Open Gym Report: North Central High School
Thursday was a busy day as I hit Zionsville open gym at 6:30 a.m., caught Noblesville’s workout at 10:30, and then wrapped things up by visiting North Central High School in the afternoon. There are a lot of unknowns heading…
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Continue ReadingThursday was a busy day as I hit Zionsville open gym at 6:30 a.m., caught Noblesville’s workout at 10:30, and then wrapped things up by visiting North Central High School in the afternoon. There are a lot of unknowns heading into this season for the Panthers. They welcome alum Kevin Gant to the sidelines after several seasons as an assistant at the University of Southern Indiana. North Central is coming off of a 13-10 season but lost Junior All-Star Leland Walker to Hargrave Military Academy. What will the Panthers look like this season? Right now, there are still as many questions as answers.
North Central High School is still a basketball hotbed and there is plenty of talent in their gym. However, which players step up to fill out there rotation will still play itself out over the next four weeks. Losing a player the caliber of Leland Walker, who would have been a Mr. Basketball candidate, is never an easy task to overcome. 6’5″ junior wing Joey Brown Joey Brown 6'6" | SG North Central | 2023 State #280 Nation IN will be leaned upon to take over the primary scoring role. His offensive versatility, athleticism, and size will allow him to easily transition into a larger role. Brown is currently ranked as the #9 prospect in the Class of 2023 by Prep Hoops Indiana and holds offers from the likes of LSU, Illinois, IUPUI, and Toledo.
Outside of Brown, the Panthers will rely on a handful of returning players to step up in the absence of Walker. Senior guard Davis Olson Davis Olson 6'0" | SG North Central | 2022 State IN will be one that is poised for a big season. The 6’1″ guard provides a veteran presence on an otherwise young team and brings elite shooting ability. He can really light it up from beyond the arc. In terms of firepower in the backcourt, 5’9″ sophomore point guard Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 5'9" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN will be a name to remember. He got a lot of valuable varsity experience as a freshman and is one of the best guards in the Class of 2024. Lewis will run the show and lead the up-tempo attack in transition. Definitely should expect a big season from him.
Senior Blake Fleming and junior Elijah McCoy Elijah McCoy 6'1" | SG North Central | 2023 IN will be two other perimeter threats to keep an eye on. Fleming is a 6’1″ left-handed scorer that will be the beneficiary of many kick outs from Lewis. The 6’1″ McCoy can do a little bit of everything on the offensive end and will fit right into the fast pace style.
In terms of depth further down the rotation or finding some size around the basket, only time will tell. Antonio Lisenbee is now at Arsenal Tech High School and Shilo Jackson graduated leaving a hole around the basket. Finding someone to step up in that role will play a big role in deciding how good North Central can be this season.
Final Tought: Winning basketball games in the Indianapolis area, especially playing in the MIC, is never an easy task. On paper, North Central faces an uphill battle this season due to having to replace so many points with the exit of Leland Walker. Joey Brown Joey Brown 6'6" | SG North Central | 2023 State #280 Nation IN and Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 5'9" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN give a dynamic pair of guards who will be up to the task. Athleticism and strong defensive play will be the Panthers calling card to close the talent gap in Coach Gant’s first season at the helm.