Summer Recap – Program Profile: JH1 IndyElite
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After several weeks that were packed full of rankings updates and coverage from our Prep Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase, it is finally time to return to our program profiles to close the book on the summer. We still have a…
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Continue ReadingAfter several weeks that were packed full of rankings updates and coverage from our Prep Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase, it is finally time to return to our program profiles to close the book on the summer. We still have a handful of teams we want to touch on so stay tuned in the coming weeks for more of this style of content.
When trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone the coverage they deserve. Especially with teams spread out across different circuits it can be hard to find a natural way to efficiently break down everything. I’ve decided that the easiest way to do this, and provided the most individual coverage, will be to simply go team-by-team across the state. This exercise will run sporadically through the fall so be patient as we work through all of the teams.
In these program spotlights we will feature a top prospect, a top stock-riser, and an under-the-radar name. Then, I will simply empty out the notebook with some other thoughts and takeaways that have been compiled over the last few months as it pertains to that team. Let’s dive on in.
Top Prospect: Ian Stephens Ian Stephens 6'5" | PF New Palestine | 2023 State IN (New Palestine H.S. 2023)
It doesn’t take a seasoned basketball scout to understand why college coaches love this 6’6″ forward. There are very few, if any, players in the state of Indiana that plays as hard as Ian Stephens Ian Stephens 6'5" | PF New Palestine | 2023 State IN . His motor is non-stop even through the summer months when the days get long and the games start early. Beyond the intangibles that he brings to the table, Stephens is a versatile left-handed forward that is excellent around the basket. He can drive it in a straight line against closeouts, finishes with his left hand over his right shoulder inside, and uses his mobility to get around defenders at the rim. He continues to work hard to improve his outside shooting, but has excellent interior scoring and is a great rebounder. Averaged 12.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game as a junior and is poised for a big senior season for a potentially very good New Palestine team.
Top Stock-Riser: Cam Freeman Cam Freeman 6'1" | PG Brebeuf Jesuit | 2023 State IN (Brebeuf Jesuit 2023)
Freeman proved himself as a consistent playmaker for JH1 IndyElite in the backcourt throughout the summer. He has a tight handle that allows him to penetrate the defense in the half court, the straight line speed to push the pace in transition, and is capable of making shots when playing off of the ball on the perimeter. The 6’2″ guard from Brebeuf Jesuit is expected to take over the reigns to the Braves offense after playing a reserve role for last season’s senior-laden sectional championship team. His strong performance throughout the summer proved that he is ready to take that leap and compete with the best around the Indianapolis area. Solid prospect for small colleges to evaluate that need a point guard.
Under-the-Radar Name: Josh Williams Josh Williams 5'10" | SF Fort Pierce Central | 2023 State FL (Connersville H.S. 2023)
This 6’3″ wing really came onto the scene this summer with JH1 IndyElite and helped them experience a lot of success. Williams is a winner everywhere he goes. Playing at Connersville you can feel confident he knows how to play, will be competitive, and will go into college ready to defend. Offensively, he brings a lot of versatility to the floor. Williams handles the ball well enough to create his own shot but is also a high percentage catch-and-shoot threat. Should have a great senior season for the Spartans and continue to garner small college interest.
Other Program Notes
- Another JH1 IndyElite player that did a lot for himself this summer in terms of emerging as a college prospect was 6’5″ forward Jordan Green Jordan Green 6'4" | PF Fort Wayne North Side | 2023 State IN (Fort Wayne Northrop H.S. 2023). Green is super long and athletic, rebounds well on both ends of the floor, and has the tools to be a versatile defender. Very good shot blocker and can play above the rim offensively.
- Speaking of athletic 6’5″ forwards for JH1, I really liked what I saw at different times over the summer from Adam Hackett Adam Hackett 6'5" | PF Mount Vernon Fortville | 2023 State IN (Mount Vernon Fortville H.S. 2023). His physical tools speak for themselves, but I really was impressed with his versatility offensively and the way he rebounds the ball. Very mobile, runs the floor, and finishes at a high level.
- In the backcourt, both Mikal Miller (Cardinal Ritter 2023) and A.J. Dunn A.J. Dunn 6'1" | SG Yorktown | 2023 State IN (Yorktown H.S. 2023) showed flashes throughout the summer. Miller is a two-way point guard that can attack the basket well off of the dribble and is an excellent on-ball defender. As for Dunn, he is a very good catch-and-shoot threat that had a good junior season for a Yorktown team that advanced to the Class 3A regional finals. Look for both of these guards to have good senior seasons.
- Also was impressed with 6’4″ wing Robert Davidson Robert Davidson 6'4" | SF Bishop Chatard | 2023 State IN (Bishop Chatard 2023). He is a very long, athletic versatile prospect who brings a lot of things to the table on both ends of the floor. Davidson can face-up and stretch the floor some out to the three-point line and is very dangerous when attacking closeouts off the dribble.