Charlie Hughes Shootout: Notebook Pt. I

This weekend was the final live period for high school programs in June. It was a huge event at the Charlie Hughes Shootout with over 100 teams and more than 120 college coaches on hand. We recap what we saw from the teams at the event here. Andrean (2A): Coming off a big State Championship, this team is primed to make another run. Only losing one key starter is lucky. The development of guys like Gabe Gillespie, Deshon Burnett, and Ben Jones should really give some depth to a team that can run Eric Goodes, Kyle Ross, and Nick Flesher as stable, high-leverage pieces. 2A North is going to be difficult but they might be the best of them. Bedford North Lawrence (4A): This team is looking at the final year of Brayton Bailey and trying to put together a major run. They do have some size and some decent pieces. But, this will be a team that should rely heavily on their star players. If guys like Jackson Miracle, Trey Mollet, or Cale Bunch can get to a point where they can be good complimentary pieces on offense, then you could have something. They also have a new head coach so we will see how this goes. Ben Davis (4A): Ben Davis is a team that is kind of like Pike is so many ways, the latest is how they just reload over and over again. This year, it comes in the form of Kai Steinman, Jamari London, and Jackson Growdy. Steinman looks like he is about to just take off and be the best player on a pretty good MIC team that will compete for another potential Semistate run. London is a guy that was solid last year but once fully involved in the offense, can be much more potent. They have a ton of size and length this year to with Trevor Nibbs, Jaden Brown, and Growdy. Don’t be shocked if they make another deep run. Bishop Luers (3A): Luers is coming a couple rough last couple of years but they finally look like they are going to have enough pieces to make an impact. Jalen Causey and Naylon Thompson are a backcourt combo that is going to put up some points. They have just enough size for a 3A team and if Thompson can take his offense up one more step, they could really take off. Blackford (2A): Blackford will be one of the teams to watch because of Luke Brown, that is undeniable. However, Brandon Stroble will probably be the bigger key this season. Having a capable second scoring option is huge and he’s the best of them right now. They have no size and not much depth but Brown looks more than capable of involving guys, but that balance of distributing and scoring will be the truest test for him and this team. They should win quite a few games but 2A North is no joke so how deep they might make it is tough to tell. Cardinal Ritter (3A): This will be the first year in a while where Ritter will be struggling a bit. They have been on a great run over the last few years but have graduated a ton. Now, they do bring back Damon Ogletree who could be very good and a sneaky All-City type player. But it is going to be a work in progress as they will need to find so much of their offense on the perimeter with a lot of guys in new roles. Not sure what this team will look like after a few months heading into the season. Christian Academy (1A): Christian Academy is known in recruiting circles for producing some very tough, high IQ prospects. That seems true again as guys like Bailey Conrad, T.J. Proctor, and Nick Conrad look to be the ones to take the reins. That is three Seniors that are going to be leading this group and in 1A, with their size, that might be enough to push them very deep. Conrad is one that is going to have a breakout year statistically in the state. Columbus North (4A): This will be one of the best teams Columbus North has had in a little bit. Really like the makeup of this group with Blake Barker, Nick Schiavello, and Reese Harmon leading them. Three guys that provide toughness, size, and shooting ability. Blake’s on-ball demeanor is quite interesting as he can be really aggressive and physical. If the team buys into that and they find another piece or two that can give some solid offense, they should have a really solid season. Crispus Attucks (4A): With moving up to 4A and getting put in Sectional 10, this might be the team with the biggest storylines throughout the year. If this team was in 3A, we would be talking about them as a potential State Champ. But moving up and into Sectional 10 is tough with Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, Cathedral, and others. No time to adjust. This team is deep, however. Sincere McMahon, Donavon Barnett, Tyran Rodgers, Jaylen Carson, and Malik Tansmore are just a few of the names. If they can come together in time, they will be able to compete in that Sectional but nothing is going to be given there. Culver Academies (4A): Culver will make the move up to 4A this year and while that gets them away from Mishawaka Marian in their Sectional, it doesn’t make things much easier. In fact, the path overall becomes much more difficult. But, look for them to be right back in the thick of things here. Trey Galloway looks like he is ready to take off and compete for the top spot in the state. Deontae Craig and Nick Hittle are back to give a trio of Seniors that will be able to help as well. Delta (3A): While last year’s magical run ended early, watch out once again. This team should be really good. Zach Garner is a name to watch here because he will take over the perimeter spot and some of the offensive responsibilities. Brady Hunt is the guy, though. He’s 6’6 and tough and heck around the rim. For 3A teams, not sure many will really be able to match up with him. Looks for another really good year.