the players, coaches and all those around him better humans. His fight and recovery from leukemia was inspiring for all.

End-of-season Roncalli awards went to the following Royals:

Co-MVPs: Joe Taylor and Will Hegwood

Mental Attitude Award:

Leadership Award: Conner Kesler

Sportsmanship Award: Luke Feldman