Eric’s Weekend Evaluations: Week 7
The season is now on the back half of the schedule as we are through the holiday season with tournaments now moving towards county events and city is coming up soon as well. As we turn the page, we look…
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Continue ReadingThe season is now on the back half of the schedule as we are through the holiday season with tournaments now moving towards county events and city is coming up soon as well. As we turn the page, we look back on those events we attended this last week with the Madison County and Hendricks County Tournaments.
#32 Dameion Warrum – 6’8 PF 2019 – Pendleton Heights (IN)
**20 points against Elwood (IN)**
Warrum is a forward with some more mobility than a year ago but still a guy that can defend the rim and finish on the low block. He’s added some more skill, mainly with his ball handling, looking more comfortable playin on the wing. He was great using his size and length around the rim, going over the top of a smaller Elwood team. Did everything down low using his right hand, mixing in a hook, a dropstep, and a short face-up drive. He was really aggressive, much more so trying to score near the rim. Really good motor in this game.
#34 Christian Jones – 6’0 PG 2019 – Pendleton Heights (IN)
**14 points against Elwood (IN)**
Christian is a big guard, possibly a guy that will play off the ball. Either way, Jones has a solid perimeter jumper and the strength on the frame to play pretty well in the lane. His jump shot is a little long right now and takes some time to get off. He finishes everything with his right hand but can put it on the deck to get there. Like the size and has enough scoring ability, not looking like he is reliant on any one part of his game, likely the reason he has had some solid production form game to game.
#54 Tristan Ross – 6’6 PF 2020 – Pendleton Heights (IN)
**18 points against Elwood (IN)**
Ross is a solid forward with a good mix of interior and exterior game. He was solid on the inside, doing most his work faced up. He was really good as well on the perimeter where he looks and plays very well. Can step out and shoot at a good clip and has the handles to take lesser players off the bounce all the way to the rim. Drew a few and-ones and racked up a ton of points in this one. Love the frame, and at 6’6, he has some upside still to draw out. Could become quite a bit better at the next level.
#2 Davrick Black – 5’8 PG 2021 – Pendleton Heights (IN)
**7 points against Elwood (IN)**
Black is a really small lead guard who played really well on both ends of the floor. A guy that will stick on the point and has the skill to find offense in a few different ways. He was really solid as a perimeter shooter and has some dribble-drive ability. Defensively, he was great as a on-ball guy. Created a few turnovers and was tough as guys looked to penetrate.
#44 Luke Richardson – 6’6 PF 2019 – Lapel (IN)
**24 points against Alexandria (IN)**
Luke is a big post player who showed that he can step out and has more versatility on the wing than a year ago. He’s become quite a bit more nimble and while he wasn’t able to finish all of the plays at the rim, he was really close and able to make the play pretty clean, thinking a little practice could improve his efficiency quite a bit. He did step out and knock down a triple and was effective on the low post, able to get around bigger defenders with his footwork and agility, doing it faced up. His motor looks better and was pretty energetic in the post. Want to see a little more of a rebounding presence as he racked up a few on missed shots.
#54 Nick Williams – 6’7 PF 2020 – Alexandria (IN)
**9 points against Lapel (IN)**
Nick is a big post player who was really solid in this one, playing inside and out. He stretched the floor quite often, a few times as a shooter. He’s big and while he moves well, he does have the ability to pass and play out of the high post. Thought he was really good on the low block defensively, blocking quite a few shots and doing it clean. He has good touch and is really nimble with his hands and feet. Showed a quality jump shot and looks like he can expand his game some. Likely more of a 5 than a 4.
#24 Daveyon Turner – 5’11 PG 2022 – Anderson (IN)
**8 points against Frankton (IN)**
Turner is a long, lanky guard with good handles and a creative approach on offense. Was good as a perimeter shooter, just need to take more time to set himself. He’s also solid as a creator off the bounce, having a few times when he took his guy off the bounce to pull-up in the mid-range and others when he got to the rim. A little more effectiveness but solid. Had a really nice block in transition where he was able to catch a guard ahead and clear it out. Solid upside and body should fill out and play well pretty quickly.
#4 James Glazebrooks – 5’10 PG 2021 – Anderson (IN)
**13 points, 3 assists against Frankton (IN)**
James is a long, thin guard who has quite a bit of skill off the dribble. He was really interesting as a guy that can catch-and-shoot from three but just as easily put the ball on the floor and get to 15’ and pull-up. He’s a guy that showed enough handles that he could stay on the ball but the progression of his offense looks good either way. Has a ton of length, and if his body grows at all, he’s going to have a frame that allows him to play at a higher level.
#20 Jon Hatzell – 6’0 PG 2019 – Frankton (IN)
**22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists against Anderson (IN)**
Jon is a solid guard who will play off the ball but has plenty of offense with touches. He has good size at 6’0 and filled with strength. Plays well on the wing as a shooter with a pretty capable jumper. Got the benefit of a lot of points in transition but also showed that he can slash through the lane pretty well.
#30 Kayden Key – 6’0 PG 2019 – Frankton (IN) [Committed to Olivet Nazarene]
**20 points against Anderson (IN)**
In one of Kayden’s better games we have seen, he seemed to have it all going. Was really good in transition and made a bunch of plays that way. He was 3 for 5 from deep and drew a bunch of attention which ultimately led to his teammates having a big game. He’s a guy that is going to get buckets and while this was more of a volume game, he’s been more efficient in the past and either way, you can always count on him for production.
#40 Rylan Detling – 6’7 PF 2019 – Frankton (IN)
**9 points, 10 points, 5 assists against Anderson (IN)**
Detling wasn’t as big of an offensive weapon in this game but he was still pretty good away from the ball. Thought he was good setting up his teammates as he wasn’t able to be as effective inside. He was, however, really good around the rim and grabbed a handful of offensive boards. He needs to be able to slash and drive from the wing to really get his big offensive outputs and Anderson presented a little more of a challenge.
#3 Taylor Gardner – 6’2 SG 2020 – Tri-West (IN)
**17 points against Avon (IN)**
Taylor is a solid guard with a good frame and some offensive skills that worked well in this game. He was scoring in a variety of ways, from hitting perimeter jumpers to drives to his right hand and even including a runner. He’s a guy that has the handles to create and was plenty capable of getting into the lane, more likely playing the role of an off-guard.
#5 Dawson Wolfe – 6’0 PG 2020 – Tri-West (IN)
**4 points against Avon (IN)**
Wolfe is a tall guard with handles and a solid perimeter jumper. Good frame with some strength and might have just a little height left to gain. He was good on defense, showing physicality and defending the post and the wing in a game that didn’t have a ton of true size. While right handed, was able to finish at the rim with either hand when he got the chances.
#20 Brayden VanSlyke – 6’2 SF 2019 – Tri-West (IN)
**5 points against Avon (IN)**
Brayden is a big wing that has solid handles and a good pull-up. He’s a guy that has strength now and plays well on bigs that might be a little undersized or tough wings. On offense, he was good finding the handle to get to about 12-15’ and pull-up for a jumper. Missed a few but overall, the ability is there and should be a guy that hits for a solid percentage. Should be a guy that would fit as a true three or a four at the next level.
#23 Camden Melvin – 5’11 SG 2020 – Avon (IN)
**10 points against Tri-West (IN)**
Melvin is a short guard with some handles and strength. He was really good in transition where he was able to finish at the rim in a few different ways, most using his frame to defend the ball. He’s a guy that can play on or off the ball, probably better off the ball, but could be good defensively with time.
#13 Jayden Baylor – 6’5 PF 2019 – Avon (IN)
**5 points against Tri-West (IN)**
Baylor is a big forward with some strength and toughness on the block. He’s still a work in progress with his jumper as it is long and hitchy but did knock down one jumper from distance. He’s best around the rim as a guy that can rebound over and through guys in the paint. More of a face-up guy right now as he develops, but could see him becoming a really solid back-to-the-basket guy.
#5 Le’Angelo Saravia – 6’0 SG 2019 – Avon (IN)
**12 points against Tri-West (IN)**
One of the better games we have seen from Saravia who looked as much like a shooter as ever, knocking down a handful of threes and was also pretty good in the lane. He’s a guy that I think long term is going to have to play off the ball, but the handle is solid and he’s a pretty good scorer with touches and can play both fast paced and in more of a halfcourt set. Has the physical frame you want and should be ready to plug and play into a college setting now with a skill as a shooter that seems to be more consistent.
#12 Jayden Brewer – 6’5 SF 2021 – Avon (IN)
**15 points against Tri-West (IN)**
Definitely one of the better games we have seen from Brewer. For a guy that came into high school with no skill beyond what his athleticism let him do, he’s made some pretty big strides. Ball handling is much better and he’s able to create pretty well, including showing off a really nifty eurostep in the lane. He’s taking more shots, trying to find ways to score, not landing them yet but everything up to the release is solid. Once he adds more touch, he could take off. The upside is huge for him and wouldn’t be surprised if it all comes together sooner rather than later.
#22 Wendell DeMyers – 6’4 SG 2019 – Avon (IN) [Committed to McKendree]
**21 points against Tri-West (IN)**
Wendell had a tremendous game, really showcasing his improved jumper and all-around skill. He was a guy that always was good for a play or two a guy during AAU but never put a full game together. Now, he’s much close to making that a reality. He was knocking down threes off the catch and a mid-range pull-up off the bounce as well as a ton of finishes at the rim using his agility and athleticism. The most complete game he has had to this point that we have seen and looks like he could end up being a steal for McKendree.
#4 Pierce Thomas – 6’4 SF 2021 – Brownsburg (IN)
**20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists against Plainfield (IN)**
In one of his better games, Pierce Thomas really had it all working and looked locked in. His perimeter jumper was set and he knocked down four of them in this game. The release looks more smooth than ever earlier in the season and he is more in rhythm. He was able to show everything else as well including his elite athleticism. He looks more and more like the top-end talent now that he is starting to produce at a higher level, much more consistently. In 8 of his 13 games this season, he has eclipsed double-digits in points with this game being his highest to date.
#10 Reis Thomas – 6’3 SF 2019 – Brownsburg (IN)
**19 points, 2 rebounds 5 assists against Plainfield (IN)**
Reis is a big wing that is slowly getting back into his game. After missing time with an injury, his athleticism has take a step back but should be fine when he has time in the offseason to fully recover. Regardless, he shot the ball very well and was hot all game long going 3 for 6 from deep. He always seemed to make a wining play from start to finish. He’s a guy that gives you passing, shooting, and defense. Could be a great fit for a smaller school program where he can defend a few spots. If the shooting sticks, which so far he’s shooting nearly 50% from distance this year, his stock should rise later in the season.
#44 Richard Lang – 6’9 C 2019 – Brownsburg (IN)
**8 points, 6 rebounds against Plainfield (IN)**
Richard is a long, tall post player who has really started to take off this year. He’s a guy that was great from a frame standpoint but did have a ton of skill. Now, he’s to the point where all dump offs are dunks and he’s capable of coming over for weak side blocks. May take some patience with his development but looks more and more like a high-upside play for a small school team.
#3 Jakob Gibbs – 6’1 PG 2019 – Plainfield (IN)
**19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals against Brownsburg (IN)**
Jakob is a tall point guard with a great frame, some solid strength already. He’s got the handles to likely stay on the ball at the next level but enough size to really create some tough matchups. He’s got some athleticism to him, catching an alley-top and finishing strong at the rim. He drew a ton of fouls and made his hay at the free throw line, hitting 13 of 14 from the line. The release on the jumper is a bit rushed and will need cleaned up but is close enough that it shouldn’t take too much work. Loved his ability to get to the rim and do it consistently against a good defense and athleticism.
#11 Cade Gibbs – 6’3 SF 2019 – Plainfield (IN)
**8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 rebounds against Brownsburg (IN)**
Cade is a wing who doesn’t have a ton of height but could potentially play the 2/3 at the next level. His jumper is a little wonky but hit a nice turnaround jumper at 12’ and three-pointer later int he game. He’s really good slashing and playing off the ball, finding his path to the rim and catching on the way. Defensively, he has a lot of versatility with solid athleticism, length, and quickness. Should be able to defend 1-3 at a DIII/NAIA program. He’s a guy that if he can get his jumper into a better spot, he could be a much, much better offensive weapon and the path there isn’t that far away.
#31 Aidan Booher – 6’4 SG 2021 – Plainfield (IN)
**10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 rebounds against Brownsburg (IN)**
Booher is a tall guard who can really shoot the ball and has improved handles. A guy that will play the 2/3 in college, Aidan has a ton of skill and provides some solid shooting from distance where he was 3/7 from three in this one. His handles have gotten to the point where he can pull-up off the bounce more and has some ability to drive and slash to the rim. Did more in transition at this point and will need a little more refinement and strength to up that efficiency. Overall, one of the more under-the-radar players in the 2021 class.
#30 Benson Walker – 6’4 SF 2019 – Cascade (IN)
Benson is a solid forward prospect that tried to make a lot of plays but struggled at times to get the bounce or finish in this one. More of a faced up forward that can play inside the three-point line. Wasn’t great offensively from beyond the three-point line making plays but playing near the high-post and pulling up or drives to the rim were solid. He’s a guy that can provide some rebounding as well and though he was good in his own space and was willing to compete for them.
#4 Dillon Ware – 6’6 SF 2020 – Danville (IN)
Dillon is a tall wing that has kind of transformed from more of a post that played faced up to a guy that has the skill to be on the wing and make plays that he used to as well as much more skilled plays. Was good driving to the rim, having improved his ball handling and he’s athletic enough to finish at the rim. Really agile in the lane and still looks like he could take off in that area. He’s going to have to really add a perimeter jumper that seems non-existent right now if he is going to complete the transition to a wing but everything inside of the arc is really good and improved from this summer.
#11 Connor Jones – 6’2 SG 2019 – Danville (IN)
Connor is a big guard who should play well off the ball in college. He was really good in every offensive way in this game. He showed a perimeter jumper, transition ball handling and finishing, and was great creating in the halfcourt to the rim and doing it with some creativity. Not sure he has backbreaking speed with the ball and could be his hold up but because he can do a little bit of everything, the shooting should play up early and he can develop more in college. Love the big frame and should be solid defensively and his rebounding could take a step forward as well.