Run-N-Slam: 2021 Guards

The annual Indy Heat backed Bill Hensley Memorial Run-N-Slam is one of the best events of the year in the Midwest and for us, the best scouting event we get all AAU season. It’s packed with the best talent from around the state and this year was no different. Today, we are looking at the top 2021 prospects in the event and those at the guard positions. Lincoln Hale - 6’4 SG 2021 - Linton-Stockton (IN) - All Indy Gym Rats 2021 Black Lincoln is a long, lean shooter with some handles. He didn’t have his best weekend but really looks like he has the full range of skills to develop into a high-level player. He did show off his shooting ability a bit this weekend but he had a few where he looked to be leaning back too much. When squared up, the release looks more comfortable and was falling at a higher rate. He also showed that creativeness with the ball as one of his favorite moves is a drive and full spin to his right hand for a layup which he can pull off pretty well. Foster Mefford - 5’11 PG 2021 - Southwestern-Hanover (IN) - All Indy Gym Rats 2021 Black Foster is a tough lead guard with a ton of speed and creativeness. He’s so good in the lane, able to shift his body and create separation. Was doing all of his work on the drive, not really showing any shooting ability when we watched. Would like to see that more balanced out. Lefty that can finish at the rim but lacked finishing through contact right now. Tough enough that it will come with time. Anthony Hopson - 5’9 PG 2021 - Brebeuf Jesuit (IN) - All Indy Gym Rats 2021 Black Hopson is a long point guard with some creativeness on offense. Not super aggressive looking to score, more likely to drive to dish at this point. Can create separation with his ball handling and will be able to finish at the rim. Just built more as a pass-first point guard. Long for his size and has the ability to develop into a ball hawk down the road. Jalen Clark - 6’0 PG 2021 - North Central (IN) - Grand Park Premier 2021 Red Jalen is a big guard with some length and a great frame. Looks like he could still grow a bit and be a sizable defender with some development. Can handle the point and has some break-you-down skills that he will use to slash and play fast in transition. Has the look you want to see for an emerging guard. Benny Ogayonne - 6’2 CG 2021 - Franklin Central (IN) - Grand Park Premier 2021 Red Benny is a tall guard with some length and long term, he could fit on either guard position. He’s a capable ball handler and provides value in quite a few different ways. Was a willing rebounder, played well leading a break, and was able to shoot off the catch from distance. At the right level, he’s going to provide quite a bit of options and if that jumper is a real threat, should have enough offense to stay in the lineup. Nick Flesher - 5’11 PG 2021 - Andrean (IN) - Indiana Game 2021 - Chemma Nick is a tough lead guard who looks bigger than he did during the high school season. He was best when he had the ball in his hands because he’s a high IQ guard with a strong dribble-drive game. Good shooter as well and can pull-up well in transition. Longer and stronger than you would think. Sneaky talented and just gets things done every time he is on the floor. Austin Jordan - 5’10 PG 2021 - Fort Wayne South (IN) - Indy Heat Red 2021 Austin is a tough lead guard who can be a ball hawk and pass first guard. Not a ton of offensive skill that is going to set the world on fire but very diverse and can give you driving and shooting along with his leadership on the ball. Like him as a lock down defender now and what he can be at the next level. Really quick into the lane and has the toughness you want on the ball. Played up with the 2020 EYBL team for a bit and didn’t look too phased with it. Very confident in his game. Will Shank - 6’1 SG 2021 - Fort Wayne Canterbury (IN) - TPE 2021 Will is a growing guard prospect with a big body and toughness. Showed most of that toughness going at the rim. Strong and can finish with either hand when needed. He’s a good lefty shooter but needs to be a little more under control on the release. When locked in, he can put up points in a hurry. The frame should help long term as he develops with his driving game and takes on contact more. Good upside and continuing to grow each time. Weston Hamby - 5’9 PG 2021 - Manchester (IN) - TPE 2021 Hamby is a tough lead guard with some craftiness on the ball. Was good on ball screens and was able to break guys down a bit. Solid perimeter shooter at times with a solid release. Like his offensive balance as a point guard looking to get his guys the ball more than looking to score. Has some toughness to him and should grow a little more still which will allow his development as a driver to really take off.