Top 15 Indiana High School Basketball Players of the 1960s

The 1960s marked one of the most competitive and defining eras in the history of Indiana high school basketball. This was the height of Hoosier Hysteria—one class, one champion, and no easy path to the top. Every team, regardless of size or location, had to navigate the same brutal tournament, where a single loss ended a season and legends were made under pressure.

This decade produced an incredible mix of talent, from dominant big men who controlled the paint to revolutionary guards who began to stretch the floor in ways the game had never seen before. Players like George McGinnis and Rick Mount didn’t just excel—they helped redefine what greatness looked like in Indiana basketball. Meanwhile, scorers like Jimmy Rayl and Billy Shepherd pushed offensive boundaries in an era without a three-point line.

This list isn’t about hype—it’s about production, impact, and performance when it mattered most. These are the players who defined the decade and left a lasting mark on Indiana basketball history.

15) Mike Warren

Mike Warren was one of the most complete guards to come out of Indiana during the 1960s. At South Bend Central, he developed into a player who could impact every aspect of the game. Warren wasn’t just a scorer—he was a leader, defender, and playmaker who controlled the flow of the game from the backcourt.

His ability to handle the ball and make smart decisions under pressure made him invaluable in tournament settings. Warren also had the size and athleticism to defend multiple positions, giving his team flexibility on both ends of the floor. He later became part of UCLA’s dynasty under John Wooden, which speaks to his talent and discipline.

In high school, Warren’s balanced game set him apart. He didn’t rely on one skill—he brought everything. That kind of versatility made him one of the most dependable and effective guards of the decade.

14) Rick Jones

Rick Jones was the steady hand behind Muncie Central’s 1963 state championship team. As the point guard, Jones controlled tempo, managed the offense, and made sure his team executed when it mattered most. In Indiana’s one-class tournament, that kind of leadership was critical.

Jones wasn’t flashy, but he was incredibly effective. He understood the game at a high level and consistently made the right decisions. Whether it was setting up teammates or taking advantage of opportunities himself, Jones played with confidence and control.

His leadership during the state tournament run is what truly defines his legacy. He guided Muncie Central through one of the toughest tournaments in the country and helped deliver a championship. That ability to perform under pressure is why he belongs on this list.

13) Steve Downing

Steve Downing was a key piece of one of the greatest teams in Indiana history—the undefeated 1969 Indianapolis Washington squad. While George McGinnis often gets the spotlight, Downing’s role cannot be overlooked.

He provided the interior presence that made Washington so difficult to beat. Downing controlled the boards, protected the rim, and gave the team a physical edge that overwhelmed opponents. In the state finals, his presence inside was crucial to Washington’s victory.

Downing’s ability to do the dirty work—rebounding, defending, and controlling the paint—made him indispensable. He may not have been the flashiest player, but he was one of the most important.

12) Randy Mahaffey

Randy Mahaffey was the leader of Evansville Bosse’s 1962 state championship team and one of the most complete players of the early 1960s. He could score, rebound, and defend, making him a true all-around player.

Mahaffey’s biggest strength was his ability to deliver in big moments. During Bosse’s tournament run, he consistently made key plays that helped his team advance. He was calm under pressure and played with confidence.

Winning a state championship in Indiana is one of the hardest accomplishments in high school sports, and Mahaffey did it as a central figure. That alone secures his place among the decade’s best.

11) Ron Bonham

Ron Bonham helped define the start of the 1960s as the 1960 Indiana Mr. Basketball. Playing for Muncie Central, Bonham became one of the most respected scorers in the state, finishing his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer at the time. His ability to consistently produce offensively made him a focal point of every defense he faced.

Bonham led Muncie Central to the state finals in 1960, where they finished runner-up, but his performance throughout the season and tournament established him as one of the elite players in Indiana. He combined scoring ability with leadership and toughness, making him a complete player.

His impact went beyond numbers. Bonham represented the bridge between the 1950s style of play and the evolving game of the 1960s, helping set the tone for the decade that followed.

10) Dave Schellhase

Dave Schellhase was one of the most prolific scorers of the early 1960s. At Evansville North, he separated himself from the field with his ability to consistently put up points at a high level, averaging over 30 points per game as a senior. In an era where scoring was often more methodical, that kind of production was rare.

Schellhase’s offensive ability made him a statewide name before he ever left high school. He could shoot, create his own shot, and carry an offense when needed. Defenses struggled to contain him, and his scoring output often dictated the pace of the game.

He later continued his success at Purdue, but his high school career alone earns him a spot on this list. Schellhase was one of the best pure scorers of the decade.

9) Larry Humes

Larry Humes was one of the most accomplished players of the early 1960s and the leader of a powerhouse Madison program. The 1962 Mr. Basketball, Humes guided Madison to a remarkable 97–5 record over four seasons and a trip to the state finals.

Humes was more than just a scorer—he was the centerpiece of a team that consistently performed at a high level. His ability to lead, combined with his production on the court, made him one of the most respected players in the state.

Although Madison fell short in the championship game, Humes’ overall body of work and impact on one of the decade’s best programs secure his place among the elite.

T8) Dick Van Arsdale and Tom Van Arsdale

Dick Van Arsdale was one half of one of the most famous twin duos in Indiana basketball history. At Indianapolis Manual, he shared Mr. Basketball honors in 1961 and helped lead his team to the Final Four.

Van Arsdale was known for his scoring ability and composure under pressure. He delivered in big moments, including strong performances in the state tournament. His ability to produce against top competition set him apart.

He later enjoyed a successful NBA career, but his high school accomplishments alone justify his place on this list.

Tom Van Arsdale was just as impactful as his twin brother, bringing a complete and balanced game to Indianapolis Manual. Also a co-Mr. Basketball winner in 1961, Tom excelled as both a scorer and playmaker.

His ability to control the game and contribute in multiple ways made him one of the most valuable players of the decade. He was particularly effective in tournament play, where his leadership helped push Manual deep into the postseason.

Together, the Van Arsdale twins represent one of the most unique and successful pairings in Indiana history.

7) Jim Barnes

Jim Barnes was one of the most physically dominant big men in Indiana high school basketball history. Playing at Gary Roosevelt in the early 1960s, Barnes controlled the paint with a level of strength and physicality that few opponents could match. In an era where interior play still dictated outcomes, Barnes didn’t just compete—he imposed his will on every game he played.

He was an elite rebounder, consistently controlling the boards and limiting second-chance opportunities for opponents. Offensively, he scored efficiently around the basket, using power and positioning to overwhelm defenders. Teams had to build their entire game plan around trying to contain him, and even then, success was limited.

Barnes’ dominance carried beyond high school, as he went on to star at Texas Western (UTEP), helping lead the Miners to the historic 1966 NCAA championship. But his reputation as a force began in Indiana, where he established himself as one of the most intimidating and impactful players of the decade.

6) Billy Shepherd

Billy Shepherd was one of the greatest pure scorers Indiana has ever produced. At Carmel, he built a legendary high school career by consistently putting up numbers that stood out even in a state known for elite offensive players. Shepherd scored over 2,400 career points and averaged more than 30 points per game during multiple seasons, an extraordinary accomplishment in the 1960s.

What made Shepherd special was his ability to score in every possible way. He could shoot from long range, create off the dribble, and finish at the rim. Defenses could not key on just one aspect of his game because he had no real weakness offensively. When his team needed points, Shepherd delivered—consistently and efficiently.

He was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1968, confirming his place among the elite players of the decade. While some players are remembered for championships, Shepherd’s legacy is built on offensive dominance. He was a player who could take over games at any moment, making him one of the most feared scorers of his era.

5) Billy Keller

Billy Keller proved that size is not a limitation when skill, confidence, and toughness are present. Playing at Indianapolis Washington, Keller became one of the most dangerous guards in Indiana history despite being undersized. His ability to score, handle the ball, and control the tempo made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

Keller’s defining moment came in 1965 when he led Washington to the Indiana state championship. Throughout that tournament run, he consistently delivered in big moments, showing poise and leadership under pressure. He had the ability to create his own shot, stretch defenses with his range, and make the right play when it mattered most.

Beyond scoring, Keller was a complete player who understood how to manage a game. He later starred at Purdue and in the ABA with the Indiana Pacers, but his high school career alone secures his place among the best of the 1960s. He represents the ideal Indiana guard—skilled, fearless, and built for tournament basketball.

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4) Marion Pierce

Marion Pierce is one of the most remarkable scoring stories in Indiana basketball history. Playing at tiny Lewisville, a school with fewer than 100 students, Pierce amassed over 3,000 career points—an extraordinary achievement in any era, but especially in the 1960s. His ability to dominate games offensively made him one of the most unstoppable players in the state.

Pierce averaged well over 30 points per game and became the focal point of every defense he faced. Opponents knew exactly what was coming and still couldn’t stop him. He had the ability to create shots under pressure, score from multiple areas of the floor, and carry his team night after night.

While he didn’t have the same exposure as players from larger programs, his individual dominance is undeniable. Pierce’s accomplishments at a small school make his legacy even more impressive, and his scoring ability places him among the greatest offensive players Indiana has ever seen.

3) Ray Pavy

Ray Pavy remains one of the most underrated yet respected players in Indiana high school basketball history. A standout guard at East Chicago Washington, Pavy built his reputation on toughness, skill, and the ability to compete with anyone in the state. He was not intimidated by big moments or big names—he thrived in them.

Pavy’s legacy is forever tied to his legendary matchup with Jimmy Rayl, but his greatness extends far beyond that game. He was a complete guard who could handle pressure, attack the basket, and score in a variety of ways. His physical style of play made him especially effective in an era known for its toughness.

What truly set Pavy apart was his competitiveness. Against elite players, he didn’t just hold his own—he elevated his game. That ability to perform under pressure and against top competition is why he remains part of Indiana basketball lore and firmly belongs among the best of the decade.

2) Rick Mount

Rick Mount is the most iconic Indiana high school basketball player of the 1960s and one of the most recognizable figures in the history of the sport in the state. Playing at Lebanon, Mount became a statewide phenomenon because of his incredible shooting ability and confidence. He could score from distances that were virtually unheard of at the time, effectively stretching defenses beyond anything they had experienced.

Mount’s high school career peaked in the mid-1960s, and by the time he graduated in 1966, he was already a legend. He drew massive crowds everywhere he played, turning regular-season games into statewide events. His ability to take over games offensively made him one of the most feared scorers Indiana had ever seen.

He went on to star at Purdue, where he became one of the pioneers of long-range shooting in college basketball. While he didn’t win a state championship, his influence on the game and his scoring brilliance make him one of the defining players of the decade.

1) George McGinnis

George McGinnis stands as the most dominant Indiana high school basketball player of the 1960s. At Indianapolis Washington, he combined size, strength, and skill in a way that overwhelmed opponents at every level. McGinnis wasn’t just physically superior—he was also highly skilled, making him nearly impossible to defend.

His defining moment came during the 1969 season, when he led Washington to an undefeated state championship. Throughout the tournament, McGinnis dominated games, controlling the paint, rebounding at an elite level, and setting the tone physically. He didn’t just contribute—he dictated the outcome.

McGinnis later became a star at Indiana University and in the ABA, but his high school dominance alone places him at the top of this list. He proved himself on the biggest stage, finished the job with a championship, and left no doubt about his place as the best all-around player of the decade.

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