New Albany has one of the better all junior backcourts in the state, Kaden Stanton and Tucker Biven, so Brown wasn't going to have a break on the defensive end of the floor by any stretch.  The 6'2" senior guard, who is committed to Stetson, finished with 33 points (11-17 FG, 6-10 3pt, 7-7 FT), 9 rebounds and 4 assists, as Blackford went down to New Albany and came home with a 71-70 victory.  All that earned Luke Brown the Courtside Indiana Player of the Week (powered by the MIB Fall League) for the week of December 21-December 26.

Others Considered

Northeastern entered their game vs. 4-0 Delta on a two game losing streak, staring at the toughest stretch of their regular season.  Even if this stretch doesn't go smoothly, it won't impact their viability come March...buuuut...still nice to get a big win.  

Led by Kolden Vanlandingham, Northeastern beat Delta 62-49, and Vanlandingham finished with with 35 points (12-15 FGA, 5-7 3pt) and 5 rebounds.  

Carmel threw a ton of bodies at Barr-Reeve's Curt Hopf, and while he had to work for it, he answered the bell.  21 points, 16 rebounds, hitting on two 3pters, and the 6'9" senior center was outstanding protecting the basket.  

The progression of Ryan Conwell continues.  In a 75-65 win over Franklin Central, breaking Pike's three game losing streak, Conwell finished with 26 points (8-11 FG, 3-5 3pt), 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Others Nominated

• Jalen Jackson, 6'2" guard; Carroll (FW)
  • vs. Brownsburg - 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists
  • vs. South Bend Adams - 20 points, 7 rebounds
• Will Leary, 6'3" senior guard; Carmel
  • vs. Barr-Reeve - 21 points (7 3pters)
• Malachi Pearson, 6'4" guard; Logansport
  • vs. Muncie Central - 22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
• Brody Whitaker, 6'4" senior guard; Greencastle
  • vs. Linton - 28 points (4-7 3pt), 7 rebounds, 4 steals

Sophomore / Freshmen Nominated

• Christian Johnson, 6'1" sophomore guard; Parke Heritage
  • vs North Central (F) - 23 points, 12 rebounds

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer get you updated on the week's recruiting news.

NAIA has granted their athletes a free year due to COVID.

Zak and Jim go over the top candidates for the 2021 Mr. Basketball and go over how the process works, as well as voting intrigue. (See list of discussed candidates below)

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Shamarr Avance, Lawrence North
Brooks Barnhizer, Lafayette Jeff
Jalen Blackmon, Marion
Luke Brown, Blackford
Chrishawn Christmas, Gary West
Caleb Furst, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
Luke Goode, Homestead
Lincoln Hale, Linton
Langdon Hatton, North Harrison
Curt Hopf, Barr-Reeve
DJ Hughes, Lawrence North
Kooper Jacobi, Silver Creek
Trey Kaufman, Silver Creek
JR Konieczny, South Bend St. Joseph's
Chris Mantis, Lowell
Colson Montgomery, Southridge
Kyle Ross, Lake Central
Blake Sisley, Heritage Hills
Jayden Taylor, Perry Meridian
Pierce Thomas, Brownsburg
Blake Wesley, South Bend Riley

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer discuss Luke Brown's commitment to Stetson, as well as other recruiting updates.

Zak and Jim move to discuss the Junior all-stars who are currently uncommitted and the types of offers they have.

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Metro Indy Basketball Fall League

Welcome to Metro Indy Basketball

Courtside Indiana podcast is now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as SoundCloud. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer open with updates on scholarship offers and commitments from the past week. (Spoiler alert: No commitments this past week)

3:45 - The start of the school summer season is upon us (hopefully leading us to some more normalcy), and that's when transfer news starts to hit. Zak and Jim touch on Bloomington South mystery transfer and a return to the state by a top incoming sophomore.

7:40 - Jim discusses game action he saw this past weekend, mostly about the point guards who shined.

Class of 2021
Jovan Small, Franklin Central
Luke Brown, Blackford
Isiah Swope, Castle
Malik Stanley, Warren Central
Gus Etchison, Hamilton Heights

But the guy who stole the show, North Central's Leland Walker, class of 2022.

Courtside Indiana podcast is now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as SoundCloud. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

Every player who plays AAU has been impacted, as April is when most non-D1 schools get serious about recruiting the outgoing juniors/incoming seniors, so this could be an exhaustive list, but there are certain keyframes on the recruiting calendar that provide opportunity for players to raise their level of recruitment.

High Major Bubble 

April is a time when high major programs start to broaden their search, early targets have started to settle in or transfers have changed recruiting priorities.  It can also be a time when players push through into broader roles on the court, getting a chance how they have expanded their game.

DJ Hughes, Lawrence North - Recently receiving his first Power 6 scholarship when Butler extended an offer, Hughes' first six offers up to that point were from mid majors.  Anyone with history of his development knows he has expanded his game over time, and he plays with a great motor.  At 6'7", he's at that stage in his skill development, especially with basketball going "smaller", where he brings versatility to the power forward spot.  

Hughes is likely getting close to projecting the ability to guard three positions at the HM level, definitely the PF and SF spots, and he wouldn't get burned in short stints vs. SG or centers should teams switch a lot or have ball screen coverages that cause rotations to X out. 

Kooper Jacobi, Silver Creek - Another motor guy for sure, and another guy who can guard multiple positions.  There are times for Silver Creek when he is their primary ball handler, and certainly in transition he's more than capable of making plays for others.  The spring for him would've been about how consistent could he shoot from range.  

Michael Eley, Fort Wayne Snider => Elevation Prep - Eley can get buckets.  He is a high volume shooter, but he has to improve his 3pt consistency.  He's most effective when he can get downhill and to the rim.  There are still some questions with him defensively, but no one can question how he rebounds his position.

He's serving as a guinea pig by transferring to the newly opened Elevation Prep in Fort Wayne.  

Blake Sisley, Heritage Hills - Offensively, he has the shot and the passing to make the grade.  Sisley wouldn't be impactful at the HM in the low post as a center, more of a catch/shoot (36% from 3pt, 50 attempts) or drop off scorer at that level, so the question becomes is what can he guard.  The more comfortable staffs are projecting he can guard the PF spot (or the second big) in their league the more he would fit at the HM level.

Luke Brown, Blackford - Brown's situation has been covered a lot.  He's a HM shooter for sure, and he has excellent vision.  For a 6'1" point guard has to go a long way to show he can guard at the HM level, having two definite HM skills is a must.  No question, he is a willing defender, and that can go a long way.

The other aspect of this is can he produce vs. higher caliber of talent consistently.  He hasn't had the chance to show that consistently yet.  Some of it based on injuries in the spring.  Some of it not really sticking with a team throughout an entire summer.  He's not getting much D1 caliber competition on Blackford's schedule.

Division One Bubble

Shamar Avance, Lawrence North - With one D1 offer under his belt, IUPUI, as with anything, it only takes one.  His passing, motor and quickness/athleticism exceed requisite levels.  He is a terror on defense, adjoined with his quickness.  

Avance has a good mid-range game and has little issues getting to the paint.  He makes great decisions from that area.  Consistency from the 3pt line and how well he can finish at the rim through bigger players.  The latter isn't always easy to prove, even in the MIC, if there isn't a lot of true D1 size around.  

Naylon Thompson, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers - No reported offers yet, but the 6'4" junior had an outstanding junior year, helping Luers go from 4 wins as a sophomore to 15 as a junior.  Thompson shot 30% from the 3pt this past year at a pretty good sample size.  That has to improve, but his quickness and length on the defensive translated to 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game.  

Brian Waddell, Carmel - Between an injury and mono, basketball for Waddell looked pretty rough before mid-January.  It started to turn around after the turn of the calendar, and by the time February rolled around, he was producing at a consistent level to an occasional huge level.  His best performance was his most timely, a 26 point performance vs. Westfield in the sectional final.  

His movement off the ball takes takes full advantage of his 6'6" frame and length, and as he got healthier, he was able to finish through contact more and improve his consistency from the 3pt line.  Questions will be is can guard the wing at the D1 level.  

Curt Hopf, Barr-Reeve - For obvious reasons, after having to sit the whole season due to a transfer eligibility ruling, Hopf was certainly looking to the spring to get his name back on social media feeds covering basketball.  A good catch/shoot guy with 3pt range, he will have to show he can do that consistently.  Hopf drives well for a kid his size, but who he can finish against is what has to be proven in the spring/summer.  

Jaylen Carson, Crispus Attucks - Super long prospect, who anchored Attucks inside.  He's effective in the low post, but it's probably not his best asset.  He's a rim run big, who is also good in ball screen action.  There were times in games last year when he would disappear, and he has to show he can finish vs other bigs.  Lots of ability on the defensive end of the floor.  As Attucks will look to spread their offensive production next year, he should be more engaged on both ends.

Malik Stanley, Warren Central - In the wake of guards graduating above him the last two years, Stanley showed last year he can run a team...still full of guards.  He's a pesky defender, and while his size might be an issue, he's not out there gambling to get it done.  Stanley is also one the true players in the class who can really shoot off the dribble from mid-range.  

Quimari Peterson, Gary West - Good outside shooter, who still needs to improve consistency from the 3pt line, and he is also one who can get downhill and score.  Peterson rebounds his position well.  Looking forward to him playing with a healthy Jalen Washington, as point guards who move the ball well seem to improve with  more options around them, and Washington will draw a lot of attention.

D2 / NAIA

This group is squarely in the scholarship worthy camp.  Just a question of which level. 

Blake Barker, Columbus North - Sneaky athletic.  Barker can put a guy on a poster.  D1 leaping and improved laterally over the last couple of years.  41% from 3pt and the ability to get to the basket and finish, it wouldn't be surprising if D1s started sniffing around.  

Jadon Thomas, International - Thomas can really score, and he's a motor guy.  He's competitive defensively, and offensively he's not afraid to take/make the big shot.  He never backs down from the moment.  His playmaking could improve, but that's really an issue when discussing if he can be a primary ball handler vs. a wing.

Lane Sparks, Greensburg - Look for his production and usage to go way up next year, not that he wasn't getting touches the last two years.  Sparks has gone from being the youngster playing alongside two D1 caliber perimeter players, to being the senior leader.  The crafty scorer is outstanding at all three levels, and his 3pt shot and mid-range game translate to college.  

Kyle Sanders, Western - One of the top shooters in the class.  Defensively projection is an issue at the D2 level, but he's a willing defender and pretty physical on the ball.  His vision is at a high level.

Eddie Jones, Pike - Jones has D1 physical tools, and he certainly is aggressive with the ball.  While he was second in scoring last year, all of his production was in the paint, mostly slashing or battling for offensive rebounds.  Right now, he's an undersized perimeter PF who can guard multiple positions.  As he develops as more of a scoring threat outside the paint, this would be a good one to revisit. 

Injury candidates

• Jalen Blackmon, Marion
• Koron Davis, Bowman Academy
• Chrishawn Christmas, Gary West

Zak Tyler and Jim Reamer take deeper dives on Luke Brown, Kyle Ross and Blake Sisley. Three very well known players not covered as much in the 2021 'under the radar' discussion from three weeks ago.

Episode 3 - Under the radar class of 2021, Mr. Basketball process
Zac Tyler and Jim Reamer start talking the cancellation of the all-star games.

4:12 - Anthony Leal is Mr. Basketball, there is no "snubbing" when it's a vote

10:15 - The rest of the pod is focused on the class of 2021 kids who are under the radar...mostly because the class is SOOO deep.

Courtside Indiana podcast is now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as SoundCloud. You can subscribe via each of those apps and have them delivered straight to your phone, tablet or desktop.

Presented by Metro Indy Basketball

1A

With 33 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals, Johnell Davis led Gary 21st Century over Kouts for the Sectional 49 championship!  The 6'3" senior guard also totaled 26 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in their semi-final win over Morgan Township.

Others Nominated

• Riley Duncan, 6'10" junior center; Cowan
• Brevin Hallett, 6'5" sophomore forward; Blue River Valley
• Keegan O'Neill, 6'8" senior center; Barr-Reeve
• Jaden Thomas, 6'2" junior guard; International

2A

His best game of the week was the opening game, when Luke Brown poured in 34 points with 9 assists Blackford.  The 6'1" junior guard followed that up with 33 points, 4 assists and 9 steals.  In the championship win, Brown totaled 25 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Others Nominated

• Mason Brooks, 6'5" junior forward; North Putnam
• Koron Davis, 6'5" junior guard; Bowman Academy
• Caleb Furst, 6'10" junior center; Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian
• Noah Hedrick, 6'4" senior guard; Covenant Christian
• Will Larkin, 6'0" senior guard; Winamac
• Josiah Ricketts, 6'0" senior guard; North Posey
• Kolden Vanlandingham, 6'2" junior guard; Northeastern

3A

One assist away from a triple double, Dillon Ware ended with 31 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists in Danville's semi-final win over Crawfordsville.  He added 16 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the opening round win over Monrovia, then he closed out in the championship win over North Montgomery with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Others Nominated

• Jerry Bracey, 6'2" senior guard; Mishawaka Marian
• Keilyn Hill, 6'3" senior guard; Indianapolis Washington
• Trey Kaufman, 6'8" junior forward; Silver Creek
• Kiyron Powell, 6'10" senior forward; Evansville Bosse
• Simon Scherry, 6'2" senior guard; Heritage Hills
• Blake Sisley, 6'8" senior forward; Heritage Hills
• Lane Sparks, 6'2" junior guard; Greensburg

4A

Keeping up with the Dillons.  Ware in 3A, Duff in 4A.  This Dillon, pumped in 28 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in the sectional win over Northrop.  The 6'5" senior forward for Fort Wayne Snider added 19 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in the sectional semi-final win over East Noble.

Others Nominated

• Davion Bailey, 6'4" senior guard; Pike
• Chris Mantis, 6'7" junior guard; Lowell
• Tony Perkins, 6'4" senior guard; Lawrence North
• Peter Suder, 6'4" sophomore forward; Carmel
• Keon Thompson, 6'2" junior guard; Merrillville
• Brian Waddell, 6'6" junior forward; Carmel

In one of their tougher games of the season, Blackford's Luke Brown does what he always does, put up numbers--31 points, 7 assists, 6 steals and 4 rebounds.  The night before over Southern Wells, he totaled 19 points and 11 assists.  

Trey Kaufman, the 6'8" junior forward from Silver Creek, had a stellar week too, 30 points, 9 rebounds in a win over Austin, and he topped it off in a win over Corydon Central with 39 points and 14 rebounds.  

However, the Player of the Week (POTW) presented by Metro Indy Basketball for the week of February 17-February 23 is Johnell Davis from Gary 21st Century.  

The 6'2" senior guard, who is headed to Florida Atlantic, is second in the state in scoring (among those reported to MaxPreps), and this week didn't hurt his 32.2 ppg.  

In their big win against highly rated and sectional foe Kouts, Johnell had 38 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals, 3 assists and 2 blocks, and in their win over Victory Christian Johnell had 31 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists and 1 block.

Others Considered

• Gus Etchison, 6'0" junior guard; Hamilton Heights
  • vs Lafayette Central Catholic - 22 points and 7 assists
  • vs Tri-West - 29 points and 7 assists
• Jylen Petty, 6'7" senior forward; South Bend Washington
  • vs Elkhart Central - 29 points, 6 rebounds
• Kaden Stanton, 6'0" sophomore guard; New Albany
  • vs Bedford North Lawrence - 21 points
  • vs Evansville North - 21 points, 4 assists and 0 turnovers
    • Also noted, Kaden carries a 4.0 GPA

Others Nominated

• Trey Flatt, 6'0" junior guard; Covenant Christian
• Hagen Knepp, 6'3" sophomore guard; Barr-Reeve
• Ethan Maudlin, 5'10" senior guard; Covenant Christian
• Malachi Pearson, 6'4" junior guard; Logansport