Havoc in the Heartland: Scotty B’s Sunday Notebook

<p>Havoc in the Heartland concluded on Sunday in Indianapolis.  Prep Hoops will have wall to wall coverage of the event all week.  First let’s examine the last day in <strong>Havoc in the Heartland: Scotty B’s Sunday Notebook!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mac Irvin Fire 16U Shines in 8 AM Game</strong></p> <p>The Fire 16s started Sunday off the right way with a 60-28 victory over INB to open the day.  They were balanced across the board.  Inside they got a presence from top 10 Illinois prospect in 2024 Jaden Smith.  The Kenwood center looked about as good as we have seen him in a while snatching rebounds, making aggressive post moves, and rim running.  AZ Compass Prep wing Chris Riddle has all the physical tools you could ask for and the skill is coming along.  High level passer that loves to get downhill and overpower opponents at the rim.  Bloomington shooting guard Niko Newsome provided a spark with his shot making knocking in an array of sweet pull ups from two and three creating space to get his shot off. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Indy Nets 16U Have Star in Reis Butcher</strong></p> <p>We caught Indiana high school standout Reis Butcher multiple times over the weekend and continue to like what we see.  The combo guard can play effectively both on and off the ball.  So smooth getting in the lane for finishes where he converted at the rim with ease.  Has some shake, but can also go straight at his man.  Competes defensively as well.  Mid-majors should jump in early with this 2024 prospect.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>M14 Adidas Gold 17U Impressive Across Board vs Texas Swish</strong></p> <p>It was an outstanding outing for M14 Adidas as they recorded an 87-64 over Texas Swish on Sunday.  Early on it was Lawson Walker who had it rolling.  The home school shooting guard has a strong frame and uses it scoring in the paint with his physicality.  Another player that gets it done with strength is high energy 6’5” power forward Aaron Brown who is so active in the paint and on the glass.  Their top long term prospect in my eyes is 6’3” shooting guard Anthony Haith.  Lanky two guard from Marmion Academy with a feathery touch from the perimeter and handles well in space.  Oswego East 6’6” power forward Tyler Jasek stretches the floor with his shooting as he hit an array of threes.  Bolingbrook guard Donovan Collins is a slick handling guard that was also lights out from deep as he had three from distance.</p> <p>Another quality performance from Texas Swish star Terrance Warren.  Athletic two guard that has a nice looking shot along with creativity to score off the bounce and burst in transition. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>My Journey Prospects at 15U and 16U Levels</strong></p> <p>We caught a pair of games for My Journey with one each from their 15U and 16U level teams.  Let’s start with the older guys.  Montini combo guard Nick Lombardi put on a show as the lefty plays with so much flair to his game.  Fun passer that cuts without the ball and is a sound shooter from three.  His running mate in the backcourt is 5’7” Naperville North point guard Cole Arl.  High IQ distributor that gets others involved with his passing and picks his spots to score.  Scored the game winning bucket in their 16U victory.</p> <p>At the 15U level it was 2025 6’4” Aurora West small forward Terrance Smith that burst on our radar with a strong performance.  At 6’4” the forward has broad shoulders, long arms, and a strong frame.  He showed creativity off the bounce winning in one on one situations, handling in the open floor, and has explosiveness around the hoop finishing with either hand.  Flashed some passing feel off the ball as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Backcourt Carries Mac Irvin Fire 17U in Win over NEBC</strong></p> <p>The Mac Irvin Fire showed well in an 81-54 victory over NEBC.  The 17U team was anchored over the weekend by top ranked 2023 Illinois prospect Darrin Ames.  The Kenwood guard has the ball on a string getting to the rack over and over again.  Finished with athleticism, reverse layups, scoop shots, and gets to the line.  He had 18 points in the win.  Markus Burton is a combo guard from Indiana that can really let it fly from distance netting 30 points with a mix of threes and acrobatic finishes.</p> <p>Ryan Kelly is a stretch four that when he is making shots can be a very valuable player as he was in this game going for 18 points with four of them being threes.  Devonte Reed is a 6’4” wing that brings excellent pop and slashing ability with his slick handles and how well he finishes above the rim.  He had 18 points as well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><u>More Notable Performances</u></strong></p> <p>Ryan Browder from the Illinois Valley Warriors 17U showed some promise.  The 6’2” from Earlville High School is a 2024 wing playing up.  He has a clean looking shot from distance and used his crisp ball handling to score in the paint.  New name to add to the radar!<br /> <br /> </p> <p>Jacob Robinson from Gateway Knights 15U took over their game early against My Journey.  The Chaminade High School product is jet quick with the rock where he pushed in transition for scoop shots and difficult layups in traffic.  The lead guard also played well off his defensive pressure.</p>