Hoop Group has long run outstanding events primarily along the East coast, but it was their annual Pittsburgh event that drew many Indiana teams every year.  Two years ago they their started their own independent league, the Hoop Group Summer League.

Their tour stop this past weekend was in Indianapolis, joining up with Kansas City based Recruit Look for a very strong field.

Below are some evaluations of Indiana kids who performed well.  43 total evaluations were made.

Class of 2024

Eli Ellis, 6’0″ point guard; Plainfield || Kyle Guy Elite Black 2024

Can be a primary ball handler, but while he moves the ball, he’s not creating shots for others.  Tough kid, who can score though.  He has 3PT+ range and is a movement shooter.  He elevates extremely well into shot and has a quick release.

Willing defender, works at it.  Smart off the ball.  Position defender on the ball.

Jevon Lewis, 5’10” point guard; Fort Wayne (Wayne) || Indy Heat Red 2024

Outstanding decision making, sees all over the floor off the catch and off the bounce.  Finished well in traffic.  3PT+ range.  Willing, pesky defender.  Size is a factor more so on defense, but he’s super quick.

Jaxon Pardon, 6’3″ shooting guard; Fort Wayne (Carroll) || Ohio Buckets

Tough kid, strong with the ball.  He finished in traffic and hit a 3PTer but didn’t get many looks this game.  Good vision off the dribble.  Guards his yard on defense and makes great decisions off the ball.  Always in the right place.

Nolan Swan, 6’1″ point guard; Tipton HS || Grand Park Premier Black 2024

Shot the heck out of it, 3PT+ range.  Didn’t see any off movement yet.  When he drives, he’s scanning and is pass first.  Willing defender, smart off the ball.  How high up he can guard in terms of quickness will be the issue.

Ajani Washington, 6’1″ point guard; New Haven HS || Indy Heat Red 2024

Crafty with the ball, changes pace and direction in tight spaces.  Did a better job of finding people in the half court.  Made good decisions coming off ball screens.  Used his length on defense to make plays.  Good ball pressure, step slow off the ball.

Class of 2025

Melakhi Cunningham, 6’4″ small forward; Indianapolis (Decatur Central) || Kyle Guy Elite 2025

Slower release, but smooth shot mechanics.  3PT range, not consistent just yet.  Handles very well in transition and gets to his spots in the half court, but he struggled to finish in traffic early in game.  Everything was off the front of the rim, but it improved through the weekend.

Engaged defensively, eyes and feet are always moving.  Didn’t over help.

Zi Davis, 6’5″ small forward; Indianapolis (Lawrence Central) || Kyle Guy Eilte 2025

He’s makes plays on both ends.  Still needs to a definable skill set in the half court, but he’s improved.  He would be quickly improved if he moved more without the ball.  He’s been a presence on the offensive glass this weekend.

Class of 2026

Zac Beecher, 6’8″ center; Fort Wayne (South) || Indy Heat Red 2026

Runs the floor well.  Doesn’t know how to play yet without the basketball.  Second cutter scorer.  Doesn’t carve out space inside or compete in the low post off the ball.  He will get down defensively on the ball and moves pretty well laterally.  Not super long, but is a decent rim protector, staying vertical.

Noah Smith, 6’5″ small forward; Plainfield HS || Grand Park Premier Red 2026

Continues to impress with his shot making and how he’s able to get in his shot. Ready on catches, he lift into a shot or rip and go.  +Defender.  He could end up being a lockdown caliber defender.  He has the length.  Lateral quickness will need to improve.