Post-Season Profile: Southern Indiana Blaze 14U Odle

Post Season Profile: Southern Indiana Blaze 14U Odle

Southern Indiana Blaze [Coached by Rick Odle] was a team to watch leading into the 2021-2022 Circuit and they exceeded expectations. A guard-heavy squad that turned heads with their tempo on both ends of the floor. Their defensive attack and precise movements on offense led them to one of the top brackets at the National Championship. Parker Odle had a breakout season and is a player many are mentioning as one of the biggest stock risers in this class. He came into the summer a pure 3-point shooter before emerging himself as a three-level threat. He will play varsity this winter at Charlestown High School. Anthony Todd is another name to remember as his leadership abilities played a key role in the success of this team. 

Below is the latest team roster and a few notes on what each player brings to this squad. 

Parker Odle

Charlestown High School

Savvy left-handed guard that can shoot from anywhere on the court. This season has really expanded his game by attacking the rim and opening up the long-range shot. Never seen a shot he didn’t like or won’t take. 

Anthony Todd

Charlestown High School

The leader of the team.  Can get downhill and finish at the rim better than any guard in the area. Sees the floor well and has developed his outside shot.  His pull-up jumper from around the free throw line is insane.

Tre Martin

Charlestown High School

The defensive guru. This guy will lock you straight up. His shot from outside was much improved over the summer. Hype man.

Cohen Cooley

Charlestown High School

Confidence was low early in the season but turned into a defensive monster.  Lock up defender.

Drew Cassis

Providence High School

Streaky shooter who can get hot and plays great defense.

Elijah Oliver

Providence High School

Man in the middle. 6’4 kid who can step out and hit a jump shot.

Jack Rutherford

Jeffersonville High School

Floor General.  One of the best passers in this class.

Tyree Stoner

Manual High School

This guy does it all, plays tough D, gets downhill, and controls the tempo

Jamal Chambers

New Albany High School

6′ kid who is strong as an OX.  This bruiser rebounds finishes and can step out for a three

Here is what Coach Odle had to say following the Prep Hoops NEXT season. 

Question: Thoughts on how your team would do prior to the season? 

Answer: We thought we had a chance to have a great season being that we had most of our guys back from the previous year.  We’ve always lacked size so we anticipated playing faster to help disguise that problem. 

Q: How did you prepare? 

A: We changed our offense to be more of a motion, position-less offense so we had plenty of room for each player to operate.

Q: Which Prep Hoops Next event do you remember most and why?

A: By far, Kansas City [Prep Hoops Next National Championship].  The venue itself was amazing and to be in consideration as one of the best teams there was cool as well. So much talent in one place and to get to play against some of the best was a blast.

Q: Is there a specific game you remember most and why?

A: Yes, when we played Grind Family Chicago.  We have played them in the two previous Prep Hoops events and they beat us both times.  In Kansas City, it was our turn to kick butt.  It was a total team effort and not just one person stood out.  

Q: Who stood out?

A: Complete team effort as scoring was balanced.  Our defense was key as we only allowed 13 points in the 2nd half.

Q: How do you feel your program competed throughout? 

A: I thought we competed at a pretty high level.  During a few of the events, we had a few injuries and player issues that prevented us from being at full strength but that’s basketball…you have to play with who you have. 

Q: What are your team strengths? 

A: Our team strengths are our guards.  We have guys that can get downhill and finish and we have guys that can shoot the lights out.  Once a team goes man on us, it’s usually over.  

Q: What is expected for next summer? Who will return? Same plan of attack? 

A: Parker, AJ, Tre, and Jack will headline our roster next year.  We are awaiting answers from others but will have the nucleus still together ready to compete once again.

Prep Hoops NEXT is excited to watch this talented group make noise again next season!