Each year the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase is an outstanding way to see most of the top freshmen in the state.  This year was no different.  179 players, on twenty teams piled into Fishers HS to showcase their talents.  All tolled, 64 evaluations were posted, and we're starting to get a handle on projecting their level.  

The deepest position at the camp were the point guards.  Below are ten kids who really stood out.  

Courtside Indiana published some non-point guard evaluations at the link below.

PH Freshmen Showcase :: non-point guards

As for the point guards, keep in mind, I didn't get to see Teams 3 or 13, so that clips Cooper Zachary, whom we've seen several times already.

The best match up of the day was Bles'sed Thomas from Pike and Cash Daniels from Cathedral.  Unfortunately, Pike hasn't played Cathedral since 2015, so not sure if we'll get to see them butt heads during the school season, but it sure has a chance to be a match-up.

The ball pressure both applied to each other seemed competitively personal, and while there was a little bit of one on one going on during the game, it was over the top like that can happen in camp settings.  In the half court they both were intent on getting to the paint, and their decision making from there was excellent, finding shooters, making reads behind them.  Daniels' shot is a little more fluid at this stage, but Thomas shot it well behind the arc.  

Both played hard the whole day, but this game was different and fun to watch.

The Liberty Christian duo of Kendrick Martin and Tywaine Fuller will be the best guards to come through there Chris Nunn (2015).  

Martin is bigger at 6'1" and more of a natural distributor.  More than a capable defender with good off ball instincts, where his length comes into play, he'll eventually be capable of guard most perimeter spots at the HS level, and with any additional growth, he'll be a match up issue at the 1A level.  Good shooter, 3PT range as a stationary shooter for now.

Fuller, like Zachary, is the nephew of Anderson basketball royalty.  Zachary's uncle is Randy Zachary from now closed Anderson Highland.  He was an Indiana all-star in 1993.  Fuller's uncle, Kojak, was a 1993 grad from Anderson, and he was named Mr. Basketball.  Fuller plays A LOT like his uncle.  

Short but mighty, he's tremendous off the dribble, one of the better movement shooters in the class.  Lightening with the ball, he winds his through traffic and finishes at the rim.  His range makes it tough to lay off of him, but get in too tight, he's by you.  

If you're looking for a little size at the point, Brandon Hunter from Silver Creek and Camden Moore from Zionsville join the conversation.  Both are 6'2", handle ball pressure extremely well and can knock down shots.  

Hunter probably comes in with a clearer path to varsity minutes and is the more physically mature.  He's part of an anticipated freshman class at the Creek, despite the departure of Donovan Whitehead to Colorado to live with his father.  Hunter plays with great awareness around him, and he's strong with the ball in traffic.  

Moore is comfortable with and without the basketball, and he's also comfortable in getting downhill from anywhere on the floor.  He might still have some growing to do.  

Defensively, both of these guys defend their position, and as they get stronger, they'll be versatile defenders.  

A couple of fresh faces.  While the freshman showcase is a great place to catch most of the top freshmen, there are some seen in June.  However, two players not seen this past June were Tyvon Alexander from Fort Wayne South and Derrick Cross Jr. from Bloomington North.  

Cross, whose father starred at Bloomington North and Miami(OH), is a 6'2" combo guard, who looked great with the ball.  One of the few consistent looking movement shooters.  The only nitpick on his shot is the release will have to get quicker.  Good vision of the dribble, and he showed real defensive potential.  

Alexander was fabulous in our viewing.  The 5'8" guard is super quick, but he plays at his own pace.  He wasn't pressured into speeding up, and then he could get to a level of quickness when he's just by his defender.  He was doing that to just about anyone.  He also showed a variety of finishes around basket, which will come in handy.

Others to keep in mind:

  • Jake Grissom, Guerin Catholic
  • Jackson Kirk, Noblesville
  • Reece McGee, New Albany
  • Skylar Rodgers, Cathedral

Overall the only concern of this group when it comes to projection them for college is their size.  Including Zachary, five of the top guards, who all appear to have high level skill sets are sub 5'10".  The plus side of that though is they all appear to be solid or above average shooters and shot makers.  Defensively, there wasn't any of them who didn't that side of the ball seriously, which is rare for at the number for young kids.  Pretty impressive group of players.  

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