Bundy’s Week 2 Mid-Week Player Evals: Underclassmen
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After missing the first week of games due to family Thanksgiving, it was good to get back on the grind with two streams to start the week. The first, a battle of small, private schools in Indianapolis who had disappointing…
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Continue ReadingAfter missing the first week of games due to family Thanksgiving, it was good to get back on the grind with two streams to start the week. The first, a battle of small, private schools in Indianapolis who had disappointing endings to their seasons last year with losses in the first game in Sectional as Greenwood Christian hosted Park Tudor. The second game, on Wednesday, saw the defending state runners-up, Leo, traveling to Fort Wayne Wayne for the third game of their season as they look to return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse to get the job done this year. Let’s take a look at some of the top underclassmen from the start of the week.
Player Evaluations
Jermaine Coleman Jermaine Coleman 6'7" | SF Park Tudor | 2023 State IN (Park Tudor) – 6’7″ 2023 SF: Coleman is long, lanky, and incredibly athletic, and he showed why he is one of the best players in the 2023 class. His shots weren’t falling early on, but he has a great-looking shot and very quick release and will never hesitate to shoot the ball. He did get hot late for 5 triples all in the second half on his way to 18 points. Coleman is a matchup nightmare for teams at this level, and he will be a High Major player in two years for sure.
Leland Hairston (Fort Wayne Wayne) – 5’10″ 2023 PG: Hairston is a smaller guard who is an absolute ball energy. The second he stepped onto the court in the first quarter, he was the energizer for the entire squad. He shot the ball very well from the outside, and he made some nice moves at the rim. He totalled 12 points, and he may be coming into his own as a key second option for the Generals this season.
Jevon Lewis Jevon Lewis 5'9" | PG Fort Wayne Wayne | 2024 State IN (Fort Wayne Wayne) – 5’10″ 2024 PG: Lewis is an outstanding young guard. He uses his quickness and ball skills to get basically anywhere that he wants on the court, and he has the ability to get past most on-ball defenders. Lewis also has an very good looking shooting stroke and unlimited confidence to go along with it. He does need to get his shot selection under control if he is going to be an efficient top scorer for Wayne this season and in the future, but he certainly has the ability to put up monster numbers. He had 16 on Wednesday, but it was on just 6-20 from the floor. Lewis has a ton of potential as long as he continues to grow as he matures into his varsity role.
Bryce Petty Bryce Petty 6'1" | PG Park Tudor | 2023 State IN (Park Tudor) – 5’11″ 2023 PG: Petty is a smaller guard who played aggressive the entire game. His on-ball D was great all game. On the offensive end, he has a quick first step and good touch around the rim. He also knocked down a couple of shots from the outside. Look for the point guard to get D3 attention in the coming year.
Ian Reed (Greenwood Christian) – 5’9″ 2023 PG: Ian Reed shot the lights out on Tuesday night with 4 threes and 14 points. He is quick on the catch and shoot, and he seems to have infinite range and a ton of confidence in his shot. He also has a high basketball IQ and didn’t take bad shots. He will make the extra pass and find the open man with his good court vision. Look for him to get some big D3 attention with a big junior season.
Noah Reed (Greenwood Christian) – 5’7″ 2025 PG: Noah Reed is a smaller freshman who is Ian’s younger brother, and he showed several bright spots in this one. He can handle the ball, and he didn’t shy away from anything on the floor. He also seemed to always be hustling which is great to see from a freshman trying to earn his spot. Watch for him making his mark over the next four years.
Blake Shewmaker Blake Shewmaker 6'3" | SG Greenwood Christian | 2023 State IN (Greenwood Christian) – 6’2″ 2023 SG: Shewmaker is a bigger forward who shot it very well in this one for a 19 point performance. He has a good stroke from the outside and uses his size around the rim. He did have the tendency to force at times in the paint, so I would like to see him look for the open lab when he gets inside the lane. Shewmaker also used his size and strength to grab 6 boards.
Monte Smith (Fort Wayne Wayne) – 6’2″ 2023 SG: Smith is a bigger, more physical guard who seemed to always be on the attack to the rim with the ball in his hands. He goes strong to the hole, and although he had the tendency to be a little out of control on his drives, he had some nice finishes through contact. Smith also made some really nice passes which led to 4 total assists. He is going to be a key player for this Wayne team going forward as they look to develop second options behind Lewis.