Carmel's largest lead was 10 points after the first basket in the second half, 22-12 and again at 26-16. Zionsville started chipping away, scoring 7 in a row, in a defensive struggle. Carmel pushed the lead back to 8, and Zionsville never got closer than 5 the rest of the game.
Fishers' win was a thorough of a win, considering their opponent, at the 4A level in quite awhile. Noblesville led 3-2. That led to a 7-0 Fishers run, and that was it. Fishers' largest lead in the 1st was 16-5. Noblesville was able to get some traction after, closing the quarter 6-2 and closing the gap to 21-17, but Fishers converted on four straight empty possessions, which started an 18-4 run to close the half.
Ben Davis took control of the game early and took a 24 point lead into the half. Zionsville's third quarter closed the gap, cutting their deficit to four. Ben Davis was able to stem the tide, and anytime Zionsville pushed to get close, Ben Davis turned Zionsville empty possessions into easy baskets.
Tied at the half, a 12-2 run by Carmel mid-way through the third quarter put Carmel in control of the game. Leading as big 13 points, Zionsville was able to slowly cut it the deficit to five, but they never had the ball down two possessions.
Not sure I'll be up there each week, but night one didn't disappoint in terms.
We'll start with the main event, so to speak. This is the third year in a row Ben Davis and Cathedral have squared off in the June league, and this is the third year in a row it didn't disappoint.
Ben Davis
From a team perspective, Mark Zackery, the senior guard who is headed to Notre Dame on a football scholarship, long eclipsed the category of a star in another sport who succeeds in basketball just on his athleticism. His shot making has progressed, and it's caught up to his passing and vision on the court. Not sure any of it will catch up to his defense. It can be that stellar.
There was a stretch when it was evident Cathedral was going under on ball screens, and best guess was that message was also heard by Zackery. Three possessions in a row he buries a jump shot over the top of the screen, and after each he sniped at the Cathedral bench. The Irish bench took it with smiles, but Zackery was not having it. He was in full blown competitive mode, which is good to see in June.
Hope for his health through football because he has embraced being the leader and face of the team.
Ben Davis as a whole is going to have to develop consistent scoring from other players to get back to a third straight state finals. Zackery was that second threat last year, behind now graduated KJ Windham, and that was known heading in. Heading into this year, it has yet to be determined.
The main candidate for that role could be Justin Parks. The 6'4" senior guard has noticeably improved from the perimeter, and he is an intriguing defender at the wing who should be able to guard multiple spots at the HS level.
Two summers ago most would've projected the offensive development of Tavion Williams, but that hasn't been realized up to now. The super athletic and long, 6'6" forward hasn't shown an evolved offensive game beyond the paint, and while some of this is the curse of teenage metabolism, he hasn't shown any improvement in bulk on his frame. The potential is there to be a two-way wing, but right now that hasn't started to show up yet.
Jahmir Avery came off the bench for Ben Davis and looked good offensively. The 5'11" senior guard hit from the 3pt, both off the pass and off the dribble, including in transition. He'll have consistent minutes this season for the Giants.
One intriguing prospect is 6'4" junior guard, JaShawn Ladd. He started in both games for the Giants yesterday.
Cathedral
First chance to see Brady Koehler since the season, and his frame is noticeably bigger. He's stronger going to the basket, and his best asset is his shot off the catch. He's gotten to the point, strength wise, where Cathedral can really start to create matchup issues with him in the mid and low post. As much as June could be a time to test some of that out, not sure how much nuance teams are putting into their June.
Koehler is still inconsistent off the dribble into his shot. It's mostly a footwork issue. He needs to improve his balance as he stops/lifts.
As much as Keaton Aldridge will be Cathedral's 2nd best scorer, consistently so, there is still a need to improve in traffic. He's a bull off the dribble, and the he has a variety of finishes. Relentless motor. Turnovers matter, and there are times when he gets so sped up, it still works because of his strength and motor.
Good problem to have, as it's much easier to reign a kid in than push a kid forward.
His shot/3pt range continues to show improvement, and even if he's best as a stationary shooter, his ability to drive is always present.
All of that aside, Cathedral could go as their senior guards go, LeBron Gough and Deric Cannady. Gough is really more of the wild card here. Among the top point guards in the class, especially when it comes to creating and making unselfish plays. There are times he needs to score, maybe even at times force the issue. He's always on the hunt, but there are times when he passes up above average scoring opportunities.
On most other teams, Cannady would be the lead guard. It is a shared duty with Gough, and he brings a different skill set to the table. He is the better shooter of the two and the more aggressive scorer. Cannady's release has become refined, and the ball is in and out quickly.
Both are excellent moving without the ball, especially reading the cut one level down.
Defensively, Cannady relies more on physicality at the point of attack. Gough is in constant hunt of a deflection but rarely gives up a bad angle.
Day one of the Kentuckiana Summer League kicked off on Tuesday in Clarksville and New Albany. Numerous southern Indiana teams made their June debuts against each other and some teams from the Louisville, Kentucky area. Of course we're going to be highlighting some the performances of Indiana kids. I got to catch 6 games and there were some notable individual performances. These 5 Southern Indiana kids had serious game today.
● 6'1 Christian Academy Sr. guard, Joshua Renfro had one of his better shooting days that I've seen, and that's saying alot considering he's one of the better scorers in the entire state. Any sort of space given was a bucket for Renfro today. He showed to be a capable, if not primary, ball handler. When being played up closely he took his defender to the basket on more than one occasion. If you've seen Joshua play you know his bread and butter is his shooting. He torched the nets shooting 18/24 from three combined in 2 games today. In Game 1 Renfro finished with 34 pts and in Game 2, 35 pts. And Game 1 was against one of the better teams in Louisville (with a Junior All Star player). Joshua steps up when the competition is best and the lights are bright. An Oakland City assistant has been at most all of his games this spring including today. They will be in Oakland City here in a few days so look for a possible offer coming his way that would be well earned. I have a feeling if he continues of what I saw today, Crossroad League schools will be all over him soon (he already has a St. Francis offer).
● 6'5 Floyd Central senior Sam Higgins also had one of the better games I've seen him play recently. The Highlanders played 2 games but I just caught the 2nd and Higgins showed out. Sam is very active both offensively and defensively and never needs to be told to speed up. His energy level and athleticism (combined with being 6'5) gets him alot of easy buckets inside on offensive rebounds and drives. He also showed in the gym range when he nailed a halfcourt shot that beat the halftime buzzer. Higgins will give you everything he has, every time on the floor. The handles and shot need to be tightened up but it was clear who Floyd Central's engine was tonight. Sam had 24 or 25 pts in the game against Louisville Ballard.
● 6'0 Paoli point guard Fletcher Cole is off to a great start to his senior campaign. The 4 year Rams starter picked up 2 wins today against a couple of Kentucky teams. The 1st game he controlled the pace and was more content setting up his teammates but still finished with 14 pts. and 7 asssits. His midrange pull up game has always been money. If he can consistently knock down 3s that takes his game to another level; which is what happened in Game 2. His shots were falling and Cole was getting mostly whatever he wanted, however he wanted it scoring 30. Paoli, along with Christian Acadmey of Indiana will be at the Oakland City Shootout matched up against each other. Two former aau teammates, Cole v. Renfro should be worth the trip.
● 6'4 Charlestown Pirate junior, Anthony Fresh is looking like he's made a big jump from last year. He's not just changed schools (was at Jeffersonville last year) but his game has grown by leaps and bounds. Last year at times he seemed timid and didnt want to effect what Jeffersonville's junior 4 had already established. In the game I saw him tonight for Charlestown he looks like he knows it's his time and his team. Fresh was crossing over and finishing at the basket, stepback 3s, and catching lobs for dunks. The Pirates have a couple of young pieces that make them an interesting 3A team going into next season and beyond. Anthony was one of the more explosive and athletic players I saw the entire day.
● 6'5 New Albany freshman, Noah Washington made his long awaited debut in the red and black. It didn't take Noah long to look like the Bulldogs best overall player. Currently ranked by most national outlets as a top 15 kid in the nation, Noah showed most every part of his game even while playing out of position tonight (New Albany's 6'5 interior player Chris Lampkins was not there tonight). Washington jumps and rebounds very well for a guard/wing and defends the post for a 15 year old going up against older and taller players. He shot the open 3 ball well, and got to the basket for a big offensive Game 2. Alot of times he would bring the ball up the floor and start to initiate the offense. Noah will thrive in the Bulldogs run and gun style of offense (not to mention their upcoming kids on jv who mainly are freshmen and upcoming 8th graders). Washington and the Dogs got the win over a good Louisville Ballard team while putting up 24 pts in his first school ball appearance.
The loaded junior class of 2025 Indiana All Stars took on their Kentucky counterparts on Dunday night in Scottsburg @ Charles E. Meyer Gymnasium. For Kentucky the story is "What could've been," with nationally ranked Jasper Johnson and Kaden Magwood leaving the state for prep school while Malachi Moreno was in Italy for the US national team. Also members of the Kentucky team not showing up were EJ Walker (South Carolina commit), Austin Sperry (broken hand), and Ty Price. Those 6 would've have made it at least a competitive game. In reality, Indiana was not looking back after jumping out to a quick 10-0 start. Trent Sisley (Heritage Hills) and Braylon Mullins (Greenfield Central) Both started out running and gunning and dunking. It's no wonder those 2 are nationally ranked. Kentucky made some runs after a few subs came in but the game was never really in question. Indiana's passing, size, and speed was too much for what Kentucky put out on the floor throughout the game. It got to a point in the final 5 minutes where Indiana was just throwing lobs and dunking at will. Indiana went on to cruise to a 130- 103 win over and overmatched Kentucky squad. Attucks big man Dez controlled with boards with 9 pts and 10 rbs. Fishers athletic guard, JonAnthony Hall was a defensive specialist throwing on 10 pts and 4 rebounds. Jeff sniper, Michael Cooper went for 8 pts and 4 boards. Harrison two-guard Shane Sims finished with 5 pts, 1 rb, and 1 assist. Richmond's high flyer, Cedric Horton contributed 9 pts and 2 assists.
● 6'7 Trent Sisley was just faster, taller, and more athletic than anyone on Kentucky. If you gave him a step defensively, he'd knock down a 3. If you got up on him, he could get past your or back you down to shoot over you. He's got a mindset of dunking the ball whenever hes close to the rim, whether anyone is around him or not. Trent has had a very good spring on a very impressive Indiana Elite team that has yet to lose this spring. The Heritage Hills junior is a one of 3 legitimate candidates for Mr. Basketball this upcoming season on a team that should make a run at semi state. Sisley was 8/13 with 20 pts, 6 rbs, and 3 assists.
● 6'5 two-guard Braylon Mullins out of Greenfield Central also showed why he has skyrocketed up the national rankings. Braylon showed he's a knockdown shooter when he gets his feet set from deep-range. What most people haven't realized is his athleticism has caught up to other parts of his game and he's now able to run and jump with any other player on the floor. Mullins has recently picked up offers from North Carolina, UConn, and Virginia as well as already having a dozen or so other D1 offers. He finished 6/12 shooting, 14 pts, 1 rebound, and 1 assist.
● Cathedral's Brady Koehler is looking like a legit 6'8 while being long, lanky, and a smooth shooting lefty with upside through the roof. Koehler is the 3rd legit Mr. Basketball candidate in my mind with a super high ceiling. He not only knocked down some long range shots, he defended the paint very well and got some monster blocks. His skills are finally catching up to his height and with Cathedral a top 3A team next year, expect a long run and lots of exposure for Brady. Playing with Indy Heat on the EYBL has done nothing but helped him this spring. If he could tighten up his handles and become a little stronger with the ball he becomes a pro prospect. Both of which you can (and I expect him) to improve on. Koehler was 3/8 with 7 pts, 3 rbs, and 5 blocks.
● The scoring outburst from 6'0 New Palestine Jr. Julius Gizzie was fun to watch. Julius has always been a bucket but it's good to see him have that sort of impact in a game with other all stars. There's some guys you can stop and contain and some you just have to live with what they're going to get. Gizzi is the type of kid that's going to get his; he's too good of an offensive player. Gizzi has recently drawn some NAIA interest and offers. Julius finished 10/11 (the one shot he missed he was wide open) and 27 pts, 4 rbs, and 2 assists.
● 6'7 Jeffersonville junior Tre Singleton did a little bit of everything in the game for Indiana. Many times he brought the ball up the floor, he made tight pocket passes, made some outside shots, and got some breakaway dunks. When Tre realizes there's not many around here (or anywhere) his age that can stop him, he can be even more impactful than he already is. I've got him as a top 5 or 6 kid in the entire state on a loaded Red Devils squad heading into next year. Singleton has recently heard from and picked up some mid major offers. He's right on the cusp of breaking into being a P5 kid. Tre was 5/9 with 11 pts, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists in 14 minutes of action.
● 6'0 Ben Davis point guard Mark Zackery is one more I'd like to mention. The game seemed to flow alot better for Indiana when he was in the game. Mark is a true point guard that sets others up first and foremost but as most around Indianapolis know,n he can go get his as well. He's had a very good spring with Indiana Elite and has taken that team to a new level. The Notre Dame football-commit's perimeter defense and athleticism is elite. He's a kid that has known nothing but winning, whether on the court or gridiron. Zackery was 5/8 with 10 pts, 6 rbs, and 5 assists.
The Scottsburg Warriors and SB St. Joe's Huskies met up for the 3A state title game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday. The Warriors were coming off a semi state win at Seymour against a hot Evansville Bosse squad and an experienced Guerin Catholic team to come out of the south while SB St. Joe's got through their regional by defeating Peru in the morning and Delta in 3OT at night. Scottsburg threw the first punch jumping out to a quick lead and looked to run away early. Sr. Jack Miller got to his spots and got himself established offensively. The Huskies neutralized the early Scottsburg run by finding the open corner for multiple 3s. At the end of the 1st it was Scottsburg to up 19-13 with Miller having 12 pts. already. In the 2nd quarter SB St Joe's just hung around and stayed within striking distance. For only scoring 40 pts in a multiple OT game last weekend the Huskies really showed they were capable to play a different style. By halftime St. Joe's took a 35-34 lead into the locker room. Miller and fellow classmate Kody Clancy led the Warriors at half with 19 pts and 12. pts. For the Huskies it was Sr. Jerry Barca that only averaged less than 2.3 ppg on the season step up with 9 pts. There were 10 combined 3 pointers in the half which is the way Scottsburg plays and their defense also gives up with their zone. The game went back and forth in the 3rd period as Huskie Jayce Lee got himself going and Miller continued to produce. The Wairrors have been playing with their starting 5 most every game of the tourney but 6'9 Sr. Wyatt Zellers picked up his 4th foul late in the 3rd, soph. Garrett Boling had to come in and give the Warriors big minutes. At the time St. Joe's was up 1 and looked to possibly start to control the game. Boling did a nice job of going after rebounds and sustaining for half of the fourth quarter. The game and pressure could've gotten to Scottsburg at that point with momentum on the Huskies side but 7 assists from Caden Richardson and a big 2 from Jr. Dare Bowles put Scott right there until Zellers returned. At full strength and well rested Wyatt's dunk with 1:47 left to go gave Scottsburg a 5 pt. lead. The ball handling of Bowles, Clancy, and Miller put this game and a state title on ice for Scottsburg as they go onto win their first boy state championship in school history, 67-57. Thr last few minutes with the game in the balance could've gone either way for both teams. Miller and Clancy just made the plays for Scottsburg all night to put them over the hump and end the game on a run at the right time. The Warriors finish the year with 25 wins which ties for a school record.
● 6'5 Senior Jack Miller picked the right time to have one of his best games he's had in a while. He's very capable of this kind of game offensively but on the biggest stage he stepped his game up another level. At 6'5 and long he's got the ability to have these games. He's the most athletic player on the team and is just hard to matchup against. Known more for being a defensive specialist his 32 pts tonight on 12/18 shooting and 4 rbs. solidified his name in the Scottsburg history books. Names like Vern Altmeyer, Bill James, BJ Watts were all Indiana All Stars fpr a storied Warriors program but none won a state title. Miller's name will be added for the performance he put on for Scottsburg on Saturday. His late drive down the middle skying and gliding for a dunk sealed it while the Scottsburg crowd exploded. Miller ended his career with the Warriors with a title and exchanges his purple and gold for Hanover blue and red where he'll play for his father next season.
● 6'4 Sr. pg Kody Clancy has been the Warriors rock all season. Bowles may step up and have a big game, Zellers could have a monster game, but Clancy just does what Kody Clancy does. During the tourney run especially he has turned himself into a legitimate Indiana All Star candidate and as someone who's seen what all the state's senior class has to offer and now has a state championship, Kody Clancy would be on my ballot 100%. You can mark him down for 20 whenever he step on the floor. You can count on him to take care of the ball and limit turnovers. When the game was in the balance tonight the ball found Kody's hands. He gets to his spots and is tall enough to finish when he gets there. I understand the landscape of college ball and the transfer situation makes it hard for high school seniors to be recruited but it makes me pause when I don't see Clancy with any Crossroad League offers. If I'm Huntington or Grace, etc. I'm making the offer. He's going to help a college team and make their coach look real smart. He's got Wabash, Hanover, and a couple of others he's considering but I can't imagine walking out of last nights game without some more serious looks. Tonight he had 20 pts. on 6/12 shooting and surpassed former Warrior James Colwell on the school's all time made 3 pointers in a single sesson list with 82.
● 6'4 Jr. 2 guard Chase Konizcny came into this game as St. Joe's big name and recently named junior all star. Chase started off slow but he had Scottsburg'a full attention. His abilitiy to shoot the outside shot is something you have to pay attention to. He's a strong enough and athletic enough to drive the ball and get to his spots. The entire St. Joe's team rebounded well on Saturday night out-rebounding the Warriors, 35-17 with 18 of those being offense boards. Konizcny eventually got himself going hit big shots from thr outside on his way to 15 pts and 11 rbs. Chase has a few offers already and will be looking to add a couple more this summer. He looks to be solidly in the mid major D1 range.
St. Joe's returns a good number of their roster from this season so they look to be firmly in thr discussion for 3A North favorites going into next year. The Warriors however graduate 4/5 starters, 3 of which have been starters for 3 years with Clancy being a 4 year starter. Scottsburg also makes the move to 4A likely to join the Seymour sectional with Jennings County moving down to 3A. This group of Warriors is what Scottsburg has planned and hoped for since their middle school days. A pool of talented kids came through that school at just the right time and it all came together on Saturday night. A storied program like Scottsburg who's had their share of all stars and good teams in the past finally put any demons to rest by bringing a title back to the 'Burg. The last 20 years have been a "down period" in their boys basketball history with their last sectional title coming in 2005 before last season. There were years not long ago that the Warriors would only produce 4, 5, or 6 wins a season and I wondered if they would ever get back to their days of what I remembered in the 90s under coach Bennett. Saturday night, their 2024 group surpassed all others in Scottsburg boys basketball history and ushered in a new era of basketball, one that expects to be winners.