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Scouting :: G3 Invitational

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Class of 2024

Nick Glover, 6'6" power forward; Indianapolis (Warren Central) || EG10 2024

Intriguing size and strength for a tweener forward.  +defender, who has a good ceiling on that side of the ball.  Rebounds his position well.  Handle is good in space, needs to make better decisions downhill.  Shot mechanics look good, certainly a good base to build on.  If he could show consistent range, he would trend more being a pure SF. 

Evan Haywood, 6'4" shooting guard; Indianapolis (Brebeuf) || Progeny 2024

Got going as the game got deeper.  Drifted a bit in the first half, but show versatile shot making in the 2nd half.  Is outstanding hunting screens and getting into his shot.  

Mark White, 6'4" small forward; Indianapolis (Ben Davis) || Indiana Ice 2024

Attacked space in the half court and finished with contact.  Protected the ball well through traffic.  He’s definitely looking to score when he gets down hill, missed reads but didn’t force up shots either.  +defender for sure, can make plays off the ball.  

Class of 2025

Josiah Ball, 6'6" power forward; Bunker Hill (Maconaquah) || EG10 2025

Handled and finished well in traffic.  Was a constant presence on the offensive glass.  From the 3PT line, he has to be stationary.  Off the dribble, he can score in a variety of ways mid-paint and in.  

Kenny Dunmore, 6'6" center; Avon HS || D1 Indiana 2025

Strong and physical around the basket, rebounded and defended, good rim protector.  He was aggressive on the offensive glass, getting a couple of second chance opportunities, as well as keeping the ball alive on other possessions. 

Papi Rivera, 6'0" point guard; Indianapolis (North Central) || Kyle Guy Elite 2025

Controlled most of the second half scoring and finding people off ball screens.  He missed back action reads, but he does make the plays he sees.  Pre-ball screen, the ball doesn’t stick.  It’s moved, or he attacks.  

Needs better on ball pressure, but quick hands, he’s able to get deflections.  

Jye Rudolf, 6'1" shooting guard; Indianapolis (Southport) || Progeny 2025

3PT range, hit one on a hop back too.  Good balance off the dribble into his shot.  Didn’t get a feel for play making ability, but he didn’t force shots.  When he puts the ball on the floor he’s looking to score.

Class of 2026

 

Scouting :: Adidas May Classic

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Class of 2024

Jaxson Bell, 6'3" shooting guard; Indianapolis (North Central) || Kyle Guy Elite 2024

Great in traffic, strong and can take contact.  Hit 3PT on stationary catches.  Needs to improve passing decisions.  He’s unselfish and will move the ball, but he didn’t lead teammates into open spaces.  +Defensively and rebounds his position well.

Mason Harvey, 6'8" power forward; Richmond (Seton Catholic) || Ty Harris Elite 2024

+3PT range, quick release, all stationary though.  Wasn’t a presence on the glass this game.  Willing defender but will be challenged laterally.  Didn’t go anywhere off the dribble, but if he doesn’t have the shot, he makes quick, good decisions.  Good vision. 

D'Amare Hood, 6'4" shooting guard; Muncie (Delta) || Indiana Ice

Scored a lot of ways today, including hitting shots off the move.  As a primary ball handler, he was great in traffic, changing speeds, making decisions while hesitating.  Nothing was rushed.  Shot well off the move in and around the paint.  3PT range, stationary.  

Grant Porath, 6'1" point guard; Brownsburg HS || Indiana Game Black 2024

Becoming more assertive on offense, able to finish around taller players and with contact.  +Defender who rarely gives up position.  He’s hard to get by and strong and long enough to make plays should it happen. 

Class of 2025

Sam Singleton, 6'6" power forward; Vincennes (South Knox) || Grand Park Premier 2025

Athletic and active, he was a presence on the offensive glass.  Drove to score in the half court from 3PT (didn’t shoot from range though).  Finished through traffic and took contact.  

Dreilyn Truesdale, 6'2" point guard; Fort Wayne (Carroll) || OPS Black 2025

Pushes the ball hard, sees ahead in transition and finished through traffic.  Changes speeds and directions well in the half court.  Made the reads in front of him.  Not much rim protection ahead of him, so he didn’t have much need for back action.  Can extend and score.  Hit a 3PTer, but it’s not a natural part of his game off movement. 

Defensively, lockdown potential.  Great laterally with ++wingspan.  Good off the ball.  Was talking through screens.

Scouting :: Bill Hensley Run N Slam

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The yearly trek for Fort Wayne typically catches most of the top teams from Indiana, as well as surrounding states.  One of the few events that attracts teams from all tours/leagues.

Here are a few players who stood out this weekend:

Class of 2024

Noah Lovan, 6'3" shooting guard; Clarksville (Providence) || Indiana Elite Team Indiana 2024

Tough kid and makes all kinds of plays inside the arc.  He’ll even post up. Finishes through contact, and he’s quick to kick it out when nothing is there.  He doesn’t force from the painted area.  Not that he does from the 3PT line.  He’s a stationary shooter from 3PT.  

He’s a physical, highly competitive defender.  He can guard bigger players and did his job to make sure they didn’t get rebounds.  

Justin Sims, 6'6" power forward; Chesterton HS || Indiana Game 2024

Bouncy and versatile forward, especially defensively.   Did well caught on switches, had to guard 3-5 in this game.  Likely would do well on many 2s.  Not as aggressive on the glass as I’ve seen.

Offensively, He finished off drives, especially effective as a second cutter/roller.  Didn’t get to see any range.

Wyatt Zellers, 6'8" power forward; Scottsburg || Grand Park Premier 2024

Pick and pop 4, who has +3PT range and good touch in the mid-paint area.  Willing, improving defender who looks to be a bit of a tweener on that end.  

Class of 2025

Gavin Betton, 6'6" power forward; North Manchester (Manchester) || Grand Park Premier 2025

Drove a lot this game vs. bigger defenders.  Still hasn’t shown consistent range but did hit a 3PTer, and with scouting those closeouts won’t be as tight.  However, he was effective in pulling bigger defenders out and getting to the rim.

Preston Comer, 6'5" power forward; Fort Wayne (Wayne) || Indy Heat Red 2025

Athletic and active around the basket, went after it on the offensive glass.  Showed nice tough from the 3PT line, but couldn’t get his couple of attempts to fall.  Not a stretch to see that be part of his game.  

Defensively, quick in the low post and could guard forwards on the perimeter.

Kellen Pickett, 6'8" power forward; Fort Wayne (Blackhawk Christian) || Indy Heat Black 2025

He put on a show!  Quick, high release, 3PT range.  Scored a little off the dribble, finished through traffic.  Posted up smaller defenders, drove bigger ones.  He’s even a good off ball screener.  

He still moves like a baby deer and needs a stronger core, but that just underscores his upside.  He’s untapped physically, tremendously skilled!  When he’s squared up defensively, he can guard.  Protected the rim, contested shots on the perimeter.  Just needs an extra click to lower his core.    

Michael Wellman, 6'5" small forward; Portage HS || Indiana Game 2025

Versatile scorer, scored off a duck in, nice mid-range step back and 3PT range.  Displayed all of that today.  Ball doesn’t stick with him when he doesn’t have an immediate look, handles well in transition, +vision.  Willing defender, works and is physical, keeping his guy off the glass.  

Class of 2026

Cooper Bock, 6'4" power forward; Sullivan HS || Indiana Jammers 2026

Showed more 3PT range than in the past.  Stationary catches.  Scored off the dribble, driving as the trailer.  Turned into a bit of a playmaker too, driving middle from the wing.  

He can guard multiple positions in a lot of instances.  His lateral quickness needs to improve, but he competes and takes good angles on closeouts.  Off the ball, he always has an eye toward rim protection.  Strong kid, jumps well and can protect vertically. 

Brennan Miller, 6'6" power forward; Indianapolis (Lawrence North) || Indy Heat Black 2026

Plays with a motor on both ends.  More effective on the defensive glass, active on the offensive glass.  Drives from mid range catches.  Not sure on range yet, set shooter from the 3PT line  Handles well in transition.  

Scouting :: HGSL – Midwest Jam Fest

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Hoop Group has long run outstanding events primarily along the East coast, but it was their annual Pittsburgh event that drew many Indiana teams every year.  Two years ago they their started their own independent league, the Hoop Group Summer League.

Their tour stop this past weekend was in Indianapolis, joining up with Kansas City based Recruit Look for a very strong field.

Below are some evaluations of Indiana kids who performed well.  43 total evaluations were made.

Class of 2024

Eli Ellis, 6'0" point guard; Plainfield || Kyle Guy Elite Black 2024

Can be a primary ball handler, but while he moves the ball, he's not creating shots for others.  Tough kid, who can score though.  He has 3PT+ range and is a movement shooter.  He elevates extremely well into shot and has a quick release.

Willing defender, works at it.  Smart off the ball.  Position defender on the ball.

Jevon Lewis, 5'10" point guard; Fort Wayne (Wayne) || Indy Heat Red 2024

Outstanding decision making, sees all over the floor off the catch and off the bounce.  Finished well in traffic.  3PT+ range.  Willing, pesky defender.  Size is a factor more so on defense, but he’s super quick.

Jaxon Pardon, 6'3" shooting guard; Fort Wayne (Carroll) || Ohio Buckets

Tough kid, strong with the ball.  He finished in traffic and hit a 3PTer but didn’t get many looks this game.  Good vision off the dribble.  Guards his yard on defense and makes great decisions off the ball.  Always in the right place.

Nolan Swan, 6'1" point guard; Tipton HS || Grand Park Premier Black 2024

Shot the heck out of it, 3PT+ range.  Didn’t see any off movement yet.  When he drives, he’s scanning and is pass first.  Willing defender, smart off the ball.  How high up he can guard in terms of quickness will be the issue.

Ajani Washington, 6'1" point guard; New Haven HS || Indy Heat Red 2024

Crafty with the ball, changes pace and direction in tight spaces.  Did a better job of finding people in the half court.  Made good decisions coming off ball screens.  Used his length on defense to make plays.  Good ball pressure, step slow off the ball.

Class of 2025

Melakhi Cunningham, 6'4" small forward; Indianapolis (Decatur Central) || Kyle Guy Elite 2025

Slower release, but smooth shot mechanics.  3PT range, not consistent just yet.  Handles very well in transition and gets to his spots in the half court, but he struggled to finish in traffic early in game.  Everything was off the front of the rim, but it improved through the weekend.

Engaged defensively, eyes and feet are always moving.  Didn’t over help.

Zi Davis, 6'5" small forward; Indianapolis (Lawrence Central) || Kyle Guy Eilte 2025

He’s makes plays on both ends.  Still needs to a definable skill set in the half court, but he’s improved.  He would be quickly improved if he moved more without the ball.  He’s been a presence on the offensive glass this weekend.

Class of 2026

Zac Beecher, 6'8" center; Fort Wayne (South) || Indy Heat Red 2026

Runs the floor well.  Doesn't know how to play yet without the basketball.  Second cutter scorer.  Doesn't carve out space inside or compete in the low post off the ball.  He will get down defensively on the ball and moves pretty well laterally.  Not super long, but is a decent rim protector, staying vertical.

Noah Smith, 6'5" small forward; Plainfield HS || Grand Park Premier Red 2026

Continues to impress with his shot making and how he's able to get in his shot. Ready on catches, he lift into a shot or rip and go.  +Defender.  He could end up being a lockdown caliber defender.  He has the length.  Lateral quickness will need to improve.

Scouting :: NY2LA Association – Indy

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The first of their four stop tour, NY2LA also has events in Louisville, Cincinnati and Milwaukee coming up during the NCAA evaluation periods.  (Didn't get to Sunday games)

45 total evaluations from the weekend's games.  Below are some of the players who stood out. 

Class of 2024

Payton Baird, 6'5" power forward; South Bend (Riley) || Indiana Game Black 2024

Mostly around the basket in half court, he showed good touch.  Needs to handle contact better.  He had no issues leading the break and finishing through traffic, good to either hand.  Just needs more strength.

He guarded everywhere.  Comfortable defending the wing.

Evan Haywood, 6'4" shooting guard; Indianapolis (Brebeuf) || Progeny 2024

Picking up where he was last week, pouring in baskets.  Scoring off the dribble from 3PT, including a nice hop back.  He was a playmaker off the dribble, making good decisions in isolation.  He's hitting contested shots from 3PT line.

All that, and he doesn't force offense or take bad shots.

Grant Porath, 6'1" point guard; Brownsburg HS || Indiana Game Black 2024

Brownsburg has had a nice run of PG's who +defenders or better and +passers with +vision or better.  He's next on that list.  Good length, he gets through traffic and finds the next play.  Great instincts on defense.  Lots of deflections.

Luke Reasoner, 6'6" power forward; Zionsville HS || Indiana Elite Green 2024

Big motor, attacks of the dribble off action, patient in the paint.  Took a 3PTer, shot looked good coming off.  Certainly a big whom you can run offense through.

Willing, physical defensively.  Struggles laterally away from the paint, but around the basket he gets vertical.  Uses his chest well.  Got a couple of blocks.

Cadell Wallace, 6'0" point guard; Fort Wayne (Bishop Luers) || Team Focus 2024

Excellent ball defender, excellent off ball instincts.

Pushes the ball hard, makes good decision in transition and can finish in traffic.  Quick enough to create space, crafty around the basket.

Class of 2025

Anthony Holmes, 6'5" small forward; Gary (West Side) || 94 Feet Elite 2025

Lockdown defender potential.  Long, excellent lateral quickness, and he competes.  Offensively he picked his spots to get downhill, didn't just go on every catch.  He handled well in traffic and had good vision off the dribble.

Azavier Robinson, 6'0" point guard; Indianapolis (Lawrence North) || George Hill Rising Stars 2024

Really starting to figure out attacking with purpose, where his length and athleticism shined.   3PT+ range, more effective at that range off the catch than off the dribble.  Set teammates up, got to the rim, changed speeds in traffic.

+defender with the potential to be a lockdown.  His size there could be a factor at higher levels, but his length counteracts that.  Rebounded well from his position.

Jaymon Townsend, 6'6" small forward; Marion HS || George Hill Rising Stars 2024

Physical scorer, able to finish through traffic.  3PT range, improving off the move at that range from the school season.   Rip and run rebounder, made good decisions in transition.

Defensively, he has potential to be tremendous.  Getting more locked in off the ball is a must, but he is a +defender on the ball.  Very good rebounder for his position.  

Class of 2026

Cooper Bock, 6'4" power forward; Sullivan || Indiana Jammers 2026

Athletic, excellent around the basket and mid-range.  Can drive and finish from mid-range.  Took a couple of 3PTers.  Mechanics look OK.  Stepping into the catch with the intent to shoot would likely speed them up.

Works to rebound and rebounds out of his area.  Good trait, as he might be done growing.

Ron Mosley, 5'9" point guard; Gary (21st Century Academy) || 94 Feet Elite 2025

Tiny but tough!  The size hurts him more on the defensive end right now.  3PT range, shot off the dribble, great job setting his feet.  Penetrated to pass.  +vision

Playing on the class of 2025 team.

Scouting :: Indy Ball Shootout

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The Indy Ball Shootout is traditionally a season opener for many Indiana teams for the spring/summer.  Top programs involved are D1 Indiana, EG10, Grand Park Premier, Indiana Elite, Indiana Ice, Kyle Guy Elite, and Progeny.  

While this isn't necessarily a ranking of performances, the following Indiana players in each class stood out:

Class of 2024

Flory Bidunga, 6'9" center; Kokomo HS || Indiana Elite 2024

Showed continued development of his touch around the basket, more confident especially going quickly into a lefty hook shot.  While he still have a lot of athletic advantages, he wasn't able to over power bigger defenders as there are some catching up physically.  What it has done, though, is push him into more reliance on skill, and he's answering that bell, mostly regarding his improving footwork. 

Kobe Bowles, 6'1" point guard; Indianapolis (Lawrence North) || Indiana Ice 2024 - Harvey

Is there a better penetrator in Indiana's 2024 class than Bowles?  He picked his spots and any hint of a crease, he was getting downhill.  Improve shooter from the 3PT line, its stationary catches.  He still has to make defenders pay for going under, but a lot of times his answer was he's just quicker and beat his defender to the paint.

+Defender on the ball, still gets caught at times losing vision away from the ball.  Anticipates well near the passing gap, where he can quickly turn steals into baskets in the other direction.  

Evan Hayward, 6'4" shooting guard; Indianapolis (Brebeuf) || Progeny 2024

Showing more offensive initiation, and hit shots over ball screens when his defender when under. He was physical guarding the ball and led the break off rebounds.   Overall just more aggressive offensively with the ball in his hands.  

Drew Kegerreis, 6'4" shooting guard; Indianapolis (Roncalli) || Kyle Guy Elite 2024

He scored in a lot of ways.  He’s one of the best shooters in the ’24 class, and he can get his own shot without the ball sticking.  Excellent playing without the basket, he can make contested shots from 3PT.  Good passer and vision, especially on ball screen action.  

He competes defensively.  Disciplined closeouts and takes good angles vs. penetration.  improved strength will help for those times he has to wall up in the paint. 

Tucker Tornatta, 6'7" power forward; Evansville (Memorial) || Kyle Guy Elite 2024

Continues to show out as a stretch 4.  3PT range on stationary catches, excellent in mid range and the high post.  He got sped up catching in the middle of the floor vs. pressure, but he was excellent in rip and run situations off the glass.  

He answered questions defensively this weekend and was physically without fouling guarding Flory Bidunga.  Early defense is a big deal 

he's an excellent rebounder on the defensive end, and on the offensive end, he's good for 2 or 3 tap outs a game. 

Class of 2025

Jahmir Avery, 5'11" point guard; Indianapolis (Ben Davis) || EG10 2025

Bulldog downhill, feels and plays through contact well and can finish extended beyond his body.  Great vision and awareness in ball screen action, any penetration.  Didn’t get a feel for his range yet.  

His strength is also an asset defensively.  He can really get into the ball, a couple of times getting under his opponent.  

Josiah Ball, 6'6" power forward; Bunker Hill (Maconaquah) || EG10 2025

More and more skilled as a ball handler.  He can definitely lead the break and drive his man in isolation.  He initiated offense a little today.  

Shot mechanics are getting there.  3PT range on stationary catches.  He doesn't really shoot off the dribble unless he is around the mid paint area.  

Willing defender, who is moving more toward being able to guard better perimeter players.  Relentless rebounder. 

Dezmon Briscoe, 6'7" power forward; Indianapolis (Crispus Attucks) || Indiana Elite 2025

Showing more perimeter skill without the basketball, moving well, cutting into gaps vs. a zone when paired with another big.  As normal, he is a force in the low post, and his footwork just continues to improve.

His defense away from the paint is continuing to develop too.  He can still improve laterally, but he’s wasn’t beaten in a straight line in the half court.  

Nijah Jewell, 6'1" point guard; Indianapolis (North Central) || Progeny 2025

Long, changes speeds and has a definite burst.  True PG.  Good mid range jump shot.  3PT range on stationary catches, not a movement shooter from that range yet.  Lots of defensive potential.  

Tre Singleton, 6'7" power forward; Jeffersonville HS || Indiana Elite Team Tradition 2025

Skilled big, who battled in the low post.  Ran offense through him, and he scored himself off of actions.  Good facing the basket. Not fully sure of his range yet, but he can score in space.

He stepped out and guarded the perimeter well.  Much more active on the glass in the 2nd half, able to rip and run.  

Class of 2026

Luke Ertel, 6'0" point guard; Fortville (Mt. Vernon) || Indiana Elite 2025

Super heady, strong off the dribble, gets to his spots and is a movement shooter with 3PT range.  Excellent playmaker, playing up a class.  Consistently plays with sense urgency and a plan of getting others involved. 

He’s a +defender, who is extremely heady and aware off the ball.  He doesn’t gamble.  

Evan Harrell, 6'6" power forward; Carmel HS || Grand Park Premier Red 2026

Aggressive with the ball.  Has to clean up footwork a bit, but aside from that, he's a good finisher at the basket. Nothing away from the basket yet.  He attempted a couple of 3PTers.  Mechanics are improving. 

He's a legit rim protector at this age, but he will have to keep growing for that to be the case.  Now, he has good length and timing.  

Jedidiah Minnett, 6'0" shooting guard; Avon HS || D1 Indiana 2026

Shifty with the ball, good at getting downhill, he has the potential to be an athletic finisher.  Added strength will help him finish with contact.  Good shot mechanics with a quick release for a freshman, he didn't well off the dribble, but off the catch he drained 3 3PTers in one of his games.  He still projects to be a good movement shooter.  

Able defender.  He's thin right now.  He misses a lot off the ball, but he can pressure the ball, using his length to create deflections. 

Levi Sawatzki, 6'2" shooting guard; Goshen HS || Indiana Elite Central 2026

Super skilled player.  +3PT range, hitting off movement as well.  Not bothered at all with back court pressure, and made great decisions in the half court.  

Interesting to see how he develops physically.  

The kid plays hard!

Noah Smith, 6'6" small forward; Plainfield HS || Grand Park Premier Red 2026

Attacking off the dribble, he makes it look effortless.  Super long, finished easily at the rim, extended from his body.  He hit a stationary 3PTer.  He didn't from range off movement, but his mechanics are good.

His length and awareness make him impactful on the defensive end.  He seems to always have an eye toward the ball.  Rebounds his position well.  

Michigan City Regional Game 1: #2 Penn 73 – Chesterton 60

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Chesterton played about as well as they could in this one, leading a lot of the second half. In the end, it was Markus Burton and the Kingsmen who survive and advance, as they say. Juniors Tyler Parrish and Justin Sims led the way for the Trojans. While 6'1" freshmen Logan Pokorney is a name to know going forward for Chesterton.

2023 Joey Garwood - 6'1" Guard - Penn

  • Finished this one with 17 and hit some timely shots. Got himself to his spots and teammates found him. Wasn't just a perimeter player. Did well defensively and was solid with the ball in his hands. Key piece today for Penn.

2023 Joe Smith - 5'11" Guard - Penn

  • Was locked up on Tyler Parrish as he's usually on the opponents best offensive player. Finished with 6 points and had a couple of big steals. It's usually either him or Garwood gettin it done with Burton. Has D3 and NAIA interest.

2024 Tyler Parrish - 6'3" Guard - Chesterton

  • Smooth operator who doesn't get rattled. Solid combo guard who can play on or off the ball. Knocks down shots from outside and can also take his man to the rack to finish or dish off. Really solid player who should be getting NAIA looks at the very least.

2024 Justin Sims - 6'6" Forward - Chesterton

  • Started the game strong and was able to do work underneath. Still progressing but all the tools are there. Can block shots and get out in transition. Capable of hitting from outside but not his go to. Really like where he is trending, and like Parrish, should be getting NAIA looks at a minimum.

2026 Logan Pokorney - 6'1" Guard - Chesterton

  • Name to know going forward. Guard who knocked down a couple nice shots. Played well and did't look like a freshman. Solid on D and worked. Keep a look out!

Sectional 4 Semis

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Game 1 which featured a rivalry game between 2 LaPorte county schools lived up to they hype. City was up 16-8, before LaPorte closed out the quarter on a 7-4 run to get it within 5 led by senior Kyle Kirkham. Eventually the Slicers would fight back and take a lead late in the 2nd quarter, which would turnout to be their only lead of the game as Michigan City would finish the half, and the game strong.

Game 2 of the night ended up being a runaway, as Arthur Jones and Mishawaka ended up being too much for South Bend Riley. The Cavemen went 2-0 on the season vs the Wildcats.

2023 Jamie Hodges - 5'10" Guard - Michigan City

  • Hodges took more of a distributor roll early on in this one and got a lot of guys involved. Had 4 alley oops to Franklin, one of which was from 3/4 court. Finished with 11 assists as he was finding the right guys. Didn't knock any outside shots down in this one but only took 2. Is definitely capable of hitting from downtown and from range. Got to the paint with ease and finished a couple of nice teardrops. If you're an NAIA you've gotta roll the dice on this guy.

2023 Briton Franklin - 6'2" Guard - Michigan City

  • Showed off his athleticism again in this one. Definitely a high flyer. Is a little loose with the ball so would need to clean that up, but otherwise he had a solid night. Most of his points were from around the rim. Blocked a couple shots too.

2024 Allen Briggs - 6'2" Guard - Michigan City

  • Briggs has upside that I like. Long guard who is very active on the glass. Got it going in the second half to help put this one away. Also a solid passer and defender. Moves well without the ball and gets himself in spots to score. Interested to see his development this summer.

2023 Kyle Kirkham - 6'3" Guard - LaPorte

  • Kirkham has improved a ton from even just last year. Good size at the guard spot which helps him finish through contact, which he did in this one. Can also shoot the ball well from outside. Strong defender who gets after it. D3s or even some NAIAs looking for a tough guard should check in for sure. Finished with 27.

2024 Rylan Kieszkowski - 6'5" Forward - LaPorte

  • Talked about him after the first game of the season and I'm talking about him again. Has a lot of tools to be a D2 player. Great size and length along with outside shooting could put him at the 3 or 4 spot. Still working to create his own shot but the foundation is there. Needs to get on the AAU circuit this offseason to continue to develop his game, but the sky is the limit.

2024 Payton Baird - 6'5" Forward - Riley

  • Did his work inside cleaning up the glass in this one. Knocked down a 3 as well to show a little versatility. Was able to put the ball on the deck and get to the rim where he finished with his length too. Very active rebounder. Upside is there and someone to track this summer.

2025 Brandon Williams - 5'11" Guard - Riley

  • Hadn't seen him a ton this season but he came to play in this one. Finished with a team high 18 and did about all of it in the second half. Was a bulldog knockin down shots from 3 and also through traffic at the basket. One of the brighter spots for Riley on this night.

2023 Arthur Jones - 5'9" Guard - Mishawaka

  • Guard who knows how to score it and get his teammates involved. Had 21 points 7 rebounds and 7 assists in this one. Can obviously do a little bit of everything. Glue guy who his team mates feed off of. Be a nice addition to a D3 program.

2024 Brady Fisher - 6'4" Forward - Mishawaka

  • Lunch pail kid. Comes to work hard night in and night out. Good size and strength. Knack for scoring it around the rim. Someone to watch for if he catches on with an AAU team and then into next season.

2024 Rasauun Johnson - 6'3" Guard - Mishawaka

  • Solid defender with his length. Team guy. Can score at the rim when he gets in space. Outside shot is improving as well as his handles. Colleges like him for his size and the guard position. Continues to work at improving his game.

Game Takes: Carmel Sectional Semi-Finals

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Noblesville 47, Westfield 45

Westfield got off to a quick start, mostly on the back of Sam Bishop's offensive output and Alex Romack's defensive presence around the basket.  Noblesville struggled to finish around the paint for all of the first half but were able to create turnovers and contested shots in the third quarter, leading to transition opportunities.  Ultimately, Noblesville was able to make life for Romack, 6'7" senior forward, equally tough in paint on the other end, grabbing the lead and hanging on to a win.

  • Bishop, 6'3" senior guard, more known for his outside, drove to score on a multiple occasions in the first half.  It was probably most productive half, scoring wise, as a varsity player, 12 points.  
  • Trey Buchanan, 6'0" junior point guard, never got going for Westfield, and he had decent looks with all of the attention paid to Romack.
  • Romack's game started to look a like his game vs. Carmel.  He functioned mostly on the perimeter until the 4th quarter.  Attention paid to him allowed Bishop to get down hill.  Noblesville doubled and dug down on him any time he had his back to the basket mid-post and in.  He was able to find cutters and kick out to shooters, but just not enough makes to deter Noblesville
    • Hunter Walston, 6'6" junior forward, was outstanding as the primary defender on Romack.  He never let Romack displace and guarded Romack's spins well.  
  • Noblesville got going in the third quarter as they amped up their pressure.  It let to live ball turnovers and misses, which led to transition baskets.  The main benefactor for that was Luke Almadovar, 6'3" senior guard.
    • Almadovar is tremendous in open space and easily shifts his way around one or two defenders.  He didn't shoot well in first half from 3PT, but he hit a couple in the second half gave Noblesville a bit of confidence.

Zionsville 59, Fishers 53

We got the personal matchup we wanted, as Logan Imes was Jalen Haralson's primary defender, and Jalen Haralson was Logan Imes' primary defender.  It was a matchup that was truly highlighted in the second half.  Zionsville had lost their first game of the sectional the last two seasons, so as Fishers built a three possession lead, with Zionsville's Nick Richart on the bench in foul trouble much of the first three quarters, there was this, "Oh no, not again moment."

Imes took over.

  • We've talked a fair amount about Imes' struggles the last two years in sectional games.  The 6'4" senior guard, headed to Penn State, struggled to be a shot maker at time, which as a junior, even into the first half of his senior season, was noticeable.  He struggled at times to get his own shot.  That has improved as this season has worn on, and it was in full display tonight.
    • Notable is, Haralson is an outstanding defender and almost always draws the opponent's best player.  Imes kind of toyed with him, especially snaking him in ball screens, stepping into his body before changing directions.  These are physical plays that at 6'4" Imes should be able to produce and will in the Big 10.
    • He also shot well.  Imes has always tracked well as a catch and shoot.  Even times when he has struggled, his mechanics were good.  It was mostly about catching the ball shot ready and elevating with confidence.  Shooting off the move is a progressive step, and while he's been excellent from mid-range, he was making Fishers pay for going under screens last night.
  • Defensively, he was equally physical with Haralson and did so without fouling.  His defense has always been viewed as an asset, but in a big moment, he came up big.  We had Haralson for 13 points in the first half, he finished with 17.
  • Haralson to his credit became a playmaker, and the main benefactor was Keenan Garner.  The 6'6" junior forward was a great ball screen partner for Haralson.  Garner scored 12 of his 18 points in the second quarter, and it included two 3PTers.
  • Richart struggled to get anything going, but he was big when it counted.  Battling foul trouble in the first three quarters, he was able to play the final five minutes or so loosely.  He cleaned up misses on both ends, including a big tip in on one of Imes' rare misses in the second half.  He did struggle with Garner at the rim in the second half.  He contested the first shot effectively, but Garner was strong enough to get his rebound and make the next play.
  • Fishers' junior shooter, Taden Metzger, never really got going.  His only basket came in the second quarter on a DHO.  He caught and fired, draining it.  He was hounded all game.

If it seemed like Imes dominated the game, he did.  He was the aggressor on both ends of the floor and in complete command offensively for Zionsville. 

POTW: February 20-25

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Taking the coward's way out this week.  Three players became their school's all-time leading scorer.  

  • Landon Biegel, 6'5" senior forward; Oak Hill
  • Markus Burton, 6'0" senior guard; Penn
  • Luke McBride, 6'1" senior guard; Norwell

In Burton's case, he became the all-time leading scorer out of St. Joseph County, becoming the first player to surpass 2,000 points.

Congratulations to all for being the Courtside Indiana co-Players of the Week for the week of February 20-25, 2023.  

Others Considered

  • Dylan Moles, 6'3" senior guard; Greenfield Central
    • vs Plainfield - 29 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
  • Owen Snedecker, 6'3" senior forward; Seeger
    • vs North Vermillion - 29 points (14-15 FG), 8 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal
  • Reph Stevenson, 6'7" senior center; Hamilton Southeastern
    • vs Brownsburg - 27 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
  • Brandon Trilli, 6'5" senior forward; Munster
    • vs Lake Station - 30 points (11-14 FG), 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block
      • Surpassed 1,000 at Munster
    • vs Andrean - 33 points (14-16 FG), 8 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 block

Others Nominated

  • Cam Casky, 6'4" junior guard; Pike
    • vs Southport - 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
    • vs Lawrence North - 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Cooper Horn, 6'2" senior guard; Columbus North
    • vs Bloomington North and Franklin
      • 50 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals, 2 assists
  • Kyle Kirkham, 6'4" senior guard; LaPorte
    • vs Goshen - 16 points, 5 steals, 2 assists
    • vs Portage - 25 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
  • Brendan Tolliver, 6'1" senior guard; Mitchell
    • vs Edgewood - 20 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds

Sophomores and Freshmen

  • Damon Howard, 6'1" sophomore guard; Pike
    • vs Lawrence North -11 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 rebound
  • Carter Kent, 5'10" sophomore guard; Jennings County
    • vs Bloomington South - 24 points (6-9 3PT), 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 charge taken
  • Ethan Roseman, 6'0" freshman guard; Bishop Chatard
    • vs Tech - 18 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal
  • Treigh Schelsky, 5'10" freshman guard; Parke Heritage
    • vs Seeger - 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists