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

Here are a few players who stood out this weekend:

Class of 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class of 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Class of 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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