Made it out to two games this week. Tuesday was East Chicago Central @ #10 Hammond Central. Saturday was Valparaiso @ #3 Penn. These are my player evaluations for the week. College coaches you need to get these players on your watch lists!

Matthew King is a 6'1" junior guard for Hammond Central. Great piece of the Hammond puzzle. He's shooting 44% (21-48) from 3 this season. Great elevation on his shot and can really find his spots and get going. This squad loves to get out in transition and he's a big reason why. Solid on ball defender with good hands. Handles the ball well enough to create his own shot. Would like to see him attack the basket a little more to get to the line because of his quickness. Really good player colleges need to get on their lists before it's too late.

If you need a stretch 4 then I think Danny Garza is your guy. The 6'6" 2024 forward showed in this one that he can be just that. Currently averaging 10 and 6, he really showed up on the offensive glass and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Motor is there and outside shot is something he has added to his game. Really nice and smooth lefty release. As mentioned before this Hammond team likes to run and Danny is part of that as well. He had a dunk in transition so can run the floor. Capable of posting which is improving as well. Like his ceiling.

I'm not usually one to write about kids who have already committed, especially committed to another sport, but 6'3" senior Jordan Woods is good. Really good. He is already heading to Eastern Illinois for football, but a lot of schools are missing out on this one. Stat sheet stuffer as he's averaging 15pts 7rebs 5asts 4stls a game and this was all on display. Plays with swagger, grit, and toughness. Definitely a leader and someone you'd want on your team. Hope he has a successful football career!

6'5" ECC sophomore forward Dominique Murphy was one that has had a lot of noise with his game. Eye test was passed as he has great size and build. Finished with right around his season average as he had 23 and 6. Best when in transition or attacking the basket. Outside shot isn't quite there yet on a consistent level but knocked one or 2 down. D1 for sure.

Jack Smiley is an intriguing sophomore prospect from Valpo. The 6'2 lefty has shown flashes this season. Averaging about 15 a game he struggled to get going in this one, as did most of the Vikings, and finished with 5 points. Jack has that smooth lefty shot and has had some games where he plays really well. Consistency is building for him as he has really put some solid games together this season. Would love to see him attack the basket more, using his outside shooting to make that happen. If he can get some dog in him and take over some games, then the sky is the limit. Strength will come. Tons of upside.

Quick Hitters

Penn senior big Josh Gatete (6'8") is a block hunter. Controls the paint with his length and athleticism. Strength will come. Intriguing to see what he develops into. Joey Garwood and Joe Smith are two more seniors for Penn who are on some college radars. 6'1 Garwood and 5'11 Smith are both hard nosed defenders and both can shoot the ball well. Smith has solid handles and can get to the rim or find the open kick out. Joey can get goin from outside in a hurry and with some range. Also solid distributor. Garwood with some NAIA interest. Smith has JUCO and D3 interest. Both guys to keep an eye on to see where they end up when it's all said and done.

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