One of state's top basketball seniors gets limited eligibility from IHSAA after transfer to Fishers

The eligibility of one of the state’s top high school basketball players is in question for the upcoming season.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association ruled Wednesday Kai McGrew, who transferred from Lawrence North to Fishers in the spring, will have limited eligibility for the upcoming season in its initial decision. That ruling would limit McGrew to junior varsity games for 365 days from his last varsity game, which was the Class 4A semistate on March 22.

The 6-9 McGrew, an Indiana Junior All-Star and ranked No. 4 in the state by IndyStar in the 2026 in-state class, averaged 14.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a junior at Lawrence North, helping the Wildcats to a 22-7 record and Class 4A semistate championship game appearance.

McGrew transferred to Fishers after the season, prior to the new first-time transfer from the IHSAA going into effect on June 1, meaning his transfer was processed by the IHSAA under the previous transfer rules. McGrew enrolled at Fishers High School on April 22.

McGrew’s mother, Keela Buckley-McGrew, declined to comment “at this time” when contacted by IndyStar on Wednesday night. She explained in April she has lived in the Fishers district the past two years and wanted to make the transfer due to proximity to school for her son. “I’m able to get him back and forth to school easier and my job is closer,” she said at the time.

If the McGrew family chooses to appeal the IHSAA decision, it has 30 days to submit the appeal to the IHSAA review committee.

McGrew attended Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colo., as a freshman, before moving to Indiana prior to his sophomore season. He averaged 10.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocked shots a sophomore on a Lawrence North team that went 25-4 and won a 4A regional championship.

Fishers won the Class 4A state title two years ago and was the runner-up last year, losing by one point to Jeffersonville in the state championship. The Tigers return junior guards Jason Gardner Jr. and Cooper Zachary, but graduate most of the other key contributors from that team.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA basketball: Kai McGrew ruled limited eligibility after transfer to Fishers