POTW: Week of December 6-12, 2021

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December 13, 2021

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer are joined by Nick Baumgart to talk a little Tip Off Classic, and Nick talks a little about two small school stars in the Evansville area. We introduce a new feature...for which we have no name.

Weekly features:

Recruiting updates
Best Game, Best Team, Best Player
Emerging young player
Interesting results in games we didn't see

Sponsors:

Box Out Sports is the leading online graphics solution giving you the ability to create professional content in seconds to highlight your team and student-athletes this season. You can sign up for a free demo at BoxOutSports.com

Courtside Indiana podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Anchor.FM. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

Follow us on Twitter: @CourtsideIND

Game Takes: Chesterton 63 – Elkhart 39

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December 12, 2021

In an early season battle of 4A schools, Chesterton came out and set the tone right away. They were going to get after you on defense at every position, and you would have to earn everything if you were Elkhart and going to beat them. Tonight that wasn't the case for the Lions as they struggled to get anything going, and turned the ball over at a high rate in the first half and put themselves down 20. There also wasn't much flow to the game in the first half. Seniors Travis Grayson and Chris Mullen, along with sophomore Justin Sims found themselves in early foul trouble. This didn't slow down Chesterton as it was a total team effort for the Trojans, which saw them play 10 guys, all of who contributed in some way. Mullen, who just committed to UIndy to play football, finished with 6 boards and played some tough D. Fellow senior Carson Parrish finished with 8, while junior Owen Guest had 6 and 5. Definition of TEAM.

Travis Grayson did what Travis Grayson does and got to the basket, where he either would finish or draw contact and get to the line. He also handed out 5 assists and had 5 steals. Knocked down three 3s in this one and wasn't afraid to shoot it. Travis lets the offense come to him and plays under control. Love seeing his maturity and growth over the last few seasons. Steady lead guard who will not hurt you on either end of the floor. Always been a fan.
Sophomore Justin Sims (6'6" forward/center) just couldn't get into a rhythm in this one. Played hard and battled inside and was in the wrong place at the wrong time for his fouls. Added a few blocks and rebounds. Has great length and likes getting up and down the floor. Took and missed a shot from the top of the key but his shot is fluid. Really like his upside and if he can get consistent from the outside he could really develop into a really nice stretch 4 at the next level.
6'2" sophomore guard Tyler Parrish has always been so reliable every time I've seen him play. Whether that be on the AAU circuit, or playing for Chesterton. Great defender and shooter. Good size and can run the 1 or 2. He finished with 14. Already a heady player and someone who would help your team. Going forward I see him developing and having a big role with the Chesterton team for his last two seasons.
Junior guard Owen Guest (6'3) played some solid D and was very aggressive on the boards. Finished with 6 after knocking down a pair of key 3s and added 5 rebounds. The kind of kid who doesn't back down from anyone, and loves the challenge. Kind of kid you love to have on your team.
Elkhart junior Damarion Anderson (6'5) is someone I have liked since I first saw him as a sophomore. Gets it done underneath and can rebound well. Hit a nice little 15' jumper. Is capable of putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Would like to see him get to the line a little more because he has the strength to bang inside. Maybe even extend his game some to be a threat from 3. Needs to be a leader. Finished with 12 and 4.

UP NEXT

Chesterton vs. East Chicago Central - Tuesday, Dec 14

Elkhart at Mishawaka Marian - Friday, Dec 17

Game Takes: Carmel 64, Noblesville 49

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December 11, 2021

Holding Noblesville to three points in the second quarter, Carmel opened a small lead late heading into the halftime. They scored early and often to start the second half, eventually building a 20 point lead. Noblesville was able to cut the lead to 12, but it never got any closer than that.

Carmel will need Sam Orme and Charlie Williams to produce consistently. That didn't happen in games vs. Zionsville and Homestead. Games Carmel lost. It didn't really start until the second half of this game, but when it got going it opened up so much more others.
- Williams battled foul trouble again, but he was more assertive on the offensive end. Orme, ultimately, it better scoring off the move, whether it be movement without the basketball or attacking a closeout.
As much attention as Peter Suder draws, he still benefits from the attention when others are going too. He's a load to stop in space, always in control and balanced. His mechanics are quicker and smoother from the 3pt line, and early in the game, he was the only one looking for his shot.
Another player good scoring in space was Jared Bonds. The 6'6" junior forward had a big second half. As Noblesville extended their defense he took advantage of wider driving gaps.
Noblesville got the offensive production they needed from senior EJ Smith. Smith got going in the second half, as the pace was faster, and as Noblesville was cutting into the 20 point deficit, Smith hit two volleyball line 3pters. He has that kind of range.
Junior guard, Preston Roberts was another player who got going in the second half as the pace quickened. Scoring off cuts and getting to the line, his athleticism allows him to get at the rim.

Game Takes: North Central 70, Crispus Attucks 59

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December 10, 2021

A tight game through three quarters, North Central eventually stretched a lead out and closed it out with about two minutes to play.

Kind of a slow start in the game and battling foul trouble, Joey Brown still found ways to be impactful. The 6'7" junior forward was very active on the offensive glass, which is something he started to show more of early last season before getting injured. Normally good from behind the 3pt line, he didn't get any looks during the game. He was able to penetrate and score.
Three seniors, Blake Fleming, David Lloyd and Davis Olson all provided scoring for North Central. Fleming was more consistent through the game, but Olson and Lloyd are definitely threats from the 3pt line.
Crispus Attucks struggles with stops. They are undersized, compared to what they have been in the past. Christian Nunn, 6'4" senior guard, is their only physical matchup advantage at this point.
- Impressed with the quickness sophomore guard, Ron Rutland, has. He's a 3pt threat, who just needs to get stronger.
Definitely impressed with Dezmon Briscoe. The 6'7" freshman post plays with more confidence each game. He's posting and calling for the ball, and he understands when and where to release on penetration. He's realizing too how he can impact games on the offensive glass. Really good feel around the basket.

Game Takes: Mishawaka Marian 63 – Mishawaka 36

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December 7, 2021

The Knights and their zone were just too much from the get go, and Mishawaka doesn't have the shooters to counter. They controlled the pace with their full court press as well. Led by junior guard Deaglan Sullivan and senior forward Kaleo Kakalia, Marian didn't have trouble scoring either, as the Knights led start to finish. Very balanced effort by Marian.

Deaglan Sullivan (6'1) has been on the rise since day one of varsity his freshman year. He can pretty much do it all, and do it at a high level. Great change of pace and takes it strong to the rim where he can finish. Picks his spots well, and knocks down the outside shot. Great floor general who knows how to run the offense. Pretty solid defender too, and does the little things. Finished with 22 pts 4 rebs and 5 asts. Will be playing at the next level.
Senior Kaleo Kakalia did what he always does tonight. Just so consistent. Block shots, play with a high motor, and hit some shots. Outside shot has improved quite a bit. Always a hard worker. Runs the floor and has active hands. Kid whose game you have to love. Swiss army knife, and will definitely help someone at the next level. Really like his game and definitely worth a look if you need a lunch pale player. Finished with 15.
Fellow senior Richard Brooks didn't have his best game, but he influenced the game and still helped his team win. Finished with 8 & 5 tonight and didn't hit a 3 which is rare. Love his shot and release as it's so smooth and he gets good lift to shoot over defenders. Rebounds position well and can handle it to get himself to the rim and finish. Doesn't hurt you on defense and plays hard. Lots of upside for Richard for sure.

UP NEXT

Marian @ Plymouth - Friday 12/10 - 7:30

Mishawaka vs Elkhart Christian - Saturday 12/11 - 7:30

CSI Pod :: Episode 98 – Shot clock discussion; Westfield vs. Zionsville

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December 6, 2021

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer talk about if any games they've seen so far would've been impacted by a shot clock.

(52:00) Chris Spillman hops on late and talks about the Zionsville and Westfield game from Friday evening.

Weekly Features:

Recruiting updates
Best Game, Best Team, Best Player
New feature - Impactful freshmen on varsity

Sponsors:

Box Out Sports is the leading online graphics solution giving you the ability to create professional content in seconds to highlight your team and student-athletes this season. You can sign up for a free demo at BoxOutSports.com

Courtside Indiana podcast is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Anchor.FM. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

Follow us on Twitter: @CourtsideIND

Game Takes: Penn 52 – Crown Point 48

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December 5, 2021

This game really did end up being a good one. There were a lot of guards on display in this one, all of which I could see playing at the next level. The game had a good pace and was back and forth for a lot of the second half before Penn took a final lead midway through the 4th quarter, led by junior Markus Burton and Joey Garwood. CP senior Drew Adzia did his best to keep the Bulldogs in this one, but it just wasn't enough. When CP is hitting outside shots at a high rate, like most teams, they'll be tough to beat. Shots just weren't falling in this one, and that had a lot to do with Penn's defense. Penn is a team trending up for me.

Penn junior guard Markus Burton did his thing. He had 16 in this one but the 10 assists really were the difference. When he wasn't able to get himself in position to score, he was able to find others. Probably an underrated distributor, he found himself in spots where his teammates knocked down shots. There was a few minutes in the 3Q where he might have been forcing the point a little but all in all it was a solid outing. Wanted to be the one to win this one for his team. Was in attack mode all night. Got to the rim fairly easy. Showed some dog which is something I hadn't really seen from him before. Only took 1 or 2 outside shots. Needs to take more because he has a nice shot. Will only help his game. Willing defender. Ceiling is high. NAIA-D2-LM D1
Sticking with juniors, CPs AJ Lux was quiet in this one. Had 10 (3 in the 2nd half) but added 5 rebs and 4 asts, so he's not a one trick pony. This is a kid who can shoot the lights out, we know that. At 6'4"/6'5" he has great size, with a quick shot, and the motor is there. He'll be a D1 player at the end of the day, but this just wasn't his night. Great attitude and is very coachable. Had a great summer with Indiana Game and will only get better. Add some strength and just a little more consistency and his stock will skyrocket. Kid I really like.
Crown Point senior point guard Drew Adzia is tough. D3 coaches dream as he does anything you ask and with a high motor. Trustworthy and can run the offense. Great competitor and even better kid. Excellent free throw shooter, and great outside shot. Handles it well. Can attack the basket and finish, dish it, or can knock down the pull up jumper. Someone who should be getting some looks at the next level.
Penn junior guards Joey Garwood (6'1) and Joe Smith (6') were excellent in this one. Both defended really well. Garwood is someone who has gotten taller and improved his game. Great from the line and has a smooth outside shot. Smith can shoot it as well, although he wasn't relied on to score in this one, but he is definitely capable. Both guys to keep some eyes on if your'e a D3-NAIA coach.
Crown Point's Keaton Buuck had a great second half and he came out of the break with a purpose. The 6'6 forward turned it on in the 3rd where he picked up the scoring for the Bulldogs. Kept them in the game. Battled on the boards and played some solid defense. Lots of energy and grit. D3
Lastly Penn senior big man Cole Wojciechowski, who stands at 6'9 and 250, is a solid big. Rebounds it and is good around the rim. Alters shot on the other end and is someone capable of playing at the college level based on skill level for his size alone. Just a name for schools to keep an eye on if you're in need of a big late in the process. D3

UP NEXT

PENN: Tuesday, Dec. 7 @ New Prairie - 7:30 EST

CROWN POINT: Tuesday, Dec. 7 @ East Chicago Central - 8:00 EST

Game Takes: Homestead 62 – Warsaw 40

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December 4, 2021

The Tigers were able to hang around for a little while, but in the end Purdue commit Fletcher Loyer and company were just too much for Warsaw to overcome. The Tigers offense got stagnant at times and they didn't have an answer for Loyer. They tried a couple different things defensively, but the smart player that Loyer is, just took advantage and got his teammates involved. Past senior guard Judah Simfukwe and junior guard Jaxson Gould, Warsaw struggled to get anything going. Even when Judah or Jaxson were able to get a look, it typically wasn't a clean one. I also felt like the offense should've went through Gould a little more, and maybe it will as the season goes on. Homestead played their game and everything went through Loyer. Interesting matchup with Carmel looming tonight!

Fletcher Loyer did Fletcher Loyer things. He's cool and collected and can finish. Great shot, and doesn't have to score to be effective. Gets to his spots and helps get teammates to their spots and in position to score. First time seeing him live and it was as good as advertised. Put the Spartans on his back.
6'6" senior Andrew Leeper came out a little cold. Missing his first 2 shot attempts, both of which were 3s, but was able to get more active offensively after the half. Was the benefit of a couple Loyer drive and dishes, and was able to clean up some on the offensive glass. Got deep position in the post and finished a nice little baby hook also. Got involved defensively blocking/altering shots, which is typical. Always plays hard and knows his role. Look forward to seeing him succeed at the next level.
As mentioned above Simfukwe and Gould led the Tigers, as they will most nights. Passed them the Tigers don't have much offensively. So when shots aren't falling for these two, chances are it's going to be a rough night for Warsaw. Judah slashes to the rim and doesn't back down from anyone. Solid senior leader who lived at the free throw line in this one where he went 8/8. Didn't hit any outside shots but is capable. Like his motor and is a solid defender. Gould only hit one 3, but can shoot it at a descent clip, and hit a couple jumpers, while also hitting a couple free throws. Won't blow you away with flashy play but is a grinder. Good size and can play the 1 or 2. Both guys get in and rebound their positions well. Lots of NAIA stuff going on for both currently. Gould is a name to continue to follow.
Homestead sophomore Tucker Day (6'7") came into the game and made an immediate impact. Had 10 points and 5 rebounds in 3 quarters of action as he was the tallest player on the floor. Went right into the game and dominated the post. Couple nice moves and is under control. Like his game going forward. Will be heavily recruited.

UP NEXT:

Homestead: Sneakers for Santa - 12/4 - vs. Carmel - 4:45 (Brownsburg)

Warsaw: vs. Huntington North - 12/4 - 7:45

Game Takes: Zionsville 67, Westfield 65 2OT

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Staff Report

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December 4, 2021