No, I am not a Carmel fan. They have just played two teams I have wanted to see play so far. I will see more teams than just Carmel.
Game Report
Carmel stormed out and control the first few minutes. There were a ton of foul calls especially in the first half. It really hurt the rhythm of the game. North Central benefited from Carmel turnovers through full-court pressure applied by North Central. After one quarter, the score was tied at 17.
The second quarter was dominated by Carmel. They scored 31 points in the quarter. Eleven of those points were scored by junior Josh Baldridge who connected on 3 of 4 from 3-point range. Carmel was up 48-36 at the half.
After halftime, North Central had the same type of quarter that Carmel had in the second. Ronnie and Terone Johnson really picked up the scoring for North Central. They both hit multiple 3's in the quarter. North Central fought back to have the game tied at 63 heading into the final quarter.
D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera battled foul trouble all night and wasn't very aggressive when he was in the game. They may have been because of the foul trouble or the fact that he was unable to get into a rhythm from all the fouls being called. He ended up with just 10 points on the night.
The final quarter was back and forth. Terone Johnson hit some big shots in the quarter. No shot was bigger than Baldridge's 3-pointer with under a minute to go that put Carmel up 3 points. Trip McFall had a 3-point attempt go half way down and come out that would have tied the game up. Carmel ended up winning 83-79.
Terone Johnson, 6'4 SG commit to Purdue, ended up with an unofficial 30 points by my count. He was 5-9 from 3-point range and 5-8 from 2-point range. He didn't look as explosive as he did over the summer. He had his calf taped and that might have had something to do with it.
Darius Latham, 6'4 PF freshmen, started and had a solid game inside for North Central. He is not built like a freshmen just like DSR wasn't last year. He also had a big 3-point play the old fashioned way when he took contact from A.J. Hammons and finished over him.
Robert Kitzinger, 6'6 SF senior, shot very well this game. I had him 4-5 from 3 and 2 for 2 from 2-point. He is good at catch and shooting. His height allows him to get his shot off over people. I haven't seen him come off a screen and bury a shot or a 2-dribble pull-up over someone.
Ben Gardner, 5'11 PG sophomore, is very good with the ball. He is quick and can finish at the rim. He is pass first and get to the rim second. He doesn't look for his outside shot too much. I like what I have seen from him in the two games I have seen.
AJ Hammons, 6'10 C sophomore, doesn't get enough touches and he gets pushed out away from the basket by smaller guys. He has great footwork and great touch when he catches the ball on the lane line. He also is very good at passing out of double teams which is why I would like to see Carmel get him a touch every possession because he makes good things happen for them.
Alex Payne, 6'0 PG senior, just gets the job done. It is ugly and the defense knows he is going to the basket, but he still finds a way to score or to find the open guy. I had him down for 17 points. He uses the glass well when he gets to the rim.
Ronnie Johnson, 5'10 PG sophomore, is Terone's younger brother. Ronnie is a quick point guard that can shoot from the outside. I would have liked to see him attack the basket more against Carmel. He ended up fouling out of the game with 8 points. He had 27 earlier this year against Pike.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Carmel Vs. Noblesville Report
I went to the Noblesville/Carmel game Friday night at Carmel. Noblesville controlled most of the first half, but Carmel ended the half well and was only down 24-23 I believe. Noblesville really attacked A.J. Hammons in the first half and if they didn't finish the first attempt they got a lot of put-back points.
In the third quarter, Carmel dominated and took a 49-37 lead into the 4th quarter. Carmel used a 2-3 zone and looked to run when they got the ball which led to lay-ups for Carmel. Scott Laskowski finished a bunch of shots in the lane in the second half.
The fourth quarter was a completely different story. Noblesville chipped away and had a 3 point lead with 9 seconds left. Laskowski ended up taking and hitting an open 3 from the wing as time expired. It would have been a great spot to foul for Noblesville, but they elected not to just like Memphis elected not to against Kansas in the 2008 National Championship game.
Overtime was back and forth until it was tied with 3 seconds left when Noblesville took a shot that was rebounded and tipped towards the rim by Daniel Purvlicis that missed, but there was a foul called on the play. Purvlicis rolled the first free-throw in and missed the second on purpose so Carmel couldn't throw an inbounds pass long.
Leland Brown was very impressive for Noblesville. He was the main Noblesville player attacking the rim and Hammons. Brown was taking body contact and finishing over the 6'10 Hammons. He also knocked down a couple of 3's and really got after rebounds. I would rate Brown as a low-major/D2 recruit.
A.J. Hammons did not get many touches in the post, but when he did...good things happened. He showed some very good post moves and good touch around the basket. He also passed well out of double teams. Carmel just didn't look for him enough for my liking.
Robert Kitzinger is a 6'5 senior wing for Carmel. He showed the ability to put the ball on the floor but he didn't finish well in the lane especially if there was any contact. He is a good shooter, but not an elite shooter from what I have seen. Probably a D2/NAIA prospect.
In the third quarter, Carmel dominated and took a 49-37 lead into the 4th quarter. Carmel used a 2-3 zone and looked to run when they got the ball which led to lay-ups for Carmel. Scott Laskowski finished a bunch of shots in the lane in the second half.
The fourth quarter was a completely different story. Noblesville chipped away and had a 3 point lead with 9 seconds left. Laskowski ended up taking and hitting an open 3 from the wing as time expired. It would have been a great spot to foul for Noblesville, but they elected not to just like Memphis elected not to against Kansas in the 2008 National Championship game.
Overtime was back and forth until it was tied with 3 seconds left when Noblesville took a shot that was rebounded and tipped towards the rim by Daniel Purvlicis that missed, but there was a foul called on the play. Purvlicis rolled the first free-throw in and missed the second on purpose so Carmel couldn't throw an inbounds pass long.
Leland Brown was very impressive for Noblesville. He was the main Noblesville player attacking the rim and Hammons. Brown was taking body contact and finishing over the 6'10 Hammons. He also knocked down a couple of 3's and really got after rebounds. I would rate Brown as a low-major/D2 recruit.
A.J. Hammons did not get many touches in the post, but when he did...good things happened. He showed some very good post moves and good touch around the basket. He also passed well out of double teams. Carmel just didn't look for him enough for my liking.
Robert Kitzinger is a 6'5 senior wing for Carmel. He showed the ability to put the ball on the floor but he didn't finish well in the lane especially if there was any contact. He is a good shooter, but not an elite shooter from what I have seen. Probably a D2/NAIA prospect.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Season in Full Swing
Well it is December and basketball is officially in full swing. I finally made it to my first few high school games this past weekend. I have been preoccupied with my season to make it to many high school events.
I went to the Hinkle Showcase Saturday night. I was in attendance for the Zionsville game against Guerin Catholic and also the Lawrence North/Brebeuf game.
Zionsville returned basically everyone from their 18-3 team last year. Senior Jack Isenbarger led Zionsville to victory 80-70. The 6'3 point guard is as steady as they come. He can get to the rim while also having good range. He is their leader and is rarely out of control.
Chris Welker is a 6'5 senior who is committed to Army. Welker is very polished in the paint with a variety of moves. He has range, but it is usually of the catch and shoot variety...not off the dribble or coming off screens. He is solid and should be a good player for Army.
Guerin Catholic was scrappy and fought Zionsvile down to the end. The Rapp brothers really stood out. Jordan Rapp is a 6'4 lanky senior. He showed a full game from posting up to shooting the 3 to crashing for offensive rebounds. He looks like he could be a solid NAIA player. Riley Rapp is a 6'0 sophomore that can really shoot the ball. He drove only a few times, but it looked like he was quick enough to do it more and a good enough ball handler to do it more. I would like him to become more of a point guard that shoot than a shooter that can handle it if needed.
In the second game, Brebeuf battled Lawrence North for 3 quarters before LN pulled away. Brebeuf was definitely undersized in the match-up but they put a good effort out.
Mike Lenz is a 6'1 sophomore guard for Brebeuf. He really impressed me with his ability to drive and finish in the lane against LN. He is very thin right now and needs to put on some muscle. He showed toughness and good quickness.
Aloyis Gray was out with an injury which was disappointing. I wanted to see what he could do against the talent of LN. Gray is a 6'3 sophomore.
Brad Altum and Alex Kugar both looked like NAIA/D2 prospects. Altum is a 6'3 senior guard that showed a good dribble pull up game. While Kugar is more of an undersized post that battles and competes.
Saying Lawrence North is talented is like saying the sky is blue. The question is if they will play well as a team or play hard enough to win big games.
They have two Louisville commits in 6'5 Ryan Taylor and 6'10 Michael Chandler. Taylor is transitioning from a power forward to a small forward for college and it is still a work in-progress. Chandler runs very well for a guy nearly 7 feet tall. He also has good timing for blocking shots. He has a soft shooting touch although he is on the block most of the time.
Farooq Davis might give LN the needed guard play they need to go along with their talented big men. He showed very good lateral quickness hounding Brebeuf ball handlers all over the floor. He also knocked down a couple 3's and if he can do that all year LN will be really tough.
I went to the Hinkle Showcase Saturday night. I was in attendance for the Zionsville game against Guerin Catholic and also the Lawrence North/Brebeuf game.
Zionsville returned basically everyone from their 18-3 team last year. Senior Jack Isenbarger led Zionsville to victory 80-70. The 6'3 point guard is as steady as they come. He can get to the rim while also having good range. He is their leader and is rarely out of control.
Chris Welker is a 6'5 senior who is committed to Army. Welker is very polished in the paint with a variety of moves. He has range, but it is usually of the catch and shoot variety...not off the dribble or coming off screens. He is solid and should be a good player for Army.
Guerin Catholic was scrappy and fought Zionsvile down to the end. The Rapp brothers really stood out. Jordan Rapp is a 6'4 lanky senior. He showed a full game from posting up to shooting the 3 to crashing for offensive rebounds. He looks like he could be a solid NAIA player. Riley Rapp is a 6'0 sophomore that can really shoot the ball. He drove only a few times, but it looked like he was quick enough to do it more and a good enough ball handler to do it more. I would like him to become more of a point guard that shoot than a shooter that can handle it if needed.
In the second game, Brebeuf battled Lawrence North for 3 quarters before LN pulled away. Brebeuf was definitely undersized in the match-up but they put a good effort out.
Mike Lenz is a 6'1 sophomore guard for Brebeuf. He really impressed me with his ability to drive and finish in the lane against LN. He is very thin right now and needs to put on some muscle. He showed toughness and good quickness.
Aloyis Gray was out with an injury which was disappointing. I wanted to see what he could do against the talent of LN. Gray is a 6'3 sophomore.
Brad Altum and Alex Kugar both looked like NAIA/D2 prospects. Altum is a 6'3 senior guard that showed a good dribble pull up game. While Kugar is more of an undersized post that battles and competes.
Saying Lawrence North is talented is like saying the sky is blue. The question is if they will play well as a team or play hard enough to win big games.
They have two Louisville commits in 6'5 Ryan Taylor and 6'10 Michael Chandler. Taylor is transitioning from a power forward to a small forward for college and it is still a work in-progress. Chandler runs very well for a guy nearly 7 feet tall. He also has good timing for blocking shots. He has a soft shooting touch although he is on the block most of the time.
Farooq Davis might give LN the needed guard play they need to go along with their talented big men. He showed very good lateral quickness hounding Brebeuf ball handlers all over the floor. He also knocked down a couple 3's and if he can do that all year LN will be really tough.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Metro Indy Fall League Wrap-Up
Well the Metro Indy Fall League has been completed. I thought the games were very competitive and hard fought for the most part. There is nothing to win except pride so at times effort will be less than desired. I saw a lot of people playing hard this year especially the "big name" players. When the best players are playing hard than the less talented guys see they must put their best effort out there.
I'm going to do a breakdown by class of the league. The junior class had the most representation so some good players might be left off that list.
2013
There were only 3 freshmen in the league. The one that stood out for me was Alex Etherington 6'1. Yes, he is Austin's younger brother. He's not quite where Austin was at the same age, but Alex can definitely play. He plays hard and can shoot it pretty well. I expect him to get quality minutes for a solid Hamilton Heights team.
2012
The sophomore class was well represented in the league and a few really stood out against the older competition. DJ Ballentine 6' of Kokomo was a big time player in the league. Ballentine can really score mainly through outside shooting, but also has a good mid-range game. Mitchell Paige 5'10 (Guerin) really impressed me. Paige can shoot it very well to about 22 feet consistently and when players closed out recklessly he drove to the rim creating plays for others. I would say his biggest knock is that he is probably only 5'8 although listed at 5'10. He is quick, but to play at the D1 level you have to be ultra quick to make up for that lack of size.
Brad Hartman 6'6 (Union County) had some very good performances. He showed that he was more than a post-up and rebound type of player. He shot very well from 3 when he got his feet set. He is getting a little more bounce in his legs with his strength training that should help his game. I would say he is a mid-major prospect at this point.
Eron Harris 6'1 (Lawrence North) caught my eye with his defensive ability. Aggressive, long, smart defensively. He, also, was very good getting to the rim and finishing. His shot needs work.
2011
The junior class is going to be hard to mention everyone I need to without making this go on for pages.
Surprises
Greg Dickey 5'10(Tipton), most are probably wondering how Dickey can be a surprise since most people who follow Indiana basketball know of him, well he surprised me with how well he shot it from distance and with his ability to beat guys off the dribble then most importantly finishing at the rim. He finished at the rim consistently when people came to contest. He was very good the whole time.
Robbie Howell 6'5 (Tri-Central) played very well in the mid-range game. I had watched him over the summer a few times, but he was also in the post and didn't do too much. When he was away from the basket he showed a nice shot and the ability to beat guys off the dribble at a strong 6'5. I would rank him as a low-major prospect at this point. For sure, NAIA/D2-type of prospect with his ability to play multiple positions.
Brandon Burtner 5'11 (Western Boone)played a solid game every time out. He doesn't pop out at you, but he takes care of the ball, plays good defense, knocks down the outside shot, and isn't afraid to get after the ball. Probably a small college prospect with a chance to be a low-major prospect if he continues to improve.
Seth Small 5'10 (Hamilton Heights) is best described by his last name. Small definitely can play though and is a great competitor. He shoots it very well and will pull-up from the mid-range. He was tough to guard throughout the league. He is definitely a small college prospect up to a low-major prospect. He is a leader and fighter that can shoot...I know coaches like those type of players.
All-Junior Team
Max Landis 6'1 (Perry Meridian)-Competitor, smart, shooting it better from long distance.
Greg Dick 5'11 (Tipton)-See above
Steven Jamison 6'5 (Broad Ripple)-I believe his only offer right now is from IUPUI. I think he would be great as a wing for any team that wants to get up and down the floor. He could be very good at the top of a 1-3-1.
Austin Etherington 6'6 (Hamilton Heights)-The IU committ hit 2 game winning 3's and really crushed the boards hard. An extreme competitor doing whatever it took to win games...in a fall league.
Tyler Greathouse 6'9 (Columbus North)-The big man that can really stroke it from 3 also showed that he has a solid post game. Aggressiveness is his key to what level he can play at in college.
Demetrius Lawson 6'1 (Zionsville)-A strong guard that has a nice looking shot. To be a solid mid-major guy I think he needs to be able to handle the ball at a point guard level and be a little more consistent from the outside.
2010
There weren't a ton of seniors in the league so I will just put my All-Senior team up.
All-Senior Team
Chrishawn Hopkins 6'1 (Manual)-Butler commit dazzled fans and players with his dunks and play making abilities.
Cody Rohrer 6'1 (Arlington)-A surprise...strong, power guard that was unstoppable at times. He would just put his head down and get to the rim.
Khristian Smith 6'5 (Pike)-More athletic than I had previously given him credit for. I think he is a very good prospect for mid-majors and lower.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 (Tipton)-The big man played on the perimeter most of the league and did a good job. He can run the floor really well. He has a good shot from the outside, but his post game still needs to be developed.
Neal Beshears 6'6 (Winchester)-The Junior All-Star shined at times. If he was more consistent from the outside he would be a bigger prospect. I love his length...with added muscle he would be able to finish at the rim better against contact.
I'm going to do a breakdown by class of the league. The junior class had the most representation so some good players might be left off that list.
2013
There were only 3 freshmen in the league. The one that stood out for me was Alex Etherington 6'1. Yes, he is Austin's younger brother. He's not quite where Austin was at the same age, but Alex can definitely play. He plays hard and can shoot it pretty well. I expect him to get quality minutes for a solid Hamilton Heights team.
2012
The sophomore class was well represented in the league and a few really stood out against the older competition. DJ Ballentine 6' of Kokomo was a big time player in the league. Ballentine can really score mainly through outside shooting, but also has a good mid-range game. Mitchell Paige 5'10 (Guerin) really impressed me. Paige can shoot it very well to about 22 feet consistently and when players closed out recklessly he drove to the rim creating plays for others. I would say his biggest knock is that he is probably only 5'8 although listed at 5'10. He is quick, but to play at the D1 level you have to be ultra quick to make up for that lack of size.
Brad Hartman 6'6 (Union County) had some very good performances. He showed that he was more than a post-up and rebound type of player. He shot very well from 3 when he got his feet set. He is getting a little more bounce in his legs with his strength training that should help his game. I would say he is a mid-major prospect at this point.
Eron Harris 6'1 (Lawrence North) caught my eye with his defensive ability. Aggressive, long, smart defensively. He, also, was very good getting to the rim and finishing. His shot needs work.
2011
The junior class is going to be hard to mention everyone I need to without making this go on for pages.
Surprises
Greg Dickey 5'10(Tipton), most are probably wondering how Dickey can be a surprise since most people who follow Indiana basketball know of him, well he surprised me with how well he shot it from distance and with his ability to beat guys off the dribble then most importantly finishing at the rim. He finished at the rim consistently when people came to contest. He was very good the whole time.
Robbie Howell 6'5 (Tri-Central) played very well in the mid-range game. I had watched him over the summer a few times, but he was also in the post and didn't do too much. When he was away from the basket he showed a nice shot and the ability to beat guys off the dribble at a strong 6'5. I would rank him as a low-major prospect at this point. For sure, NAIA/D2-type of prospect with his ability to play multiple positions.
Brandon Burtner 5'11 (Western Boone)played a solid game every time out. He doesn't pop out at you, but he takes care of the ball, plays good defense, knocks down the outside shot, and isn't afraid to get after the ball. Probably a small college prospect with a chance to be a low-major prospect if he continues to improve.
Seth Small 5'10 (Hamilton Heights) is best described by his last name. Small definitely can play though and is a great competitor. He shoots it very well and will pull-up from the mid-range. He was tough to guard throughout the league. He is definitely a small college prospect up to a low-major prospect. He is a leader and fighter that can shoot...I know coaches like those type of players.
All-Junior Team
Max Landis 6'1 (Perry Meridian)-Competitor, smart, shooting it better from long distance.
Greg Dick 5'11 (Tipton)-See above
Steven Jamison 6'5 (Broad Ripple)-I believe his only offer right now is from IUPUI. I think he would be great as a wing for any team that wants to get up and down the floor. He could be very good at the top of a 1-3-1.
Austin Etherington 6'6 (Hamilton Heights)-The IU committ hit 2 game winning 3's and really crushed the boards hard. An extreme competitor doing whatever it took to win games...in a fall league.
Tyler Greathouse 6'9 (Columbus North)-The big man that can really stroke it from 3 also showed that he has a solid post game. Aggressiveness is his key to what level he can play at in college.
Demetrius Lawson 6'1 (Zionsville)-A strong guard that has a nice looking shot. To be a solid mid-major guy I think he needs to be able to handle the ball at a point guard level and be a little more consistent from the outside.
2010
There weren't a ton of seniors in the league so I will just put my All-Senior team up.
All-Senior Team
Chrishawn Hopkins 6'1 (Manual)-Butler commit dazzled fans and players with his dunks and play making abilities.
Cody Rohrer 6'1 (Arlington)-A surprise...strong, power guard that was unstoppable at times. He would just put his head down and get to the rim.
Khristian Smith 6'5 (Pike)-More athletic than I had previously given him credit for. I think he is a very good prospect for mid-majors and lower.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 (Tipton)-The big man played on the perimeter most of the league and did a good job. He can run the floor really well. He has a good shot from the outside, but his post game still needs to be developed.
Neal Beshears 6'6 (Winchester)-The Junior All-Star shined at times. If he was more consistent from the outside he would be a bigger prospect. I love his length...with added muscle he would be able to finish at the rim better against contact.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hopkins Back to Manual
Chrishawn Hopkins said tonight he would be transferring back to Manual High School from Herron High School after the IHSAA ruled him ineligible for this basketball season. The Butler recruit transferred to Herron to work on his academics, but the IHSAA ruled otherwise. Hopkins said the IHSAA told him he would be eligible immediately when he transferred back to Manual. He added that he was confident he could qualify academically for college at Manual.
Although there were other factors that made his transfer look scretchy, I believe the IHSAA made a mistake ruling him ineligible. That being said...I hope everything works out for Chrishawn and he is able to go on to a good career at Butler University.
Although there were other factors that made his transfer look scretchy, I believe the IHSAA made a mistake ruling him ineligible. That being said...I hope everything works out for Chrishawn and he is able to go on to a good career at Butler University.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Fall League Impressions
I did not do a week 3 wrap-up from the Metro Fall League this past week. So, I decided to give my overall impressions of what I have seen so far in league play. I think the energy and effort as been good for an informal league. It can die off when they don't have anything to play for in theory. Most have realized that it is a good time to get better though and have used the time wisely.
Austin Etherington 6'6 Hamilton Heights has impressed me with his effort. He is one of the big names in the league, but he is also playing the just as hard as anyone. He is crushing the boards, playing defense, and taking every possession seriously on offense. He did a good job containing Chrishawn Hopkins last week which is a very hard task.
Chrishawn Hopkins 6'1 Herron has probably been the most impressive. He has done a little bit of everything. He plays defense, rebounds extremely well, is a leader on the court, a play maker on offense while being pretty unselfish. He is a competitor that puts winning first.
Point Guard play has been very good. Greg Dickey (Tipton) and Max Landis (Perry Meridian) have been two that have really stood out. Dickey is a competitor that gets after it while creating opportunities for his teammates. Landis is a little bigger and stronger than Dickey but plays the same way. Landis uses a lot of change of pace to exploit defenses. Seth Small (Hamilton Heights)was super impressive last week. Small is a heady point guard that is usually pass first, but he is really good shooting from distance. His name describes him well, but he is a player to watch for D2+.
The league is wing dominated. Most of the scorers in the league play the 2/3 positions. Khristian Smith (Pike) has had a good showing. I have been impressed with his athleticism. He is more of an athlete than I had previously given him credit for. Smith also has a good stroke from 3. Steven Jamison (Broad Ripple) is a similar player. He wants to finish at the rim or above it first, but also can hit the outside shot if left open. I would be curious how much Jamison's game could grow with some added muscle. Neal Beshears (Winchester) is another solid wing in the league. When Beshears is shooting it well he is hard to stop because he can finish at the rim. He is streaky from the outside though. I think all 3 of those guys will be D1 players.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 Tipton committed to Ohio could very well be a pro one day. He runs the floor extremely well and becoming more coordinated everyday. He already shoots it well from 19 feet, but probably shoots it a little too much instead of polishing up his inside game. He is impressive to watch run and handle the ball on a fast break though.
That certainly isn't everyone that has played well, but those are the people that have really stood out in my eyes when I have been watching games.
Austin Etherington 6'6 Hamilton Heights has impressed me with his effort. He is one of the big names in the league, but he is also playing the just as hard as anyone. He is crushing the boards, playing defense, and taking every possession seriously on offense. He did a good job containing Chrishawn Hopkins last week which is a very hard task.
Chrishawn Hopkins 6'1 Herron has probably been the most impressive. He has done a little bit of everything. He plays defense, rebounds extremely well, is a leader on the court, a play maker on offense while being pretty unselfish. He is a competitor that puts winning first.
Point Guard play has been very good. Greg Dickey (Tipton) and Max Landis (Perry Meridian) have been two that have really stood out. Dickey is a competitor that gets after it while creating opportunities for his teammates. Landis is a little bigger and stronger than Dickey but plays the same way. Landis uses a lot of change of pace to exploit defenses. Seth Small (Hamilton Heights)was super impressive last week. Small is a heady point guard that is usually pass first, but he is really good shooting from distance. His name describes him well, but he is a player to watch for D2+.
The league is wing dominated. Most of the scorers in the league play the 2/3 positions. Khristian Smith (Pike) has had a good showing. I have been impressed with his athleticism. He is more of an athlete than I had previously given him credit for. Smith also has a good stroke from 3. Steven Jamison (Broad Ripple) is a similar player. He wants to finish at the rim or above it first, but also can hit the outside shot if left open. I would be curious how much Jamison's game could grow with some added muscle. Neal Beshears (Winchester) is another solid wing in the league. When Beshears is shooting it well he is hard to stop because he can finish at the rim. He is streaky from the outside though. I think all 3 of those guys will be D1 players.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 Tipton committed to Ohio could very well be a pro one day. He runs the floor extremely well and becoming more coordinated everyday. He already shoots it well from 19 feet, but probably shoots it a little too much instead of polishing up his inside game. He is impressive to watch run and handle the ball on a fast break though.
That certainly isn't everyone that has played well, but those are the people that have really stood out in my eyes when I have been watching games.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Fall League-Week 2
This week, I got a chance to play against the two teams I didn't see play much last week and there were a few impressive performances.
Greg Dickey 5'11 Tipton finished in the lane possession after possession and also hit a few shots from 3pt. land. He is a solid playmaker that can finish when he needs to like he did all night tonight.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 Tipton continues to "wow" people with his range. He hit multiple 3's on the night and also ran the floor really well for a man his size.
Alexander Hutson 6'1 Tipton is streaky but he can go from cold to hot in a matter of a couple possessions and when he is on he is one of the better shooters I have ever seen.
Robbie Howell 6'5 Tri-Central might be the surprise of the team. A good spot-up shooter to about 17 feet and the ability to put it on the floor and go by a defender.
DJ Ballentine 6'0 Kokomo can really shoot the basketball. The sophomore is also good at getting into the lane and creating shots although he did not do much of that tonight.
Evan Dodd 6'5 Columbus North is similar to Howell in build and style. Dodd is probably a little bit better shooting off the dribble right now than Howell is. Dodd hit multiple pull up jumpers from about 15 feet.
Tyler Greathouse 6'8 Columbus North struggled shooting a little bit tonight, but they all looked like they were going in on the release. He also posted up well a few times. He has good post moves, but he rarely displays them.
Michael Onuorah 6'2 Brebeuf is a strong wing from Indianapolis. He rebounded well and also penetrated into the lane for a few lay-ups. I will plan to watch him more closely in the next few weeks.
Eric Harris 6'1 Lawrence North had the challenge of guarding Chrishawn Hopkins most of the game and did a good job overall. What surprised me was Harris' ability to score on Hopkins on the other end.
Eron Harris 6'0 Lawrence North hit a number of floaters and pull-up jumpers off the glass. He consistently beat defenders to the lane. It appears the sophomore needs to tighten up his range from 17 feet out.
Mark Fennerty 5'11 Carmel is known for his shooting ability and rightly so, but he uses his body really well to get defenders off of him in the lane and also has good vision to find teammates spotting up. Hopefully, he gets some good minutes for Carmel this year.
Jeff Sustarcic 6'1 Union County showed his ability to knock down open 3's in the second game of the night. Sustarcic is also a solid defender from the guard spot. He is probably an NAIA-type recruit.
Steve Malone 6'1 Arlington has played well for me the first two weeks. Malone pressures opposing point guards and is a good shooter. He takes some undesired shots at points but overall he is a good, tough player.
Cody Rohrer 6'2 Arlington is a bull/running back getting to the rim. He got to the rim and finished consistently tonight especially when baskets were needed. He is also a good spot-up shooter.
Brandon Burtner 5'11 Western Boone is a junior point guard and hit some big 3's tonight off of kick outs from Chrishawn Hopkins. Probably another D2/NAIA type of prospect.
Wade Thomas 6'8 Western Boone is a fast developing post. That being said, he still has a lot of weight to gain and a lot of skills to refine. He has a good looking 15 foot jumper, but it gets flat at times right now. He works hard and should continue to keep growing as a player. D2+ by the time he is done, he is a junior right now.
Greg Dickey 5'11 Tipton finished in the lane possession after possession and also hit a few shots from 3pt. land. He is a solid playmaker that can finish when he needs to like he did all night tonight.
Ethan Jacobs 7'0 Tipton continues to "wow" people with his range. He hit multiple 3's on the night and also ran the floor really well for a man his size.
Alexander Hutson 6'1 Tipton is streaky but he can go from cold to hot in a matter of a couple possessions and when he is on he is one of the better shooters I have ever seen.
Robbie Howell 6'5 Tri-Central might be the surprise of the team. A good spot-up shooter to about 17 feet and the ability to put it on the floor and go by a defender.
DJ Ballentine 6'0 Kokomo can really shoot the basketball. The sophomore is also good at getting into the lane and creating shots although he did not do much of that tonight.
Evan Dodd 6'5 Columbus North is similar to Howell in build and style. Dodd is probably a little bit better shooting off the dribble right now than Howell is. Dodd hit multiple pull up jumpers from about 15 feet.
Tyler Greathouse 6'8 Columbus North struggled shooting a little bit tonight, but they all looked like they were going in on the release. He also posted up well a few times. He has good post moves, but he rarely displays them.
Michael Onuorah 6'2 Brebeuf is a strong wing from Indianapolis. He rebounded well and also penetrated into the lane for a few lay-ups. I will plan to watch him more closely in the next few weeks.
Eric Harris 6'1 Lawrence North had the challenge of guarding Chrishawn Hopkins most of the game and did a good job overall. What surprised me was Harris' ability to score on Hopkins on the other end.
Eron Harris 6'0 Lawrence North hit a number of floaters and pull-up jumpers off the glass. He consistently beat defenders to the lane. It appears the sophomore needs to tighten up his range from 17 feet out.
Mark Fennerty 5'11 Carmel is known for his shooting ability and rightly so, but he uses his body really well to get defenders off of him in the lane and also has good vision to find teammates spotting up. Hopefully, he gets some good minutes for Carmel this year.
Jeff Sustarcic 6'1 Union County showed his ability to knock down open 3's in the second game of the night. Sustarcic is also a solid defender from the guard spot. He is probably an NAIA-type recruit.
Steve Malone 6'1 Arlington has played well for me the first two weeks. Malone pressures opposing point guards and is a good shooter. He takes some undesired shots at points but overall he is a good, tough player.
Cody Rohrer 6'2 Arlington is a bull/running back getting to the rim. He got to the rim and finished consistently tonight especially when baskets were needed. He is also a good spot-up shooter.
Brandon Burtner 5'11 Western Boone is a junior point guard and hit some big 3's tonight off of kick outs from Chrishawn Hopkins. Probably another D2/NAIA type of prospect.
Wade Thomas 6'8 Western Boone is a fast developing post. That being said, he still has a lot of weight to gain and a lot of skills to refine. He has a good looking 15 foot jumper, but it gets flat at times right now. He works hard and should continue to keep growing as a player. D2+ by the time he is done, he is a junior right now.
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