Ten Best: Eric’s Favorites From Holiday Tournaments
This past week, our crew spent a lot of time on the road and we are starting to take a look back at some of the best things we saw. We wanted to each take some time to give our…
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Continue ReadingThis past week, our crew spent a lot of time on the road and we are starting to take a look back at some of the best things we saw. We wanted to each take some time to give our Top 10. Not of the best players we saw but rather our favorite players from this past week. Here are my favorites.
1. Jalan Mull – 5’11/PG/2018 – Blackhawk Christian
Mull was easily one of the more improved players I saw all week. The small growth spurt and confidence really stood out. He was really fun to watch with Blackhawk where he could just let loose and make plays. I’m partial to players on the ball who value passing over scoring and he seems to get that. He continues to show that he can put up double digit assists and it is no joke how crafty he is. It is a skill that translates well to the next level.
2. Nick Walker – 6’1/SG/2018 – Henryville
Walker was a real surprise and treat from Henryville. Already knew Henryville was a good team with their record and schedule but was definitely trying to figure out why. Walker is the why. He gives them some athleticism and scoring ability for a country team that goes up against a lot of teams that don’t have that. He’s a guy that many should know and none do which is why he was one of my favorites. A pure discovery.
3. Hayden Langkabel – 6’0/PG/2018 – Morristown
The reason Langkabel makes the list was really about his personality for me. Loved how he was so even keeled. He doesn’t get too high or too low. He just goes about his business and moves on after he completes his task. Don’t see that too often with kids focusing on their highlight package and reaction. He seems to have it together and not to mention, he’s pretty good at basketball. One of the better scoring performances, all-around, that we saw all week.
4. Tre Coleman – 6’4/SF/2020 – Jeffersonville
FInding new players is always the most fun part of this job but not too often do you get that and for the most part, it comes when discovering freshman. Tre Coleman of Jeffersonville has been my favorite freshman so far this year. He’s really composed for his age and has a body that looks like most seniors. He played well inside and out, giving Jeffersonville a real weapon. But it was his upside and how good he can become in the next four years. Big time player.
5. Chance Coyle – 6’3/SG/2018 – Bloomington South
I’ve been waiting on Coyle to have a big game where I was able to see him play. He did that on Wednesday. He had his jumper working and his ability to make some really tough shots in the 15-22’ range was great. He looked like the scoring guard you hoped he can be. Getting to see that was fun and gave you a look at where his end game was.
6. Brigham Booe – 6’0/PG/2018 – Northview
Booe has come a long way since he was back on a senior loaded Clay City team as a freshman. Now, he is really running the show for Northview and looks like the leader of a team that could do some damage this season. He’s ripped for a junior and if he is going to shoot the ball that well and do it from three, he’s going to make some waves this March. Had yet to see him in a game where he was a difference-maker, this was it.
7. Braelyne Compton – 6’3/SG/2017 – Terre Haute North
Another thing I love is to see players get to the point where I hoped they would a few years prior. Had always liked Compton from a prospect standpoint and was unsure if he could be the guy that is worthy of being a full scholarship kid before having some postgrad time. His play at Wabash Valley Classic was tough and he looked a lot more like a complete player. He has a chance to come from nowhere and have a shot to play at the next level.
8. Tanner Yeryar – 6’0/PG/2017 – Shakamak
A year ago, Yeryar was just another undersized guard that would struggle to make the transition to the college game. Now, a year later, he’s become a 6’0 but thin guard who looks like he could be a steal for a program. Tanner has the scoring prowess worthy of a take for a college and now has a body that, with a little polish, could provide you with a player a year or two down the line. Not too many kids change that much in a year but he has thanks to a few inches.
9. Walter Ellis – 6’4/SG/2018 – South Bend Adams
Walter is a kid that you really liked as a prospect but had yet to see him exert his assertiveness on the court. He, at least this summer, was a little too passive and you never really got to see what he could do. High school is a little bit better viewing and in Richmond he was stellar. Missed some shots in the first half but went 7/8 from the field in the second and finished with 25 points. He’s got a lot of upside and now that I’ve seen where he can be an impact player, he only makes me like him more.
10. Brandon Newman – 6’3/SG/2019 – Valparaiso
Newman is a guy that we got to see over the summer and really loved with his scoring ability, ball handling, and athleticism. Wasn’t sure how he would do when he was taken off the ball in high school and made to play more of a wing, which is likely his long term position. However, he was great. Was still able to impact the game and his slashing and creative scoring with the ball in his hands was allowed to play and he made the trip to Huntington worth it.