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Game Previews: Wednesday, February 24

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Gary West (16-3) at Andrean (11-5)

The cool thing about the Region is all the top teams play each other.  Longing for the classic Andrean vs. Gary Roosevelt games which used to open the school season, we practically end the season with this.  Both teams very much in contention for a state title.  

  • Gary West
    • Jalen Washington, 6'10" junior forward
    • Quimari Peterson, 6'0" senior guard
    • Perion Robinson, 6'4" senior forward
    • Chrishawn Christmas, 6'5" senior forward
    • Mason Nicholson, 6'9" senior center
  • Andrean
    • Nick Flesher, 6'1" senior guard
    • Ben Jones, 6'2" senior guard
    • Gabe Gillespie, 6'3" junior forward
    • Deshon Burnett, 6'4" senior guard

POTW: Week of February 15-February 20

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In what has been a series of big weeks for Notre Dame recruit, Blake Wesley, this past week he put up a career total.  He finished the weekend off with a 28 point, 8 rebound performance over Mishawaka.  That coming off his season low of 16 points and 4 rebounds vs. city rival South Bend Adams.  It was Tuesday's win over Michigan City, where the South Bend Riley senior guard exploded for a career high 46 points, adding 9 rebounds and 4 steals.  In his effort, Wesley was 13-15 inside the arc, including 3-8 beyond it.  He was flawless from the FT line, 11-11.  All of that earning Blake Wesley Courtside Indiana Player of the Week for the week of February 15-February.

POTW is presented by the Metro Indy Basketball Fall League

Others Considered

Gus Etchison is finishing the season strong.  In a big win over county rival Noblesville, the 6'0" senior guard poured in 38 points (13-15 FT) with 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.  The Western Michigan recruit added 28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists in Hamilton Heights' win over West Lafayette.

New Albany has had a weird season, at least from afar checking out their game results.  The important part is they're winning and have put together a good string of wins heading into the final week.  Kaden Stanton has been a big part of that, and vs. Bloomfield, the 6'1" junior guard finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists, going 12-19 from the floor, including 3-7 from 3PT and 5-5 FT.

Cambridge City has a nice group of underclassmen.  Alex Bertsch is among those.  The 6'0" junior guard scored 37 points in a win over Seton Catholic, going 7-12 3PT, adding 4 rebounds and 2 steals.

Shamar Avance has been regarded as the heart and soul of Lawrence North this season.  The uncommitted 6'2" senior point guard continued his strong play this past week.  In their win over Pike, Avance came up 2 rebounds shy of a triple double, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.  In their win over Floyd Central on Saturday, Avance finished with 11 points and 7 assists, putting over the 1,000 point mark for his LN career.

Heritage has one of the more productive sophomores in the state, Luke Saylor, among the state leaders for sophomores in scoring, rebounding and assists.  This past weekend the 6'2" guard scored 24 points with 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a loss to New Haven.  In their win over Canterbury, he added 29 points with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals.

Others Nominated

  • Joseph Bobilya, 5'11" senior guard; Guerin Catholic
    • vs. Roncalli - 26 points, 3 assists
    • vs. Chatard - 23 point, 4 assists
  • Rasheed Elemikan, 6'5" senior forward; Greenwood
    • vs. Mooresville - 13 points, 6 rebounds
    • vs. Mt. Vernon - 25 points, 15 rebounds
  • Noah Gordon, 6'7" senior forward; Mount Vernon
    • vs. Tecumseh - 32 points, 11 rebounds
    • vs. Heritage Hills - 10 points, 7 rebounds
  • Curt Hopf, 6'9" senior forward; Barr-Reeve
    • vs. Rock Creek - 32 points, 9 rebounds
  • Peter Suder, 6'4" junior guard; Carmel
    • vs. Warren Central - 26 points, 6 rebounds

Sophomores and Freshmen Nominated

  • Austin Cripe, 6'3" sophomore guard; West Noble
    • vs. Angola - 26 points, 11 rebounds (6 offensive), 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
  • Devon Woods, 5'10" sophomore guard; Pike
    • vs. Lawrence North - 13 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds

 

 

CSI Pod :: Episode 54 – The State Tournament Draw

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Eric Gardner from Prep Hoops Indiana and Joey Bennett from the Brazil Times join in with Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer to discuss hot off press 2021 state tournament draw.  

They talk about some of more intriguing sectional draws and how those draws might impact who wins.  We liked it so much, we're doing a sectional pick'em draw next Sunday.

CSI Pod :: Episode 53 – We split the baby in half, USI got themselves a backcourt

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What started out as one podcast, turned into two. See episode 54 for our Sectional Draw discussion, joined by Eric Gardner of Prep Hoops Indiana and Joey Bennett from the Brazil Times.

Zak Tyler updates us on recruiting news, and Zak and Jim Reamer talk a little about Southern Indiana's newest commits

Weekly Features:
Best Games, Teams and Players
Upcoming games

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5 on 5: Christmas, Dease, Ross, Gordon, Nicholson

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Finishing up the players who have D1 offers but are still uncommitted, followed up by the top two bigs available.  All three of the guys with D1 offers are post-grade candidates.  

Chrishawn Christmas, 6'5" senior small forward; Gary West Side

  • Enjoying his senior year after moving back to Indiana and recovering from a knee injury, Christmas is having a solid season on a team full of options and size.
  • Christmas' strengths are driving to score and being active on the glass especially for his position.  Definitely a HM athlete!
  • His perimeter shot is very much a work in progress.  
  • Defensively, Christmas can make plays with his athleticism and length.  West Side's defense is geared toward a ton of man oriented pressure.  His high motor make him a plus-defender candidate.
  • He had early offers from DePaul, Ohio and Stetson, but the NCAA allowing players to not count this year against eligibility has caused that to dry up, but Ohio, Stetson and others have been pushing him to consider post-grad work, which he plans to do.

Owen Dease, 6'7" senior small forward; Evansville Reitz

  • Dease has one of the prettier shots in the class, and at 6'7" his upside as a catch/shoot guy is MM for sure.  
  • His motor is what is at question.  It impacts him defensively, and it impacts his movement without the basketball.  
  • Seeing him engaged offensively, is also a kid who can drive closeouts with good finishing moves.
  • When he is engaged defensively, he's a capable defender who rebounds his position well and length can be an asset.
  • His reported offers have been Evansville, IUPUI and Miami(OH).  The UE and IUPUI offers were with previous coaches in place.  There rarely is news of a scholarship being rescinded, but Dease is likely another victim of COVID recruiting issues.

Kyle Ross, 6'7" senior power forward; Lake Central

  • A power forward whose ability to stretch the floor is progressing both in terms of his range and ability to facilitate part of an offense.
  • Ross' game has been trending to more perimeter oriented since entering high school, but he's at his best when he's versatile in his touches.  The more he's willing to post up favorable match-ups, the tougher he is to defend.  That willingness ebbed and flowed a bit, but he's on track with that now.
  • He's a physical defender, and he can certainly rebound his position.  Defending quicker players has been a problem, but those have been highly talented players.  He definitely can guard his position and is strong enough to guard most LM and D2 centers.
  • The progression of his shooting mechanics will go a long way to determining if he's a D1 candidate or a strong get at the D2 level.
  • He has reported offers Drake, Green Bay, IUPUI and Rhode Island.  The Rhode Island one was the most recent.  His recruiting would be maximized by those who view him as a definite PF.  

Noah Gordon, 6'6" senior power forward; Mount Vernon

  • Gordon really impressed last summer with his ability to drive from mid-range and score in the low post.  His footwork in the paint is excellent.
  • He shot well in the summer from 3PT range, but that hasn't led to much during the school season.  He still has the mechanics that suggest he can stretch his range, when he isn't also the lone low post offensive threat.
  • He's extremely active on the glass.  Gordon is a strong kid with the body to add positive weight, and he has a plus-wingspan.  Not sure about his activity on the offensive glass, but defensively, he gets most of what comes off.
  • He's a capable defender who just needs more focus off the ball.  He can guard his position inside and out.
  • No reported offers, Gordon would maximize his recruitment as a PF, which likely puts him at the D2 level.  He has offensive upside for sure, and his rebounding translates to even the MM level.

Mason Nicholson, 6'9" senior center; Gary West Side

  • Late developing true low post, who has been injured for part of his senior year.  As his body and conditioning improve, it could unlock a lot of potential.
  • His biggest asset is paint and rim protection.  He understands how to just be big and doesn't just hunt for blocked shots.  His strength makes him a mountain of an obstacle to deal with.  
  • Mobility away from the rim is his biggest weakness.  He would probably have to be a drop coverage guy defending screens, and offensively has shown much range yet.  
  • He has been a good passer, working in tandem with Jalen Washington on high/low action.  Nicholson is excellent in the low post and has good hands.  His rebounding translates, and he'll occasionally tap back a ball he can't quite get to.  Sometimes he just taps it to himself.
  • No reported offers, but he's a kid with rare size (not just height) and length.  He would be a clean slate offensively and is an effective screener.  He has a good motor too.  If I'm a LM D1, I'm taking a chance on this kid.  He's a better defensive player than some of his 2021 peers who have committed to D1 schools.

 

5 on 5: Shenandoah Trio (Bennett, Kinsey & McCollough), Johnson, Ringo

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Andrew Bennett, 6'1" senior point guard; Shenandoah

  • Versatile scorer who can score off the dribble and catch/shoots.  Consistent 3PT range and can shoot over ball screens. Good finisher in the paint, variety of finishing shots.
  • Bennett has evolved his game to more of a playmaker.  He had a good summer showcasing that playing with D1 level size vs. D1 level guards, and the last two years Shenandoah has been very balanced and deep with improving size.
  • Plus-defender with good length.  With added strength, good option to guard both guard spots at non-D1 levels.
  • He doesn't back away from big moments.  His leadership on the court is evident, even though he doesn't often show his emotions on the court.
  • Reported offers:  Southwestern College (NAIA), Wabash (D3) - After a summer when COVID all but eliminated on site recruiting, Bennett missed the early third of his senior year out with a shoulder injury.  The injury was reportedly going to keep him out until at least March, so we're not really sure if Bennett is fully healed.  He's a no brainer at the NAIA level when he's healthy. - JR

Trent Johnson,  6'3" senior shooting guard; Mishawaka

  • Looking for a bouncy, athletic shooter with a great motor and who can be a leader? Then look no further than Trent Johnson.
  • Excellent at creating his own shot. Smooth pull up jumper. Is also great on the ball as he can handle it and bring it up.
  • He is very good at moving without the ball to get himself in positions to score. Rebounds his position well.
  • Already has a solid body which helps him play through contact. Loves getting out in transition where he can either finish with a dunk, or make the right pass to a teammate to finish. High ceiling.
  • Interest: Purdue NW, IWU, UMKC, and Vincennes; Projection: D2-LM - ZT

Jakob Kinsey, 6'0" senior point guard; Shenandoah

  • Pass first point guard who has developed more of a scoring knack, really stepping up during the games Bennett missed.  
  • Kinsey has long been a good shooter, and he's developed into a plus-shooter from 3PT.  His biggest asset has been quickness and finding teammates.  
  • Improved this year has been his craftiness around the paint, getting into shots and different finishing moves.  
  • His quickness is an asset on the defensive end.  Kinsey needs more strength, but he doesn't give up ground on the ball and is excellent off the ball.
  • Reported offers: Rose Hulman (D3), Taylor (NAIA) and Wabash (D3).  He would be a steal at the D3 level, but if an NAIA team needed someone to steer their ship, he would be a good fit.  He makes few mistakes on either end and can't be left unguarded.

Kaden McCollough, 6'1" senior shooting guard; Shenandoah

  • Plus-shooter who has also been a good secondary playmaker.   
  • Still a little better off catch/shoots than coming off screens.  When he puts the ball on the floor, he's pretty much looking to pass.  
  • Shenandoah has a lot of options, and an overlooked skillset is possession IQ.  McCollough moves the ball for the sake of progressing the play.  The ball doesn't stick with him.  
  • Willing defender who has outstanding awareness off the ball.  Good length, and as he gets stronger could guard multiple positions.
  • No reported offers.  McCollough would do well at the D3 level.  He plays bigger than 6'1". - JR

Terrence Ringo, 6'6" senior power forward; Evansville Harrison

  • High motor forward who rebounds well on both ends, 3+ offensive rebounds per game.
  • His motor extends to the rest of the defensive end, where he protects the rim and can guard multiple positions.  
  • What needs work is his outside shot.  Improved over limited times in seeing him play, but it was still needs more smoothening out.
  • Very good from mid-range getting to the rim, and his activity around the glass on the offensive end has led to second chance points.
  • No reported offers.  NAIA schools should be involved with him.  He could readily guard 3-5 (not seen him get through screens though).  Work in progress on offense, but certainly a good secondary catch off ball screen action. - JR

POTW: Week of February 8-February 13

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Truly was surprised to learned among all the high scoring teams that Lafayette Jeff produced, especially in the 70's-90's, that Lafayette Jeff's all time scoring leader had fewer than 2,000 points.  To surpass that surprise is that a player who just played three years of varsity could own the record.  Yet here we are.  

Brooks Barnhizer posted back to back 30 point efforts this past week, 32 points vs. Tech and 31 vs. West Lafayette.  The 6'6" senior guard, committed to Northwestern, added 15 rebounds and 14 rebounds in those games as well.  However, amid the impressive he surpassed Lafayette Jeff's scoring record.  The combination earned Brooks Barnhizer the Courtside Indiana Player of the Week for the week of February 8-February 13.

Courtside Indiana POTW is sponsored by the Metro Indy Basketball Fall League

Others Considered

Langdon Hatton is making a big claim on being part of what is a crowded field for the Indiana All-star team.  The 6'10" senior center put up 35 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in North Harrison's win over Charlestown, and in their win over Crawford County, the William and Mary recruit put up 26 points with 10 rebounds and 3 blocks. 

Heritage Hills senior leader, Blake Sisley has been a bigger presence on the glass lately, which has been some of their bigger games.  This past the 6'9" forward put up 32 points and 8 rebounds vs. Forest Park, and vs. South Spencer, the Evansville commit produced 25 points and 12 rebounds.  

Not be outdone, Forest Park's Drew Howard had an answer vs. Heritage Hills.  The 6'0" junior guard scored 26 points with 4 steals and 2 assists in their win over one of the top 3A teams in the state.  Howard, who is nearing 1,000 career points, added 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in their win over Springs Valley.  For the 2020-21 season:
20.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.2 SPG.  Drew has committed to play baseball at the University of Evansville.

Looks like Andrean matched up with Fishers on the NBA schedule life, playing four games in a week, and Nick Flesher had a great week for the 59ers as Andrean went 4-0.  The 6'0" senior guard, put 14 points vs. Lowell, 23 points vs. Highland, 14 points vs. Hobart and 33 points vs. Bishop Noll.  He surpassed 1,000 points during the week as well.

Others Nominated

  • Vincent Brady, 6'4" senior guard; Cathedral
    • vs. Blackhawk Christian - 24 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds
    • vs. Franklin Central - 17 points, 5 assists
  • Tayshawn Comer, 6'1" junior guard; Cathedral
    • vs. Blackhawk Christian - 22 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds
    • vs. Franklin Central - 15 points, 10 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
  • Riley Duncan, 6'10" senior center; Cowan
    • 2 games last week - 20 points, 36 rebounds and 4 blocks
  • Quentin Edmonds-Long, 6'0" senior guard; Cowan
    • 3 games last week - 77 points (10-14 2FG, 13-26 3PT, 18-19 FT), 12 assists, 9 rebounds and 5 steals
  • Jaxson Edwards, 6'5" junior forward; Cathedral
    • vs. Blackhawk Christian - 19 points, 13 rebounds
    • vs. Franklin Central - 7 points, 9 rebounds
  • Omari Ferguson, 6'2" junior guard; Pike
    • vs. Brownsburg - 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
    • vs. North Central - 24 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
  • Ben Garwood, 6'4" junior forward; LaCrosse
    • vs. Covenant Christian (DeMotte) - 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks
    • vs. West Central - 28 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks
  • CJ Gunn, 6'5" junior guard; Lawrence North
    • vs. Fort Wayne Snider - 33 points (school record 9 made 3PTers)
  • Curt Hopf, 6'9" senior forward; Barr-Reeve
    • vs. South Knox - 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
    • vs. Eminence - 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists (only played 16 minutes)
  • Brett Sickafoose, 6'2" senior guard; Whitko
    • vs. Huntington North - 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
    • vs. LaVille - 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
  • Jacob Thomas, 5'11" senior guard; Cowan
    • 3 games last week - 49 points (10-11 FT), including a game winner at the horn, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals
  • Naylon Thompson, 6'4" senior guard; Fort Wayne Luers
    • vs. FW South - 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
    • vs. FW Snider - 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
    • vs. Winchester - 25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
    • Moved into third place in FW Luers all-time scoring list
  • Logan Van Essen, 6'0" senior guard; Illiana Christian
    • vs. Calumet - 22 points, 4 assists
    • vs. Benton (IL) - 33 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
    • vs. South Bend Washington - 29 points, 8 rebounds

Sophomores and Freshmen Nominated

  • Isaac Zay, 6'0" freshman guard; Fort Wayne Luers
    • vs. FW South - 9 points
    • vs. FW Snider - 10 points
    • vs. Winchester - 24 points (11-15 FG)

CSI Pod :: Episode 52 – More on Gunn to IU, Elevation Prep Breakdown, Carroll AD flak

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Zak Tyler updates recruiting news, and Jim Reamer and he talk more about CJ Gunn's commitment to Indiana.

Zak saw Elevation Prep over the weekend, and he discusses their personnel and game vs. FW Blackhawk.

Carroll (FW) AD didn't just turn down media requests from basketball websites, he emailed a lecture. Jim offers a rebuttal. Given that every other AD has been cooperative, even welcoming.

Weekly Features:
Best Games, Best Team Performance, Best Player Performance
Upcoming games we're looking forward to
HOT TAKES!!

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 and Spotify, as well as SoundCloud. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

GAME TAKES: #4 Mishawaka Marian 66 – #8 SB St. Joe 60

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In a game that had potential NIC implications in it, as well as a potential Sectional 19 match-up, topped by having it's own game title "The Holy War", this game lived up to the hype. Great atmosphere with students allowed in, and a great crowd, this game was tight the entire night. Just when it seemed one team, usually Marian, would start to pull away, the other team made a run of their own. St. Joe senior JR Konieczny flat out balled in this one scoring 40 of the teams 60, which is nothing out of the ordinary for the Notre Dame commit. On the other side it was sophomore Deaglan Sullivan and juniors Richard Brooks and Kaleo Kakalia who were the difference in this one for the Knights.

  • Deaglan Sullivan, the 6' sophomore guard continues to impress. Good to see him take over in a big game like this. I know I talk a lot about kids being at the NAIA level but I feel like I really know this level of talent. Deaglan, to me, is a classic Crossroads kid. And as I have discussed before, that's not a bad thing AT ALL! He guards hard, he plays hard, and he has a knack for getting to the rim and finishing. Can hit from outside and handle the ball. Great player with a bright future. Finished with 29 (14 in the 4th).
  • Richard Brooks is a 6'3" junior who can flat out stroke it. Such a pretty release, and the ball looks like it could go in every time. When he has the time and his feet are set, it does. Catch and shoot or shoot it off the bounce. Will also put the ball on the floor and drive it, so he isn't just a shooting threat. Has a nice pull up, or will take it to the rim. Great on the ball and is very reliable under pressure with it. Really love his game and how he has developed.
  • Kaleo Kakalia has really started to do the little things well. Did the dirty work in this one for the Knights as the 6'5" junior finished with 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and a big charge. Defended really well and cleaned up the glass. Finished inside when he needed to and didn't force anything. Smart player who can get it done in many different ways. Look forward to seeing his continued development.
  • SB St. Joe's pair of 6'5" seniors Will Terry and Jack Futa seemed to struggle some in this one. Terry finished with a solid 10 points and 5 rebounds. 8 of his 10 came in the 4th quarter as he tried to help his fellow senior get the win. Terry works hard and battles in the post. Rebounds efficiently. Futa, known for his outisde shooting never seemed to find a grove. Had a couple nice blocks and finished with 3 points. Both could be solid roll players at the next level.