The Scottsburg Warriors (one of the top teams in 3a) visited a sneaky good New Albany Bulldogs team that new coach Jason Jones has rolling lately. It looked like a route early on. The Dogs jumped out of the gate early with a 15-2 run to begin the game. Junior Chris Lampkins continued his underrated play with 10 first quarter points. Other than the first quarter the game went pretty much even. Thr Warriors finally got it going and got the NA lead down to 4 or 5 in the 4th quarter but just never could get over that hump. New Albany secured a 77-67 win at home handing Scottsburg their 4th loss on the season.
● As mentioned above, 6'5 New Albany swing man Chris Lampkins is the definition of an up-and comer not just in southern Indiana but should begin to get state wide recognition real soon. He is just scratching the surface of what he can become. Once he gets his outside shot consistent and his ball handling under control he will become a very nice college prospect. He's playing at a high level right now almost all on superior athletic ability. Lampkins had 5 dunks in this game including a breakaway slam that put the final nail in the coffin. Chris finished with 18 and with 46 points on the weekend.
● 6'3 junior 2 guard Rylan Schrink started out quiet but warmed up in the 2nd half. Rylan is a pure shooter is that can get to his spots off the dribble or going to the basket. He is also one of Southern Indiana's best shooters from beyond the arc. Schrink has a true position as a 2 guard so it will be a seemless transition at the next level. With a good summer he could work his way onto Naia coaches radar. He finished with 17 pts.
● 6'5 Warrior guard Jack Miller continues to impress offensively as well as defensively. Miller looked like he belongs and at times looked like easily the best player on the floor. Miller is also a natural 2 guard with good size and length. Jack currently has 2 division 2 offers and a walk-on spot with Bellarmine available so the secret is out. The consistency on his outside shot is getting better but his best assest is getting to the basket to finish over small defenders or a 8-10 ft. pull up jumper. Jack ended with a game high 28 pts.
● 6'8 Warrior senior Wyatt Zellers had a quiet 15 this game but affected the game in many ways, primarily on defense. Zellers length and height allowed him multiple blocks in his game and numerous rebounds. He is very unselfish offensively when at times I'd like to see him more aggressive. His money shot is a corner 3 pointer but if he posted and guards got him the ball, he would be impossible to stop at the 3a level, especially turning to his left.
● 6'3 senior Kody Clancy also had a quiet 15 for the Warriors. Clancy currently has a few D3 offers and will thrive at that level. He may find his way on a NAIA roster if the right program takes a chance with him. He is a scoring point guard and doesn't turn the ball over. He's quick at getting to the basket and routinely knocks down the 3. If Scottsburg wants to move farther than semi state come March, their big 3 will no doubt be their leaders.
The Rebels of Southwestern traveled northeast up River Road to Vevay to face off against the Switzerland County Pacers on Friday night. The Pacers were without 2 senior starters, Jacob Williams and Canaan Johnson but battled all game to a deeper and more talented Rebel team. SW senior Jamison Lewis picked up 3 questionable fouls in the first 3 minutes of the game which helped Switz. Co keep it close throughout the 1st half. Pacer Cam Craig came out firing offensively with 11 first quarter points. The 2nd quarter belonged to the Rebels and although the Pacers got it to within 3, SW never trailed again on their way to a 66-55 win.
● 6'4 Senior Jamison Lewis led the Rebels tonight despite being in foul trouble early. He showed he could play through it not earning another foul call the entire game. He's long and tall enough to get to the basket at ease and shoots it well from the 3 pt. line. I believe his future is in baseball but I think he could play D3 ball somewhere. When Jamison is playing unselfish and letting the game come to him the points will find him. There are times when he can twke over a game when getting hot. Lewis finished with 20 pts.
● 6'5 junior big, Landon Kidwell keeps getting better and impressing me each time I see him. Tonight he put in 18 pts while battling down low with Pacer, Cam Craig. As of now Kidwell is a true big at this level but with the improvements I've seen in his game throughout the year I would bet he shows an outside shot by next season. The progress he's made since first seeing him in 7th grade is immense. Landon is quickly becoming one of the better bigs in southeastern Indiana. If he can add another inch or 2 by next season, watch out.
● 6'0 senior guard Peyton Cloud had another strong game for SW. Cloud is just a solid guard that can go off offensively. He shoots it as well as anyone on the team and I've seen him get hot in a hurry. He is a very good perimeter defender and anticipates passes well. Other guards his size have trouble matching up against him because of strength, outside shooting, and getting to the basket. Tonight Peyton scored 16.
● 6'4 Pacer junior Cam Craig has been a bucket offensively ever since middle school. Not much has changed in that area. Craig battles every time he's on the floor whether he's going up against taller or more athletic opponents. Cam kept Switz Co. in the game scoring a game- high 26 pts. Having his 2 senior starters would have helped but junior classmates Cooper Todd and Kayden Riley helped offensively tonight. His hustle/energy and outside shot looked to be the strongest part of his game tonight. Craig needs to continue to work on his ball handling and perimeter defense if he wants to play at the next level. Craig is continuing to work his way back from a broken foot that kept him out all of last season.
Switz Co. hosts another conference opponent tonight with South Ripley coming to town while the Rebels have a week off before facing Rock Creek.
Two sectional 29 rivals met up in Batesville last night ad the Bulldogs hosted the Greensburg Pirates. The two teams met up early in December with Greensburg taking the win at home. This time the Bulldogs jumped out on top and throughout much of the game maintained a comfortable 8-10 point lead. That is until the final 6 minutes of the game when turnovers almost cost Dogs the game. Batesville made just enough shots and Greensburg missed just enough free throws for the Bulldogs to hang on in the end by a final of 56-52.
● My best player last week went to 6'5 junior Cade Kaiser and he continued his offensive outburst tonight. Kaiser showed the outside range, the ball handling, the ability to drive to the basket against a tough Pirate defense. Most games on the Bulldog schedule Kaiser will be the best player on the floor. He had the size and athleticism to play somewhere at the next level if he so chooses. Cade finished with 13.
● The offensive player of the night came from unlikely 5'10 senior Batesville guard guard Gus Prickel. He was on fire from behind the arc tonight. Coach Garrett mentioned on the post-game he believes Prickel will be a coach one day. He is a leader on the floor for Batesville. He finished with a game high 25 pts.
The hot Cardinals invaded 'The Mansion' on Wednesday night as East Chicgo visited Hammond Morton. Senior Jeremiah Moore couldn't be stopped for HM and EC's guards couldn't be stopped from getting to the basket. This game was back and forth, instant offense. Both teams committed too many turnovers to be considered a pretty game but there were 10 athletes on the floor and got up and down. The Govenors held a lead throughout the game and into the 4th quarter. Numerous times during the game it looked like HM would start to pull away and the Catds just kept fighting back until they eventually took a 2 point lead with 2 minutes left in the game. EC's experience in close games this year paid off with a 79-74 win for the Cardinals moving them to 12-4 midway through the year while the Govenors fall to 4-8.
● 5'9 junior Card Keontaye Bell was tough to stop tonight for EC. He was all over the floor both offensively and defensively. Bell is small and quick enough to blow past defenders while being a true point guard scoring and finding open shooters. The EC backcourt was very good tonight and it starts with Bell. He finished with 18.
● Bell's backcourt mate is 5'11 senior Jemeil Rich. Jemeil is another small quick guard that isn't afraid to take it to the rack. He got all of his baskets on drives to the basket and free throws. When both Bell and Rich are on their game they become one of the quickest backcourt in Indiana. Rich is almost impossible to guard one on one up top. Small colleges or Juco coaches looking for a next level quick point guard should check out Jemeil Rich. He finished with 20 to lead EC.
● 6'6 junior Yamauree Wallace is becoming a name people around the state of Indiana need to become familiar with. Wallace is a superb athlete and that can handle the ball and spread the floor. Yamauree had a huge breakaway dunk in the 3rd quarter and numerous times intercepted passing lanes with his length. He is a bordeine Indiana Junior all star candidate with hopes of playing big time college ball in a couple years. The Crossroads League and even D2s should be seriously taking a look at this kid. Murphy is the big name but Yamauree is worth a look as well. He finished with 14.
● Speaking of Murphy, the 6'5 junior started the game on the bench after a technical foul for dunking during warmups. That seemed to effect his game tonight as he was somewhat off rhythm. And when I say he had an "off night," I mean he still had 14 and hit some big shots late. Dominique is going to get his points; he is too good not to. He is a legit junior all star this summer. Murphy has alot of D1 interests but none have pulled the trigger and offered yet. Expect that to change this spring/ summer.
● 6'5 senior Jeremiah Moore for Hammond Morton was at times unstoppable during this game. He is a big body who used it getting to the rim. East Chicago just didn't have anyone strength- wise that could stop him from getting his #'s. He is a solid athlete and if I had a guess is a pretty nice football player. Moore ran the floor very well and could handle the ball well enough. Moore finished with a game-high 22 pts.
● Sophomore Jordan Brown at times looked like Steph Curry out there hitting four 3s during the game. Towards the end he showed he can get to the basket as well . Brown is a nice sophomore for HM and will be a leader of this team in the future. Tonight he finished with 15.
East Chicago gets a much needed 9 day break and travel to Gary 21st on the 19th. Hammond Morton is back at it again on Friday against rival Hammond Central.
Two ranked teams met up in New Albany tonight as the host #4 ranked Christian Academy of Indiana Warriors took on the #9 ranked Silver Creek Dragons. When people think of this matchup they immediately think of 2 of the best shooters in Indiana; 6'3 Sophomore Kasen Daeger for Silver Creek and 6'1 junior Joshua Renfro for the Warriors. Those two did not disappoint combining for 40 points. This game went back and forth even through overtime but an unlikely hero won it for CAI on a 3 pointer from junior Joshua Chancey to give the Warriors a 59-56 overtime win. CAI is coming off a good win against Bloomfield last Saturday and is looking to make a run in 1A this March.
● 6'1 junior guard Joshua Renfro led the Warriors in scoring with 23 pts. Renfro is a JJ Redick-type of shooter and mover without the ball curling around screens to find his shot. Renfro also showed the ability to get to the basket tonight on a couple moves to his right. Joshua was face-guarded all night and had to work just to get the ball. You've heard the saying "hand down, man down;" If the defender is not right up in his face it's going up. He has volleyball range and shows it every time on the floor. Renfro is a willing passer when being doubled. He is currently averaging 23.8 ppg. The next progression for Renfro going forward to the next level is to become a strong defender and not allow himself to be taken out on screens.
● This may have been the best I've seen 6'4 junior guard David Cook play. He caught fire in the second half and hit numerous tough shots. Cook has the size and skill to do damage at the 1a level. He has good size, length, ball handling, and shooting ability. Cook is certainly not lacking confidence with the tough shots that he took and made. When both Cook and Renfro are on their game, CAI becomes very hard to beat. I personally like his game and think with his size as a guard he could play ball at the D3 level. Cook finished with 21
● 6'2 sophomore guard Kasen Daeger was a bright spot for Silver Creek. Daeger has one of the quickest shots I've seen in a while. I would like the shot selection to be a little better at times but he's such a good shooter it's hard to argue when it goes up. Like Renfro, Daeger showed the ability to get to the basket when being overplayed on the perimeter. Kasen finished with 17.
● Speaking of best games I've seen someone play, 6'6 junior big Walker Hoffman was nearly unstoppable inside for the Dragons tonight. It seemed like everytime he touched the ball down low CAI was unable to stop him. They even brought a double team but he found the open man underneath showing his vision. Hoffman finished with 16 and could've had more than that with how efficient he was down low.
CAI moves to 11-1 and host Lanesville on Friday night while Silver Creek drops to 8-4 while hosting Brownstown on Friday night. Expect the Warriors to continue climbing up the rankings.
The game down south everyone had been looking forward to all off season took place in Brownstown Saturday night as the host Braves took on the Jeffersonville Red Devils. The game took a turn in the first 3 minutes with both 6'6 Brave junior Colby Hall and 6'4 Red Devil junior PJ Douglas picking up 2 quick fouls. The entire game changed from those early whistles with both teams seemingly playing not to foul. Before the half was over 6'8 Jeffersonville junior Tre Singleton had picked up his 3rd foul as well. Brownstown and their All star Jack Benter took advantage and cruised to a 60- 48 win that was never really in question. Brownstown started 6'6, 6'6, 6'5, 6'5 which is nearly unheard of on a 2A roster. That size and shooting to go along with a senior point guard is going to be tough for anyone to stop. Jeffersonville has some questions to answer going forward. The talent is there but will it all click before it's too late in March? Sectional 15 at Seymour features Jeff, Floyd Central, New Albany, Bedford, Jennings County, and the host Owls. Coming out of that sectional will be a challenge.
● Brownstown's 6'5 Mr Basketball candidate Jack Benter was coming off an injury that kept him sidelined during the Hall of Fame Classic. It has been a tough year for the Purdue commit with various injuries but what I learned is even Jack at 75% is still really good. He finished with a game high 28 pts and got to his spots against a talented Jeff team at will. He often posted up smaller defenders and blew past taller ones. He's got volleyball range on his 3 pt shot hitting a few of those as well. As long as he's on the floor, Brownstown is the favorite to win state in 2A.
● 6'6 junior big Colby Hall showed some promise coming off a good showing at the Hall of Fame Classic. I think alot of times he defers to Jack and others on his team when he could take his own shot. Colby showed a really good post spin against Jeff big, Tre Singleton for 2 of his 6 total points. When not in foul trouble Hall did his job on Singleton holding him to just 10 on the night. Next year when Brownstown losses 3 key senior starters look for Colby and classmate Chace Coomer to carry the Braves.
● 6'8 Jeffersonville big man Tre Singleton battled foul trouble all night but still manged to get into double figures with 10 points. His rhythm was thrown off being in and out all game. I would like to see Tre to impose his will on other teams and dominate the game against players his own size. Brownstown's size combined with fouls gave Singleton trouble. There's no reason Tre shouldn't touch the ball everytime down the floor for the Red Devils. When they play through him they are very tough to deal with. A confident and fully engaged Tre is almost impossible to stop south of Indianapolis.
● 6'4 junior guard Michael Cooper continues to lead the Devils in scoring. His mid range has been falling lately and he's gotten his shot to fall from deep as well. Mike is becoming a legit college prospect with his combination of size, ball handling, and shooting. Curling around a screen and popping from 10 ft. is money for him. Coop put in 19 on Saturday night.
Brownstown put the loss from Friday night at Jennings County behind them to move to 10- 4 while Jeffersonville coming off a big rivalry win at New Albany drops to 7-6.
The best rivalry in the state took place on Friday night at the Doghouse and New Albany hosted Jeffersonville. The Devil's schedule has been brutal in the first half of the season and doesn't get much easier in the coming weeks. They're alot better than their 6-5 record coming into tonight. New Albany is a team that is young and up- and coming. Jeff kept the Dogs as arms length all game taking a 36- 27 lead into the half. The first half was the Jeremy Rose show for Jeff. It's the best I've seen him play all year and seemed comfortable in his old home vs. his old team from last year. The 3rd quarter belonged to Dog junior Rylan Schrink who scored a game high 21 pts. and got New Albany a brief lead, 53-52. From then on it was the Red Devils who went on a 13-4 run to end the game and take the W against their rival, 65- 57.
● 6'0 senior guard Jeremy Rose kept the Devils afloat in the 1st half. I have been waiting for him to have a breakout game and tonight Jeff needed it. He is a scoring point guard that hits the open 3 and finds the open man. This kid will play ball somewhere at the next level and finished the game with 18 pts.
● 6'4 junior guard Michael Cooper had a quiet 19 tonight but still led Jeff in scoring. Coop was the beneficiary of New Albany doubling down on 6'8 Tre Singleton with cuts to the basket and open 3 pt shots. Mike continues to get better each game and even better, he's becoming consistent. The last 2 weeks have been huge for Michael as he's been Jeff's leading scorer in most games. This kids stock is going up fast.
● 6'8 junior Tre Singleton is just a force that's hard to stop. When Jeff plays thru him good things usually always happen. Not many down in the state can stop him when he gets in position and Jeff gives him the ball. Tre is a willing passer out of the double team and recognizes it quickly. I would like to see Tre get a mean streak and start to dunk it everytime he gets near the rim. Singleton finished with 12 pts. He's a shoe-in for the junior all star team this June.
● 6'4 junior guard Rylan Scrink for the Dogs scored a game high 21 pts in this one. Rylan is a virtual unknown by most outside of the area but he's a deadly shooter with good size and handles. Schrink will be a textbook 2 guard at the next level. He almost singlehandedly brought NA back to take a 1 pt lead in the 4th quarter with his shooting. The Jeff 2025 class gets alot of love, and deservedly so, but Rylan should not be overlooked down south or throughout the state. When he's on he can shoot with anyone in the state.
● 5'9 sophomore guard Tremayne Washington is overlooked because of his size but he can light it up for NA. Tre will be an important part of the Dogs plans for the next 2 years as their point guard with an absolutely loaded class of 2027 and 2028 coming in soon. Tre cam get to his spots and shoot from long range. The entire New Albany team can light it up from deep and isn't afraid to shoot from wherever, whenever. Tre is a kid to watch develop as the next few years unfold.
Jeffersonville has been waiting on this 2025 class for a long time and their ceiling is a run at a state title for the next 2 years. With that being said about the Devils, there's a storm brewing down south with the Dogs return to prominence in the coming years. As good as Jeff's 2025s were in middle school, New Albany's '27s and '28s feature a couple of nationally ranked kids. There's dreams of a state title from both schools in the near future.
Noll hung tough for the first half before 4A Cathedral took full control. The Irish were led by junior Brady Koehler who had 29. He's the real deal. Also held Noll leading scorer Caleb Parks to just 9 points (Avg 20). Koehler's length and athleticism were just too much, as they would be for most he defends. Brady has a smooth lefty shot, and is very shifty for his size. Can put the ball on the deck and get to the basket where he can finish with ease. Soft touch on his pull up jumper too. Also about hit his head on the backboard a couple times. Seems like a Northwestern/Butler type of player. You'll continue to hear his name.
Sophomore Keaton Aldridge was a machine for the Irish. Super high motor and very active. Aggressive getting boards, and bullies his way to the basket. Solid defender and active in passing lanes. Already strong and can finish through contact. Will definitely expand his game with his outside shooting, but has plenty of time for that. Also a lefty.
Guards Lebron Gough and Deric Cannady were solid in this one. Led with ball handling and decision making. Gough had 7 pts and 5 rebs. Aggressive and rebounded position well. Cannady was solid on defense as well.
Noll was led by their seniors in Angel Alvarez (13), Jaedin Reyna (11), Caleb Parks (10), Amauri Moore (6 & 9). Cathedral D ended up being too tough in this one and caused 17 turnovers. Moore was gettin busy inside, until he went hard to the floor and hurt his elbow. Had a couple of blocks as well.
The Rebels put their 10-0 undefeated season on the line Saturday night against an up an coming Floyd Central Highlander team. FC came out with something to prove in the 1st quarter taking it to the Rebels. SW lone bright spot in the 1st was 6'2 sophomore Brady Cook who scored 11 in the half to keep SW within striking distance. The Rebels fought their way back and found themselves with a lead with just under 4 minutes left. They could not hold onto their 5 point lead late as FC hit some big time shots. In the end it was 2 free throws the difference in this one with 10 seconds left to give the Highlanders the 1 point win.
● 6'6 junior big Brock Conrad is a difference maker for FC. He is a load inside for most anyone south of Indy despite only being 6'6. Conrad is aggressive and plays like every play is his last. He ended up fouling out in the last minute but not after scoring 16 points and 17 rebounds. It's hard to imagine Brock not finishing the year as a top 10 rebounder in the state. He averages 11.6 so far on the season but that number will go up after tonight. Conrad is a kid every coach wants on their team. Willing to do all the dirty work inside and wont be outworked. He is the anchor for this Floyd Central team.
● FC 6'2 senior Austin Cardwell hit some really big shots for the Highlanders when they needed them the most. His 3's in the 4th quarter brought FC right back into the game. He has good size for his position. Cardwell picked up a late technical that luckily did not cost them. Austin finished with 14 points and 4/6 from beyond the arc.
● 6'2 sophomore Brady Cook kept the Rebels afloat in the first half and played as confident as I've seen him. He showed the ability to take it off the dribble and finish at the basket as well as knocking down shots from the outside. I would like to see him continue to work on his ball handling but Brady is a prospect to keep an eye on for the next 2 and a half years.
● 6'5 Southwestern junior Landon Kidwell had the task of battling with FC big, Brock Conrad all game. It was a matchup of 2 very underrated kids in southern Indiana. Landon showed tonight he was able to step out behind the arc for a 3 as well as maneuver inside. By next year Kidwell will be very hard to stop after a spring/ summer of ball. He finished with 11 points and 8 boards.
Southwestern will host the Providence Pioneers on Tuesday while the Highlanders host Corydon Next Friday.
The title game of the McKee Munk Invitational took place last night in Henryville where the host Hornets took on the Springs Valley Blackhawks. The Hawks jumped out early looking to run away with it taking a near 20 point lead in the 1st half. The 2nd half the Hornets flipped the script and made a furious comeback cutting the lead to 3 with just a minute and a half left. SV hung on for the win and championship, 65- 60 by hitting clutch free throws towards the end.
● 6'2 senior Konner Chase really came alive this game on the offensive end for SV. Chase can handle the ball well and gets to the basket. Konner continued to blow past his man drawing the defense and And 1s. He finished with 20. Chase could find his way onto a D3 roster like a Wabash or Franklin if he wants to pursue basketball at the next level.
● 6'5 junior Deion Edwards continued to impress for the Hawks. He was easily the best athlete on the floor and could get to his spots at will, especially in the 1st half. Edwards also threw numerous high level dimes (totalling 6 assists) and 2 highlight level blocks. On the offensive end Edwards showed his athleticism with a breakaway dunk and spin moves, (especially impressive going against 6'7 senior Aydan Head for Henryville). Sometimes things look too easy for Edwards out there and I would like to see him go after rebounds with more intensity. Deion's ceiling is as high as he wants it to be. He should put up a double double nightly against anyone on their schedule. Deion finished with 20 points.
● 6'7 Henryville senior Aydan Head was the leading scorer for the Hornets last night with 25. Head is long and releases his shot off at a high point making it difficult to contest. Aydan is still a project for the next level but with his size and length, some D3 program will look smart developing him. At the next level he will need to work on his 15 foot jumper to make it more consistent but can handle the ball fairly well for his size and has nice post moves. Head came in averaging 23 ppg and 12 rbs and looks to me like his best basketball days are still ahead of him.
Springs Valley hosts Crawford County on Jan. 5th while Henryville visits Medora on that same night.