A boys basketball season that will conclude with the 100th tournament offers no shortage of story lines.

Some are obvious. Some are not. Some will reveal themselves during the course of the season. That’s the fun of watching it all unfold. Consider this list a starting point:

A run at history: Deshaun Thomas embarks on his senior season with two goals: To lead his Fort Wayne Bishop Luers team to a third straight Class 2A title and to become the state’s all-time leading scorer.

The two go hand in hand.

The 6-7 Thomas likely will need as many games as he can to surpass Bedford North Lawrence’s Damon Bailey at the top of the scoring chart. With 2,254 career points, the Ohio State recruit needs 881 to pass Bailey. That would mean Thomas would have to average 32.6 points if Luers plays 27 games — the number it has played the past two seasons.

Thomas averaged 30.3 points as a junior.

Mr. Basketball race: If Thomas accomplishes both goals — or comes close — he’ll likely be considered the top candidate for Indianapolis Star Indiana Mr. Basketball. But there are others capable of making it a race, including North Central guard and Purdue recruit Terone Johnson.

Johnson averaged 19.9 points as a junior and led North Central to a 23-2 record. He’ll probably have to navigate the Panthers through a difficult sectional to have a chance at the top individual honor.

Among others who merit watching are Donnie Hale of New Albany, Travis Carroll of Danville and Jesse Berry of Lafayette Jeff.

Wildcat II: It was a tumultuous offseason for Lawrence North coach Jack Keefer’s program. The Wildcats lost two Indiana All-Star candidates — Dominique Ferguson and Justin Martin — to prep schools. Keefer believes his team may be better off.

The Wildcats went 25-3 last season, losing to Franklin Central in the regional championship. Keefer believed that team may have been too star heavy. Juniors Michael Chandler and Ryan Taylor — both Louisville recruits — will be the go-to guys this season.

The team to beat: Can anybody beat Bloomington South? If anything, the defending 4A champs may be even stronger. Last year’s Mr. Basketball, Jordan Hulls, is a freshman at Indiana. But junior transfer Matt Carlino, also an IU recruit, steps in. Erik Fromm, a 6-8 Butler recruit, and junior guards Dee Davis (Xavier) and Spencer Turner are all returning starters.

Coming off a 26-0 season, South is No. 11 in the USA Today national preseason rankings.

The class of 3A: Princeton, the defending Class 3A champion, is loaded for another run at the title. But it won’t be easy. Washington, with standout junior Cody Zeller, could meet Princeton in the regional.

In the area, Mt. Vernon, Danville, Howe and Brebeuf Jesuit all have the ability to make a deep run. Hamilton Heights and IU recruit Austin Etherington also could have a say.

Conference on the rise: Quietly, the Hoosier Crossroads Conference is primed for a very good season. Zionsville, Lafayette Jeff, Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville and Avon all have key players returning. Brownsburg and Fishers also will be competitive.

Zionsville in particular could be poised for a breakout year. It has been 15 years since the Eagles won a sectional.

Young guns: Tracking the progress of the state’s talented 2012 class will be interesting. North Central’s D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera, Broad Ripple’s Ron Patterson, Lawrence Central’s Jeremy Hollowell, Carmel’s A.J. Hammons, Avon’s Austin Burgett and Hamilton Southeastern’s Gary Harris are among the standouts in the sophomore class.

Basil Ball: Hall of Fame coach Basil Mawbey is back after a year out of coaching to take over a young and talented Broad Ripple team. Will his defensive style work? Speaking of veteran coaches at Indianapolis Public School programs, Frank Kendrick will attempt to get Tech jump-started in his first year.

Mr. Teague’s neighborhood: Marquis Teague is regarded as one of the top five high school players in the 2011 class. Can the ultra-quick 6-1 guard lead Pike on a deep tournament run? The Red Devils were playing their best ball at the end of last season.

Back in time: Peru will host a game at its old gymnasium, the 1940 Tig-Arena, for the first time since 1990 when Wabash visits Dec. 4. School officials anticipate a packed house. Other schools with old gyms also have considered “throwback” games. With a nod to “Hoosier Hysteria” days gone by, that idea seems fitting in the year of the 100th tournament.