These are the players I saw this week who can play at the next level and make a difference. Whether that be at the D1 or DIII level, each could land in the right situation and make a difference.

Markus Burton - Penn 2023 - 6' Guard

  • I have seen Markus live a number of times of the years. He's gone through the growing pains of a freshman playing against upperclassmen and it's paid off. Markus is a dog. Can score at all 3 levels, and is a legit 6'. Loves attacking the basket and can finish. Knocks his FTs down also. Was 13-13 Saturday against Valpo. Nice outside shot and is an underrated passer and defender. Big things to come from Markus.

Joey Garwood - Penn 2023 - 6'1" Guard

  • Joey is a shooter. Knocks down the open shot with ease and can get on a heater quick. Not only can he shoot it but he can pass it and defend. Great on both ends of the floor, he can run the break too. Definitely a junior to keep an eye on development-wise.

Jack Smiley - Valparaiso 2025 - 6'1" Guard

  • I've seen Jack live three times now this season. He's done a little more each time. Never shy to make a play and can knock down big shots. Easy to see why he's getting varsity time at a 4A power like Valpo. Will continue to grow and develop and I see him becoming a player, who, when called upon can take over a game. Length is great and so is his outside shot.

Mason Jones - Valparaiso 2023 - 6'7" Wing

  • Mason did something last night that I haven't seen him do before: He looked to take the game over. And in this case he was successful. Looked to attack every time. Passed well out of double teams and hit a couple threes. Once he gets totally comfortable with shooting from outside, adding a pump fake and blow-by will go a long way. Always plays hard and defends well. Definitely sitting tight in the 2023 rankings.

Landon Biegel - Oak Hill 2023 - 6'5" Guard/Forward

  • First time seeing Landon and he really didn't disappoint as he had a double double, finishing with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Gets to his shot really fast so is hard to defend, and he's quick off the bounce. Able to get to the rim and finish with either a pull up jumper, or through contact at the basket. Got himself in trouble a couple times with some jump passes, but overall solid and confident with the ball. Good distributor otherwise. Solid combo guard who can get it done. Little bit of a slept on recruit.

Matt Ross - Peru 2022 - 6'5" Forward

  • Matt would be a great forward at the D3 level, maybe lower NAIA. Plays hard and is a smart player. Rebounds position well and when he's not scoring he is making a difference doing the little things. Great around the basket and at the line. Outside shot could be added to his game to make him more of a threat, but otherwise he makes solid basketball plays and is someone you'd want on your team.

Matthew Roettger - Peru 2024 - 6'3" Guard

  • First saw Matthew last season while he was getting time for the Tigers as a freshman. Really liked his upside then, but he's really developed his game coming into mid-season of his sophomore year. Always had the toughness and grit factor. Has added some leadership to his game as well. Doesn't shy away from contact and is strong with the ball. Really good defender. Will only continue to get better and is a sophomore coaches need on their radars.

Drew Hogan - Goshen 2022 - 5'9" Guard

  • I have always liked Drew's game. Plays bigger than he is and can finish over bigs inside. Can shoot it well, but his biggest asset is his toughness. Attacks and finds the open man with ease. Would be a perfect D3 point guard. Loves getting downhill. Great floor general and tough defender.

Lukas Balling - Marquette Catholic 2023 - 6'5" Forward

  • Lukas is a longer player who can score in bunches. Great set shooter who is capable of putting the ball on the deck and get to the basket. Rebounds well and is an active defender. Can't leave him alone on the perimeter. Would be a good 3 at the next level.

Kaden Manna - Marquette Catholic 2022 - 6'5" Forward

  • Kaden struggled to get going in this one but I've seen him play really well before. Rebounds it well and has good size. Would like to see him be more confident with the ball and looking to attack and score more. Extending his shot would be ideal, but is really solid around the rim. Does a nice job of running the floor and getting out in transition. Would be a solid addition at the D3/NAIA level.

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