CSI Pod :: Episode 102 – Holiday Hoops

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December 31, 2021

Aidan Lambert - Snider 2022 - 6'3"

At this point there is no reason why Aidan only has 1 offer. I have also discussed him at length in the past. The skillset is there for him to make an impact at the D2 level. Super athletic, can shoot it, and he plays really hard on D, usually guarding the opponents best player. Good home life, good grades, and good kid. Reality is he should have a ton of NAIA offers by now, as well as a handful of D2s. This kid is really going to make whoever finally takes a chance on him very happy.

Jaxson Gould - Warsaw 2023 - 6'2"

Jaxson hold 3 NAIA offers (Taylor, Grace, IWU) and I think that is a great spot for him. Great sized guard who can play the 1 or 2. Fills the stat sheet and just makes the right plays. Can score at all three levels, and has shown he can be a leader. If you aren't familiar with the junior from Warsaw then you should be.

Marcus Northern - SB Washington 2023 - 6'2"

Marcus is a combo guard who had a good summer with Indiana Game. Loves getting downhill and is at his best when he can. Finishes at the rim through contact. Rebounds his position well and is capable of finding his teammates. Outside shot continues to improve. If he can just keep his feet under him he'll be fine. High motor, but quiet player. Lots of potential for the D3/NAIA level. Would make a great point guard here.

Josiah Gustin - Pendleton Heights 2024 - 6'7"

Josiah immediately makes an impact on the defensive end with his size and length. Will alter/block shots with ease, and can get in passing lanes as well. Always seemed to be in the right spots to help. Good foot work and hands as well. Had a couple of nice post moves. Didn't see him extend his game with any shooting from the perimeter, but that can come as well. Strength will also come, as always with longer, younger players. Good prospect for coaches to keep tabs on.

Gabe Trevino - Eastside 2022 - 6'

Gabe has a D3 offer from Defiance, and I think that's a great level for him. Would be nice to see some local D3s get involved. Explosive with the ball in his hands and can create his own shots. Great off the ball as well with his movement. Strong so can finish at the rim through contact. Rebounds well and can distribute. Really tough on defense.

Austin Cripe - West Noble 2023 - 6'4"

For now Austin has 1 offer and that's from Goshen College (NAIA). That will soon change, or at least it probably should, just because of his size at the guard spot. When I have seen him he doesn't have that dog in him, or want to take over a game yet, but that can come, along with confidence. When he does get goin he can really score it. Size helps him rebound, and he loves getting teammates involved, so he is an unselfish player. High upside for sure.

Darrion Brooks - New Haven 2023 - 6'4"

This was the first time I've seen Darrion have himself a ballgame. Played more under control and wasn't loose with the ball. Attacked the rim with a purpose and finished. Able to knock down FTs as well. At his best when he's attacking or in transition. Rebounds it well on both ends. Good length helps with that and is a little sneaky athletic. Scoring ability is definitely there and can do it in bunches. Will be interesting to see who jumps in first with an offer.

Zach Hubartt - Huntington North 2022 - 6'

I said it all week, but D3s (even some NAIAs) lookin for a dog to fill a roster spot, this is your guy and he won't disappoint. Plays either guard spot and plays it well and with a high motor. Loves the ball in his hands and is always in attack mode. Has good strength already which helps him finish at the rim. Can shoot if from outside as well. Goes 100% all the time. Don't miss out on this one.

Marvin Schindler - SB Riley 2025 - 5'6"

The loan freshman on my list (I'm not counting Jalen Haralson). With a little room to grow, Marvin already has the tools to be a tough player making an impact on the varsity level. Strength will come, of course, as he is already smart with the ball and plays under control. Can shoot it and can attack the rim. Will take on a leadership role as he gets older. High upside and someone to watch.

Jakar Williams - New Haven 2022 - 6'5"

I really think Jakar can play at the next level, whether that's at a D3 or NAIA, I'm not entirely sure, but I think he could help at either. Football player so has the build and toughness that can't be taught. Would play the 3/4 with ease. Can handle the ball, has good feet and soft hands, and plays under control. Sneaky athletic, too, for his size. Outstanding rebounder and passer. Really think he could make a difference at the next level.

AJ Dixon - Merrillville 2022 - 6'5"

Already known as a high flyer, AJ is still pretty raw and putting his game together. Once he gets it all figured out he could be fairly dangerous. Has a solid motor and can rebound it. Might be more of a rim running 3/4 at the next level (D2/NAIA offers) to start. With more development of his game to come. Getting offers for his upside right now, which isn't a bad thing.

Grant Brown - Snider 2022 - 6'4"

D3s looking for a good sized shooter who can rebound, Grant is your guy. Grant can get hot in a hurry and has good range. Isn't afraid to get in the paint and mix it up either and rebound. Has that competitive side to him as well so he'll battle. Could make for a good 3 who can stretch the floor for you.

Mason Jones - Valparaiso 2023 - 6'7"

Looked very comfortable in this game against Riley. Played more fluid and with a purpose. Got into passing lanes and got some steals/deflections. Great when he's active. Rebounded well and finished at the rim, where he also had a couple And 1s. Got teammates involved and was having fun. Adding the continued improvement of his outside shot will only make him for valuable. Playing with this type of confidence he is tough to stop.

BONUS

*Jalen Haralson - Fishers 2025 - 6'6"

This will be the only time I discuss Jalen as he doesn't need anyones help with his recruiting. Great size, length, athleticism, and plays with a finesse. Lets the game come to him, which I like, but isn't afraid to ask for the ball and go get his team a bucket. Length helps him finish and strength does as well. High basketball IQ. So smooth with the ball and has a nice touch. Easy to see why he's a hot D1 commodity and will have his choice of school when it's all said and done.

CSI Pod :: Episode 101 – 3A Hierarchy

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December 27, 2021

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer update a light week of recruiting, Jim talks some about 2024 vs. 2025, before moving into talking about 3A's top teams.

(09:09:50) 3A Hierarchy

Weekly Features:

(22:48:50) Top Games, Top Teams, Top Player Performances

Sponsors:

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Game Takes: Carmel 45 – Valparaiso 32

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December 23, 2021

This ended up being a 13 point game but it wasn't really that close. Carmel's defense shut down Valpo, and Carmel's size was just too much as well. This game was a good gauge for Valpo to see where they were in regards to hanging with one of the top teams in the state. Unfortunately for them it didn't go as planned. On the other side, Carmel looked good. Bigger, stronger, faster some might say. Seemed to outmatch Valparaiso at all positions.

Peter Suder - Carmel 2022 - 6'5" G/F

What Pete did to shut down Mason Jones was great. Now known as one of the top defenders in the state, Suder held Jones scoreless in the first half, and Mason's first points didn't come until midway through the 3rd quarter on a free throw. Suder did the little things well also, in rebounding and distributing. Such a solid player and playmaker and gets others involved. Will be great at the next level.

Mason Jones - Valparaiso 2023 - 6'7" Forward

Mason just couldn't get things going in this one. With Suder defending him he was shutout in the first half. Was finally able to get going in the 4th once Carmel let off the gas a bit, where he had 10 points, all in transition or around the basket. Outside shot still looks a little shaky as he went 0 for. Definitely a D1 player, just needs to become a little more dynamic as the talent is there.

Josh Whack - Carmel 2022 - 6'1" Guard

Josh did what he usually does and that's play tough defense and run the point well. Probably right up there with Suder in the defense category, he helped minimize the damage that can usually be created by the Valpo guards. He made life tough for Walls and company. Also knocked down 3 threes as he found himself with some open looks. Love how hard he plays and is a kid who would be successful doing exactly what he does at the next level.

Sam Orme - Carmel 2023 - 6'8" Forward

Has a nice, smooth looking outside shot. Long and rangy defender who can alter and block shots when in position and plays passing lanes. High ceiling player. Showed he can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket, but not as aggressive doing that as you'd like to see.

POTW: Week of December 14-December 19

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December 21, 2021

Last year in the Champions of Character Classic at Grace College, we learned about Aiden Lambert. Impressed with his scoring early and playmaking late, the 6'3" senior guard has continued to improve his game. A full year later, Lambert in Fort Wayne Snider's win over Merrillville exploded for 51 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, making Lambert Courtside Indiana's Player of the Week for the week of December 14-December 19.

Others Considered:

Anthony Ball, 6'6" junior forward; Beech Grove
- vs. Franklin - 20 points and 10 rebounds
- vs. Roncalli - 29 points (14-17 FG), 10 rebounds and 3 blocks
Ryan Conwell, 6'3" senior guard; Pike
- vs Perry Meridian - 19 points (7-8 FG, 3-3 3PT, 2-2 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists
- vs. Lawrence Central - 32 points, (11-18 FG, 5-10 3PT, 5-6 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals :: 19 points in the first quarter

Travis Grayson, 5'11" senior guard; Chesterton
- vs. Homestead - 23 points (8-16 FG, 2-3 3PT, 5-7 FT) and 3 assists
Jaxson Gould, 6'4" junior guard; Warsaw
- vs. Wawasee - 31 points (12-24 FG, 6-6 FT), 8 steals and 6 rebounds
- vs. Fort Wayne North - 32 points (10-16 FG, 12-14 FT), 6 rebounds and 2 steals
Andrew Hedrick, 6'2" junior guard; Columbia City
- vs. East Noble - 36 points (11-13 FG, 12-12 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists

Milestones:

With 24 points in Barr-Reeve's win over North Knox, Hagen Knepp, 6'4" senior guard, surpassed the 1,000 point career scoring mark.

Other Nominations:

Marial Diper, 7'0" junior center; Rock Creek Academy
- vs. Christian Academy - 14 points, 11 rebounds, 7 block
Brady Dunn, senior guard; Christian Academy
- Averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals in their two wins over South Central and Charlestown
Ben Garwood, 6'4" senior guard; LaCrosse
- vs. Oregon-Davis - 24 points (6-12 FG, 1-2 3PT, 9-11 FT), 10 rebounds, 6 steals, 3 assists, 3 blocks
Trevion Johnson, 6'3" senior forward; Daleville
- vs. Blue Rive Valley - 15 points and 7 rebounds :: Game winner at the buzzer
- vs. Wes-Del - 35 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
Ellis Lyons, 6'2" senior guard; North Putnam
- vs. Northview - 22 points (7-12 FG, 3-5 3PT), 5 assists and 2 steals
- vs. Indian Creek - 30 points, 4 assists and 3 steals
Nas McNeal, 6'2" junior forward; Parke Heritage
- vs. South Putnam - 27 points, 8 rebounds 3 steals
Kaden Neukem, 6'0" senior guard; Southridge
- vs. Shoals - 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists
- vs. Perry Central - 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists
AJ Roseman, 6'0" senior guard; Bishop Chatard
- vs. Covenant Christian - 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Caleb Roy, junior forward; Christian Academy
- Averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists in wins over South Central and Charlestown
Jaleb Treat, 6'7" junior forward; Rock Creek Academy
- Holy Cross (KY) - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Sophomore and Freshmen Nominations:

Josh Renfro, freshman guard; Christian Academy
- Averaged 20 points in two wins over South Central and Charlestown
Trent Sisley, 6'7" freshman forward; Heritage Hills
- vs. Crawford County - 27 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block

Friday & Saturday’s Best – Munster at CP/Champions of Character Classic

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December 20, 2021

AJ Lux - Crown Point 2023 - 6'4" Guard

AJ is the type of player who can get hot in a hurry, and he did that Friday night. Went off for 27 on the way to help lead CP to victory knocking down 7 3s. Great shot and release. Rebounds position well. Plays hard and gets himself in spots to score it. Great at the D2 level and even D1.

Drew Adzia - Crown Point 2022 - 5'9" Point Guard

Drew is the type of hard nosed guard you love having on your team. Shoots it really well from outside, is a trusted ball handler, scrappy defender, and has a great jumper from 12-15'. Loves getting to the rim also. Drew would make a great D3 point guard.

Brandon Trilli - Munster 2023 - 6'5" Forward

If you are looking for a kid who can do it all then look no further than the junior. Outstanding rebounder. Knack for finishing at the rim. Can but the ball on the deck and get to the basket. Outside shot is there and will be more consistent with a little more work. Runs the floor and can block shots. Jack of all trades type of player who always plays hard. Stock riser.

Andrew Hedrick - Columbia City 2023 - 6'1" Point Guard

Has really improved since I saw him last season. The strong lead guard has picked up his intensity and ball handling. Love the confidence he plays with. Great floor leader. Outside shot is there, but loves getting to the basket or distributing if he gets stuck in the paint. Long, which helps make him a tough, gritty defender.

Keron Billingsley - Snider 2024 - 5'9" Point Guard

This high motor guard is great on or off the ball. High level distributer who will easily find the open teammate and loves getting them involved. Makes the right passes and reliable with the ball. Rebounds position well for his size. Look forward to seeing him next season when he will be relied upon to score a little more.

Aiden Lambert - Snider 2022 - 6'3" Guard

Lambert was playing mad in this one. Had 17 in the first quarter, and he had no intentions of stopping there. Athletic, high flyer but not all he does well. Great shooter from 3. Locked down one of Merrillville's best players on the defensive end, so won't back down from a tough assignment. Rebounds well, especially on the offensive end.

Elijah Davis - Snider 2022 - 6' Guard

Elijah is a great floor general who doesn't always need the ball to make a difference. Kind of player who will get on the floor for a loose ball and plays his heart out. Vocal leader. Good at picking his spots. Loves getting to the basket and the FT line. Outside shot is there when he wants it.

Conner Lemmon - Central Noble 2023 - 6' Guard

High motor junior guard who can knock down big time shots. Very aggressive with the ball. Attacks the paint and picks his spots from the outside. Great release. Makes the right plays. Really good in transition as he can pull up or finish at the rim.

Joe Reidy - Woodlan 2022 - 6'7" Forward

What you see with Joe is what you always get. Double double machine who will get 4-5 assists a game also. Love his passing for a big man. Total stat stuffer. Great size and strength already. Can block shots and run the floor. Outside shot is improving and could be the difference in his game at the next level. Love that he can put the ball on the deck and is trustworthy doing it. Motor is solid as well and hands are alway active. Should have more offers.

Josh Furst - Blackhawk Christian 2023 - 6'6" Forward

Josh was impressive in this one as he finished with 28 and 13. Outstanding rebounder as he cleaned up the glass all game, especially on the offensive in where he had some nice out backs. Very solid at the FT line and gets there often by drawing contact in the post. Had a couple nice blocks as well. Good size and pedigree is there. Primarily played inside, so not sure of his outside shot. Another stock riser.

Gage Sefton - Blackhawk Christian 2023 - 6'4" Wing

Sefton showed toughness and fight in this one. Didn't start the game off strong but finished strong. Had 17 and 7. Smooth with the ball. Has a nice outside shot. Uses it to then get to the paint and finish with his long arms. Rebounds position well. A name that has been popular the last couple of seasons and has started producing more with Caleb Furst gone. Good size for the next level.

Travis Grayson - Chesterton 2022 - 5'10" Point Guard

As I have followed Travis over the last 3 seasons now it is very apparent the all he does is win. Bulldog type of player that everyone loves on their team. Bucket getter, especially when his team needs it. Whether that be a shot from the outside, or doing what he does best which is breaking down his defender and getting himself to the rim. Capable of finishing amongst the trees. Loves drawing contact and getting to the line. Doesn't force anything either. Someone is going to get a dog.

Grant Leeper - Homestead 2023 - 6'7" Forward

Grant is already strong and has great length. Shot blocker also so can protect the paint. Runs the floor well. Still developing his post game but inside is where he lives for now and is a capable finisher. Need to see more of him from the outside. Good athletic, rebounder.

Brauntae Johnson - Fort Wayne Northside 2024 - 6'4" Guard

Brauntae had himself a really good game. Finished with 27 points and 7 rebounds in a tough loss, but he never backed down and was doing all he could for the Legends. Couldn't be stopped from getting to the line and got there a ton. Was 13/14. Bouncy, athletic, and electric for a sophomore. Total dog. Sits down on D and plays hard. Will be highly sought after.

Jaxson Gould - Warsaw 2023 - 6'2" Guard

This was the best I've seen Jaxson play. He wasn't going to let his team lose this one. Wanted the ball the entire game, and took over in the third and fourth quarters. Had 32 and 6 in this one, his third 30 point game in a row. Was tough as nails. Went 8/9 in the 4th quarter alone from the line with a tough and 1. Finished some tough plays inside. Plays big. Good size and strength from the guard spots as he can play both. Handled the pressure with the ball and was able to make the right passes. Recruiting will begin to pick up.

CSI Pod :: Episode 100 – 4A Hierarchy and two big Saturday events

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December 20, 2021

Zak Tyler and Nick Baumgart join Jim Reamer to give us the dish on the Champions of Character Classic at Grace College and the Bosse Winter Classic.

(4:30) All three discuss 4A Hierarchy and Bosse Winter Classic

(01:10:41) Weekly Features and Champions of Character Classic:

Best Game, Best Team, Best Player
Impactful First Impressions

Sponsors:

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Courtside Indiana podcast. Please hit the subscribe or add button on your podcast app to get them delivered straight to your phone tablet or desktop. As always, we’d appreciate a rating and review, and you can reach us directly on our Courtside Indiana Twitter and Instagram

Follow us on both platforms at: @CourtsideIND

Game Takes: Westfield 53, Mishawaka Marian 39

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December 19, 2021

Mishawaka Marian was strong for the first 12 minutes of the game, leading 30-26. They weren't bullying Westfield, but they were getting offensive rebounds and contesting most of whatever Westfield put up. They were aided by Braden Smith not connecting from behind the 3pt line in the first, but they were sound defensively.

Westfield closed out the second quarter on a 10-0 run, taking a 36-30 lead to the locker room, and they really never looked back. Marian was only able to score 9 points the from that point on.

Despite having snatched momentum and the lead, the game really took off for Westfield when Smith was placed in the middle of Marian's 1-3-1. Smartly through core of their defense, often making his way to the top of key, Smith was able to play make from middle.
- Once Marian switched to man, Smith was able to really shine, attacking the baseline from the wing and the nail hole from the slots. Smith moved the defense with his eyes and created a lot of easy baskets.
Alex Romack was really effective in the paint. He's a good ball screen partner with Smith, and he's succeeding as a roll man. He was more impactful on the defensive glass than the offensive glass this game.
Cam Haffner was play making for others this game, vs. being just a shooter or even just someone looking to score -- something he's good at. What this gives Westfield is another level of shot creation, especially for Romack and their other forward types. It also gives Smith some room to find clean catches.
- Trey Buchanan, sophomore guard, was also penetrating well and ran things well when Smith was on the bench in foul trouble.
Richard Brooks' shot truly progressed. It's more fluid than in the past, and he has a quick release. This goes well with his ability to penetrate and punish defenders in the paint. Brooks continues to be one of the more under recruited players in the 2022 class.
Coming into this game, Kaleo Kakalia was shooting 37% from the 3pt line. He struggled from there today, but him getting that shot is part of what they do. It shows a progression in his game.
- The flip side of that was Kakalia wasn't in the paint as much, missing opportunities for offensive rebounds, a strong suit of his given his size and spring. Dareon Thornton and he are both 2+ offensive rebounds per game.
Watching much of the game through a camera lens sometimes can obscure evaluations, but Deaglan Sullivan wasn't as aggressive as I've seen him in the past. Westfield definitely paid a lot of attention to him, and anytime he put the ball on the floor, there was a second defender heading him off.

Game Previews: Saturday, December 18

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December 18, 2021

Prep Hoops Open Run I

Location: Lafayette

12:00 PM O'Fallon (8-0) vs. Evansville Christian (4-2)

Evansville Christian has their work cut out for them, as O'Fallon, which replaced Bowman Academy, enters this game 8-0. Christian is led by Josiah Dunham, who already holds an offer from Evansville.

O'Fallon

Evansville Christian

1:30 PM Hammond Central (4-1) vs. Evansville North (3-2)

Hammond Central completes their weekend in Evansville vs. North, a very balanced team led by Ryan Caddell. Jordan Woods and company, if past games are any indication, will press and try to speed up North.

Hammond Central Wildcats

Evansville North Huskies

3:30 PM Linton (5-0) vs. Castle (3-0)

Castle is going to need a big game from center Dylan Watson, the one player they have who can create a matchup problem. They're getting offensive production from Weston Aigner and Caleb Niehaus, but getting Watson to be a rim protector without picking up fouls will go a long way to getting Castle over the top.

Linton is led by Joey Hart, but Logan Webb, who has improved his range, and Brandon Walters are both versatile on both ends of the floor. Castle keeping Linton out of the paint would put a lot of pressure on Hart.

Linton Miners

Jackson Miller 6'0" point guard (2026)

Castle Knights

5:00 PM McCracken County (KY) (3-0) vs. Evansville Reitz (3-0)

McCracken brings in a balanced attack, featuring senior guard Brant Brower and a trio of juniors, Jack McCune, Cason Tilford and Ian Hart. Reitz is led by Isaac Higgs and Gavin Shippert.

McCracken County (KY)

Evansville Reitz Panthers

Jaylan Mitchell 6'6" small forward (2027)

Jayden Overton 6'4" small forward (2026)

6:30 PM Louisville Doss (KY) (3-2) vs. Evansville Bosse (4-2)

Doss brings in a trio high scoring seniors. Forward Tony Moss (16.2) and two guards, Inslee Carroll (16) and Chris Anderson (14). Bosse has its own weapons, led by Matthew Wagner and Taray Howell, both super quick playmakers. They get support up from from Jameer Ajibade and Adonimi Parker.

Louisville Doss (KY)

Evansville Bosse Bulldogs

8:00 PM Gary West Side (1-5) vs. Evansville Harrison (1-4)

Two teams off to rough starts. For Gary West, it makes sense. As much as they lost to graduation, losing North Carolina commit, Jalen Washington late in the summer to another knee injury wasn't something they could easily rebound from.

Harrison's tough start could be the subject of scheduling, but they have a lot of fire power back from last year, starting Jahni Summers.

Gary West Side Cougars

Tyler Crews 6'9" center (2026)

Trey Hinton 6'0" point guard (2026)

Evansville Harrison Warriors

Ty Speer 6'1" shooting guard (2027)

Ady Thomas 5'11" point guard (2027)

Prep Hoop Freshman Showcase

Location: Fishers

12:00 PM Fort Wayne Wayne (0-3) vs. Columbia City (4-1)

Wayne's losses to Leo, Culver Academy and New Haven are understandable, but they have struggled to compete late in those games. Columbia City's 4-1 start doesn't have a signature win yet, but they are led by Andrew Hedrick and Mason Baker.

Fort Wayne Wayne Generals

Javonte Eldridge 6'6" power forward (2028)

LaShawn Green 6'1" shooting guard (2026)

Tyree Eldridge 6'1" shooting guard (2027)

Everin Ackison 6'1" point guard (2028)

Columbia City Eagles

Owen Marshall 6'3" shooting guard (2026)

Josh Eberly 6'0" point guard (2026)

Landon Richmond 6'4" small forward (2026)

1:30 PM Fort Wayne Snider (1-0) vs. Merrillville (3-0)

It's been since 2015 that Merrillville has started 3-0. AJ Dixon is their big name, and he's flanked by size with Lavonta Ash and Isaiah Akinyele, as well as a trio of quick, high pressure guards.

Snider was one of the highest scoring teams in the state last year, return just about everyone and have started where they left off. Karsen Jenkins and Aiden Lambert can really put points on the board, and Grant Brown provides outside cover.

Fort Wayne Snider Panthers

Trell Hogue 5'11" point guard (2027)

Xavier Wilson 6'4" shooting guard (2026)

Ketron Paschall 6'4" power forward (2027)

Braylin Fertil 6'2" shooting guard (2027)

Merrillville Pirates

3:00 PM Woodlan (4-2) vs. Central Noble (4-0)

Conner Essegian and Logan Gard have filled many Game Previews. They have been impressive early on, and underclassman guards are performing. This is a 2A state contender! Woodlan has a star of their in senior forward Joe Reidy, one of the more under-recruited players in the state.

Woodlan Warriors

Central Noble Cougars

4:45 PM Chelsea (MI) (1-0) vs. Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (3-0)

Blackhawk Christian is off to a great start early in the post-Caleb Furst era. (Not sure when we'll stop referencing him.) Basically a new team, with players stepping up into bigger starting roles or varsity roles altogether.

Chelsea (MI)

Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian Braves

Bryce LaCross 6'2" shooting guard (2028)

Drake Sefton 6'3" small forward (2028)

Briggs Pardon 6'2" point guard (2026)

6:15 PM Homestead (5-1) vs. Chesterton (4-0)

Chesterton hasn't faced much competition this year, but they've done their part in defeating teams which are down very soundly. The meat of the schedule comes as they roll through what looks like a balanced DAC, but the game vs. Homestead could be a pronouncement they're serious contenders come March.

Homestead Spartans

Chesterton Trojans

Rob Czarniecki 6'2" small forward (2026)

Logan Pokornoy 6'4" shooting guard (2026)

Caden Schneider 6'7" center (2026)

Jaylon Watts 6'2" shooting guard (2026)

Tobias Ray 5'10" point guard (2027)

7:45 PM Fort Wayne North Side (1-5) vs. Warsaw (2-2)

Northside is definitely an enigma. They have talent. There just isn't much ball movement, and while they have spurts of defensive intensity when their backs are against the wall, it's not consistent. Warsaw is going to make them guard every second of each quarter. And as good as Brauntae Johnson is for North, Jaxson Gould can match him point for point if it comes to that.

Gould and Judah Simfukwe need to avoid getting sped up vs. North's varied backcourt presses.

Fort Wayne North Side Legends

Warsaw Tigers

Mydin Burgher 6'0" point guard (2026)

Featured Games for Saturday, December 18

5:30 PM Fort Wayne Northrop (4-1) vs. Lawrence North (4-1)

Jalen Jackson has been dominant in his transfer over to Northrop. Jaydon Smith and Jalen Schenk have proven to be good running mates, and James Mallory has been good on the glass.

LN still without CJ Gunn can be up and down through a game. Gunn is certainly a player who can get a bucket. Much of what LN does well with is Kobe Bowles getting paint touches and finding people.

Fort Wayne Northrop Bruins

Anthony Barnes 6'6" power forward (2027)

Lawrence North Wildcats

Brennan Miller 6'6" power forward (2026)

Jamar Thomas 6'5" small forward (2026)

Duke Karnes 6'1" shooting guard (2026)

Cam Webster 5'8" point guard (2026)

Trey Cunningham 6'1" point guard (2027)

6:30 PM Mishawaka Marian (6-0) vs. Westfield (2-2)

Despite two early season losses (Zionsville and Homestead), Westfield, led by Braden Smith, is still among the state's best. Mishawaka Marian is the #1 team in 3A, and last year when they brought their show to Indy, they clipped Lawrence Central at the buzzer.

Richard Brooks, Kaleo Kakalia and Deaglan Sullivan are a trio of complimentary pieces. Brooks among the more under-recruited players in the state is a matchup problem.

Mishawaka Marian Knights

Westfield Shamrocks

Luke Vandergriff 6'9" center (2027)

Drew Haffner 6'4" shooting guard (2026)

Brock Detamore 6'0" shooting guard (2026)

Ian Muntel 6'6" power forward (2027)

Logan Sumpter 6'0" point guard (2027)

Graham Wilson 6'1" point guard (2029)

7:30 PM Cathedral (5-1) vs. Arsenal Tech (3-2)

Tech is coming off back to back losses after a 3-0 start. The point spread in the Brownsburg game was a little surprising. No let up vs. Cathedral. As most feel this has matchup potential in the City final, not to mention both being Sectional 10 foes.

Cathedral Irish

Julien Smith 5'11" point guard (2026)

Keaton Aldridge 6'4" small forward (2026)

R'mani Wells 6'4" small forward (2026)

Cash Daniels 5'9" point guard (2027)

Skylar Rodgers 6'1" shooting guard (2027)

Arsenal Tech Titans

Qualin Lollis 6'6" power forward (2026)

Temarkus King 6'2" shooting guard (2026)

Malik Sims 5'9" point guard (2026)

Game Takes: Valparaiso 71 – Gary 21st 55

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December 15, 2021