• 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

As impressive as the counting stats have been for Gus Etchison, what's been nice to see is the consistent shooting.  Checking the boxes for improvement the 6'0" senior guard for Hamilton Heights needed to match his dynamic athleticism.  The Western Michigan recruit is one of a forest of guards vying for the 2021 Indiana All-star team.  He's doing his part, including leading Heights to their best start (7-2) in about a decade.  

This earns Gus Etchison the Metro Indy Basketball Player of the Week for the week of January 11-January 16

POTW is powered by the Metro Indy Basketball Fall League

Others Considered

Chris Mantis, the best player in the Region this year, is making a push for the Indiana All-star team.  The 6'7" guard produced games of 37 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals vs. Gary West.  He followed that up with 33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals vs. Hammond Gavit.  

Evansville Reitz had a delayed start, then about a month between their first and second games.  They have taken it stride, off to a 7-0 start to their season.  A big reason for that has been the play of Owen Dease.  The 6'7" senior guard had an impressive week, mainly a 38 point explosion over Evansville North, which included 7 3PTR.  He added 18 points and 17 points respectively in wins over Webster County (KY) and Central Christian Academy.  He also doled out 11 assists over those three games and pulled down 37 rebounds. 

Joey Bomba has really had to step up for Bloomington South.  The 6'4" senior guard knew he would have to up his production in the wake of Anthony Leal (Indiana) and Noah Jager's (Army) graduation, but add in the season long injury of Conner Hickman, 6'2" senior, who is committed to Bradley.  Bomba is following through.  His latest effort, in a win over Columbus East, Bomba scored 38 points, including 30 in the first half, going 10-14 3PTR for the game.

Starting a program from scratch isn't easy, and that's what former Pike and Purdue star, David Teague did a couple of years ago.  Purdue Poly Technical is still a year away from participating in the state tournament, but building a culture of hard working, high motor kids has been a must from day one.  Kevin Bodley, 6'3" senior forward, is having a great year, 16.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, but in their win over Washington, he poured in 21 points and a career high 26 rebounds.

Others Nominated

• Ryan Conwell, 6'2" junior guard; Pike
  • vs. Brebeuf - 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
  • vs. Lawrence North - 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
• Caleb Doss, 5'10" senior guard; Christian Academy
  • Averaged 20 points and 3 assist per game during their three game stretch last week
• Brady Dunn, 6'1" junior guard; Christian Academy
  • Averaged 19 points and 10 rebounds per game during their three game stretch last week
• CJ Gunn, 6'5" junior guard; Lawrence North
  • Marion County Tournament - averaged 20 points per game on their way to a county championship
• DJ Hughes, 6'7" senior forward; Lawrence North
  • Marion County Tournament - output of 22 points, 19 points, a double-double and at least 8 rebounds in each game.
• Blake Sisley, 6'9" senior forward; Heritage Hills
  • vs. Pike Central - 25 points (3-4 3PTR), 5 rebounds
  • vs. Tecumseh - 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks

Sophomores and Freshmen Nominated

• Jalen Hooks, 6'7" sophomore forward; Crispus Attucks
  • vs. Marion - 21 points, 12 rebounds, 8 blocks
  • vs. Metropolitan - 18 points, 9 rebounds
• Casey Kaelin, 6'2" sophomore guard; Providence
  • vs. Jeffersonville - 22 points, 10 rebounds