Wabash Valley Classic: 2020/2021 Evaluations
The Wabash Valley Classic is one of our favorite annual events as we get a look at the top prospects from the Terre Haute and surrounding areas. With teams from Indiana and Illinois, it is jam-packed with some really interesting players. This is our breakdown from the first day of the Wabash Valley Classic with a look at the 2020 and 2021 prospects.
Stephen Atkinson – 6’2 PF 2021 – Owen Valley (IN)
Atkinson is a smaller forward but has the length and post game early on in his career. He is pretty mobile and can move from left to right in the paint to find scoring chances. While still pretty thin, he looks like he will grow and should add with well. Not likely to become a 6’8 post but could definitely get bigger and more impactful. Just his agility down low and stretch forward tendencies make him an intriguing player if he gets taller.
Cade Bryan – 6’2 SF 2021 – Northview (IN)
Bryan is a thin forward prospect with a lot of room to grow over the next few years. Showed some versatility with his ability to step outside and shoot and defend but was also pretty capable playing faced up down low. Showed enough of an idea about how to play in different roles that when he adds the strength, he could start to develop really quickly. Should still grow quite a bit and be more of a true wing player in even the next yet.
Caleb Swearingen – 6’0 PG 2021 – Northview (IN)
Caleb is a tall guard with a light frame but a solid offensive game. Showed some handles and creation ability on the perimeter. He’s a little thin but should add weight and he has good size already. He really was good with his rebounding ability, seeing the ball off the rim and having the ability to track it down. He even used some of those to get him some offense as well. Early with him but could play either guard spot and has a ton of time to develop and add strength which could really spur his development.
Trevor Taylor – 6’2 SG 2021 – Edgewood (IN)
Taylor is a big, strong and athletic freshman guard who has a college ready frame and some skill with the ball in his hands. He was pretty good creating into the middle of the court, driving at the rim using strength and athleticism. Able to see over defenders and can pass the ball pretty well. Should end up being a good creator for his teammates as his offense grows and he’s more of a focus. Jumper was solid but needs more repetition. Good upside with a body that will still grow.
Kapil Reddy – 6’5 C 2020 – Terre Haute South (IN)
Reddy is a growing post player with tons of strength and some new height. He looks much bigger than the summer and his body is filled out giving him enough strength to battle in the post more effectively. Where he’s really improving is with his post moves. Not scoring it well yet but getting those chances and tonight he drew a lot of fouls. Once he is ablate finish it better then you should see his value rise pretty quickly. Good post prospect with a chance to rise quickly.
Lincoln Hale – 6’3 SG 2021 – Linton-Stockton (IN)
Hale is a tall two-guard with some handles and great size early on. He’s decently mobile and can create with the ball in his hands. While he isn’t really quick with his release on his jumper, he is a really solid shooter. He showed today that he can use a ball screen pretty well and create with the intent of setting up a teammates. Started off slow with his offense but picked it back up later in the game. Showed a lot of confidence for a freshman with comfort making plays in the half court.
Jesse Burdick – 6’7 PF 2020 – Marshall (IL)
Burdick is a tall forward with a really solid motor and some toughness. He didn’t shoot it well in this game but did show his stretch forward ability with some solid jumpers. Some were bad looks but some just didn’t want to fall. Was pressing a bit with Marshall struggling to keep up. He’s really versatile and has a frame with strength already. Needs more time to develop as he is really solid in all areas but has yet to really excel in any one area. Has a chance to be really good but will need time.