Open Gym Report: Indianapolis Tindley

As October and November close in, we will be heading out to watch open gyms and preview some of the top teams and players from around the state. This series continues with Indianapolis Tindley.

TEAM PROFILE

High School: Indianapolis Tindley (1A/58)

Record: 17-11 (Lost in 1R of Regionals)

HC: Robert Wonnell

Top Returnees: Eric Hunter (PG, So.), Hunter White (SG, So.), Chris Murff (SF, So.), Joe Johnson Jr. (PG, So.), Courtland Crenshaw (SF, Sr.), Jacob Baugh (SF, Jr.)

Transfers: K.J. Coleman (PG, So.) transferred from Indianapolis Pike

UPCOMING SEASON

Current Roster Makeup: The way this team is laid out, it would struggle in 3A/4A but on the flipside there are a lot of reasons why this team will be very good in 1A this year.  They lack size with their tallest player at 6'2 but their depth of quick, talented guards should be advantageous for them during the playoffs.  Led by Eric Hunter and Hunter White, they do have size in the guard position and not a lot, if any players match up well with those two at that level.  They have some forwards that do some nice things like Jacob Baugh and Courtland Crenshaw who are long and athletic enough to make plays against most they will face this season.  Adding in K.J. Coleman gives them another piece to their depth.  Tindley is a very young team and that will show at times this season, as expected, but this is a team coming off a 17-win season who was even younger last year.  

2015-16 Season Outlook: Tindley can thank the IHSAA for moving a lot of their most difficult teams in 1A last season up this year.  No more Barr-Reeve, Marquette Catholic or Covington.  Their path got a lot easier this year but you also have to be on the lookout for new teams to step up.  Tindley should be one of the favorites this season next to Liberty Christian who returns quite a talented group despite their departed senior group.  Eric Hunter will be the leader of this team but they pieces they have should surprise some who aren't ready.  Chances are they repeat or improve their record for last year but that Regional will still be tricky as Bloomfield or Jac-Cen-Del looms as a possible road block due to the size on their roster.