• The injury to Conner Hickman, meant more of an offensive load fell on Bomba's shoulders, and he's lived up to the task.  A season high of 37 points this year, Bomba's game has evolved from shooter to scorer.  At 6'5" he's a versatile scorer. 
• His playmaking has also evolved, which is a function of doing more off the dribble and having more of the offense run through him. 
• What's been impressive too is his work around the basket.  He will post up positive matchups and is effective around the rim.  This translates to a point in college, where as he gets stronger (relative to college opponents), he could easily slip in the low post for a quick look.
• Defensively, Bomba is willing and capable, and he's certainly great within a team defensive structure.  One asset he is has been rebounding.  Bomba has been a consistent rebounder, even before this year, but he's upped it a bit more this season.  He's certainly doing more than just rebounding his position.
• No reported offers:  D2 schools need to be taking a hard look at Bomba.  His versatility on both ends of the floor translate, and if I'm a LM D1, if I'm comfortable with what he can guard, I'm also taking a hard look.  He'll work on defense, and his offense will continue to improve. - JR 

Tyrae Lackey, 6'4" senior forward; Brownsburg

• On a team with Pierce Thomas, Lackey matches him athletically in just about every way.  As his strength has improved, so has his ability to play through contact.
• Pretty raw, even as a sophomore, he's incrementally improved his offensive skill and defensive awareness.  He can still struggle handling in traffic with the speed of the game, but in the half court, he's a good decision maker and moves well without the ball.
• What has progressed a little faster is his outside shot.  Lackey is getting close to being a consistent 3PT shooter, and there has been no hesitation when he's gotten a clean look.
• His on ball defense will become a major asset, especially as he improves his recovery discipline.
• No reported offers:  Lackey would be a JuCo candidate to get re-recruited.  At the D3 level, he would be a combo forward.  At the NAIA level, he would be a developing wing.  He will improve his shooting, rebound his position well and be able to defend multiple positions - JR

Brayden Saxton, 6'4" senior forward; South Bend Adams

• Solid outside shooter. Helps create mismatch problems with bigger defenders.
• Strong player on both ends who doesn't shy away from contact, and can play through it and finish.
• Capable of defending in the post, or on the wing. Has shot blocking ability.
• Is able to put the ball on the deck and get into the paint. Can knock down the jumper or finish at the rim.  Will get out and run in transition. Can also lead the break.
• No reported offers:  Brayden fits in the NAIA/D2 range.  Interest from Lake Michigan, Glen Oaks, Adrian, Siena Heights.  - ZT

Ian Scott, 6'7" senior center; Plainfield

• What was mostly known about Scott was unraveled a bit in his 43 point explosion vs. North Central, where he scored on straight line drives, hit a long 2, and effectively dominated the game from the mid and low post the rest of the way.  He's come back to Earth a bit, but he's been a model of efficiency.
• Scott has gotten a lot of work done on the offensive glass, averaging nearly 4 per game.    His most impressive board work was against North Central and Mooresville, the latter throws out considerable size in each rotation.
• Defensively, vs. North Central, he showed he could guard the perimeter certainly well enough should he get caught on a switch off a hedge--kept Leland Walker in front of him.  He should be able to guard his regular matchups at 5 and 4, away from the paint.
• While he does have nice touch to mid-range, he hasn't shown any 3PT range.  His mechanics, though, look like he could expand his range to the 3PT line.  He's certainly capable from the high post or off the short roll.  His assist totals show his willingness and vision to not force up bad shots.
• No reported offers:  This is one that's puzzling.  High motor and excellent touch around the basket.  Crossroads League schools should be on him. - JR

Carter Stoltzfus, 6'0" senior guard; Northridge

• Carter is a kid who will give you 110% all day every day.
• Great leader on the floor who will really sit down and defend.
• Tremendous shooter who cannot be left open.  Not afraid to attack the basket and can finish.
• Can run the offense and makes the right plays. So solid with the ball.
• Offers from Goshen and Grace. Interest from Holy Cross, Adrian, Trine, Mobile.  Carter would be a great fit at the NAIA level. - ZT

My projections for the 2021 Indiana All-star team

A new year, time to think ahead.  Let's start with what most seniors look forward to beyond their team goals, making the Indiana All-star team.  

The process of late has been a ballot has been sent to coaches and media, and that ballot asks to each voter to choose one Mr. Basketball and 13 Indiana All-star Candidate.  The winner of Mr. Basketball is a straight vote.  The one with the most votes gets it.  The Indiana All-star team is a little murkier.

These votes don't guarantee anything but do form a consensus, and it does become clear that some players belong simply on the strength of the vote, not that those totals ever get published or echoed out into the world.

The third thing to consider is geography.  If it's close between a few kids, if a portion of the state isn't represented, that will be a consideration.   

The final thing to keep in mind, this is an actual team that plays games and is coached.  Outside of COVIDgeddon, that means the head coach will have a voice on the final few spots, sometimes that's someone they'd want to coach or someone who can actually fill a role on a team.  It could also have a rounding out of positions as well.

Let's start quickly with the coach  

I'd assume it will be Ryan Osborn from Carmel.  He was tabbed to coach it last year, but that was wiped away.  Carmel is having a better year this year than last.  There would be no reason not to have him coach it this year.

We're breaking the team down into multiple sections

• • Locks, which does somewhat have a team success element to it.  Keep THAT in mind.
  • Glaring Omissions
  • Keep in mind, two Core Junior All-stars (vote determined) are no longer in consideration - Khristian Lander graduated early and is at Indiana.  Keon Thompson is at a prep school.

The Locks 

1. Caleb Furst, center; Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
2. Curt Hopf, center; Barr-Reeve*
3. Trey Kaufman, forward; Silver Creek
4. DJ Hughes, forward; Lawrence North*
5. Kooper Jacobi, forward; Silver Creek
6. Luke Goode, guard; Homestead
7. JR Konieczny, guard; South Bend St. Joseph's
8. Blake Wesley, guard; South Bend Riley
9. Brooks Barnhizer, guard; Lafayette Jeff
10. Luke Brown, guard; Blackford
11. Shamarr Avance, guard; Lawrence North

Bold = Core Junior All-star | * = wasn't selected for Junior All-star 

Normally the locks are between eight or nine players, but the 2021 class is loaded.  There are three glaring omissions up to this point, but it gets dicey because in a normal class, they would be locks.  However, we still have a couple of issues to sort out.

The Glaring Omissions

Normally we would get through this list and still have a spot or two left to fill.  That's not going to be a problem.  First of all, the three glaring omissions

• Blake Sisley, forward; Heritage Hills
• Jayden Taylor, guard; Perry Meridian
• Pierce Thomas, guard; Brownsburg

Avance over Thomas and Taylor?

YES!  The recruiting aspect of this certainly does play a role.  With Thomas and Taylor headed to Butler, it speaks to their talents for sure.  We're not going to litigate why Taylor and Thoms future teammate and Avance's current teammate, Hughes, didn't make the Junior All-star team last year, but Avance did, which means he has the respect of those same people who will play a role in rounding out this roster.

He also helms the #1 team in the state and is being recruited to the mid-major D1 level, so it's not like his individual résumé doesn't warrant this.  Likely if you're reading this, you know who Avance is, but he would be the one person on this list so far who is uncommitted.

Room For Two More Players

Hopf over Sisley, but Sisley still makes it

Of the three glaring omissions, Sisley is the most likely to make it.  Heritage Hills is having the better season between the three schools.  However, in choosing Hopf over Sisley, he's just having a stronger year, and he's done it vs. a stronger schedule up to this point. 

Both Barr-Reeve and Heritage Hills beat North Harrison by a sizable margin, but Barr-Reeve's Hopf's performances vs. Carmel and Furst separate him.  Also, Barr-Reeve's dismantling of Blackford...this is not a typical 1A public school team.

Brownsburg and Perry Meridian are struggling 

The Brownsburg piece is a surprise, but they have had to deal with COVID issues.  It's not an excuse, but they aren't clicking.  They are younger than I thought they would be coming into this season.  It's almost like someone is missing that I'm overlooking.

Perry's situation is a little more challenging.  They don't have a true second piece, someone who can really take pressure off Taylor.

Between Thomas and Taylor, the nod goes to Thomas.  He was a junior all-star last year, which plays a role among the same group of people making these decisions, and ultimately Brownsburg should get more traction as the season progresses.

13 Players:  End of Discussion?

Of course not.  We still have a couple of issues.

There is always that surprise player.  This isn't really the place to name names of those from years past, but they're there.  This year, there shouldn't be any hard line surprises.  This class is loaded and if players like Taylor, Chris Mantis, Langdon Hatton or Jake Heidbreder make this list, it'll be deserving. 

Hurting Langdon and Heidbreder is southern Indiana is well represented.  Helping Mantis is the Region isn't represented at all.  That could play a role if decisions get tough.  

One final consideration.  What if Carmel or South Bend Adams wins the 4A title?  If Carmel, it will likely entail Brian Waddell having an excellent run in March.  

South Bend Adams, currently 9-0 off a 22-4 season last year, has a senior laden roster led by Sidney Jefferies, Lynn King or Brayden Saxton.  If they were to win state, it's very rare for the 4A winner to not have an all-star or an underclassman projected to be an all-star later.  (See List Below)

If anyone from the above mentions makes the team, someone from the previous 13 has to come off.  That's always the mental exercise, especially on social media when someone from an omitted player's camp claims they got screwed.

The all-star team, truly any list, is hard to cap without upsetting or disappointing someone.  2021 will be no different, and as noted this is a very loaded class.  

Happy New Year!!

All-stars and 4A State Champs

2019:  Carmel - John Michael Mulloy (Butler)
2018:  Warren Central - Dean Tate (Purdue Northwest)
2017:  Ben Davs - They did produce three all-stars the next two years
2016:  New Albany - Romeo Langford and Sean East made the 2018 team
2015:  Homestead - Caleb Swanigan
2014:  Tech - Trey Lyles, then CJ Walker in 2016
2013:  Carmel - Michael Volovic, as well as Zach McRoberts in 2014, Ryan Cline in 2015
2012:  Carmel - The three aforementioned
2011:  Bloomington South - Dee Davis
2010:  North Central - Terone Johnson, Ronnie Johnson and Patrick Ingram in 2012
2009:  Bloomington South - Jordan Hulls, Davis in 2011, Erik Fromm in 2010
2008:  Brownsburg - Gordon Hayward, Julian Mavunga
2007:  East Chicago Central - E'twaan Moore
2006:  Lawrence North - Greg Oden and Mike Conley
2005:  Lawrence North - Brandon McPherson, Oden and Conley
2004:  Lawrence North - The three aforementioned
2003:  Pike - Justin Cage, Parnell Smith, David Barlow
2002:  Gary West - Brandon Cameron, Chris Hunter, Keith Christmas
2001:  Pike - Chris Thomas, David Teague, as well as the three above (Robert Vaden had he not transferred to a prep school)
2000:  Marion - Zach Randolph