Columbus North’s Caleb Ferguson shoots a free throw against Bloomington North Feb. 21 at Columbus North.
The Republic file photo
Columbus North had its best boys basketball season in more than a decade last year and hopes for a big encore performance in 2025-26.
The Bull Dogs lost seven of their top nine players to graduation, but do return their top two scorers from a team that went 19-4, including 4-1 in Conference Indiana.
“We’ve battled through a few injuries, but now, we’re starting to come together as a group,” North coach Paul Ferguson said. “We’ve had a good week of practice this week, and we’re excited about getting the chance to play someone else.”
Columbus North’s Austin Perry dribbles against Columbus East Dec. 20, 2024 at Columbus North.
The Republic file photo
Caleb Ferguson, a 6-foot-2 senior point guard, led the Bull Dogs with 14.9 points and 4.4 assists per game and added 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season. Austin Perry, a 6-2 junior, averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.7 assists and led North with 2.4 steals.
“We’re looking at them to be our leaders,” Paul Ferguson said. “They’re our most experienced players. But one of the roles that they’re involved in right now is to help the other guys learn what it takes to be varsity players.”
Those “other guys” will be new to varsity basketball, having spent most of last year at the JV level. They include 6-3 senior Ben Kriesant, 6-2 senior Zach Fedor, 6-1 senior Eli Wrightsman and 6-3 sophomore Jack Whaley. Wrightsman led the Brown County varsity with 15.0 points a game as a sophomore before transferring to North last year.
Ibar Baker, a 6-3 senior transfer, will figure into the rotation, as will 6-2 senior Anderson Horn, who missed last season with an injury. Owen Coomes, a 6-3 freshman, also could see action after he returns from an injury sustained during football season.
“A lot of new players mixing in with two experienced guys, Caleb and Austin, but we’re really excited about the group,” Paul Ferguson said. “They played together this summer, and they played well, won some big games and gained some valuable experience.”
The Bull Dogs will open the season Tuesday at home against Heritage Christian. North then will host Hauser Nov. 29.
“Our goal each year is to reach our potential as a team,” Paul Ferguson said. “We’re in that phase where we’re still trying to figure out what our potential is as a team. we’re looking forward to kicking off the season.”
