Open Gym Report: Carmel High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here at Prep Hoops Indiana the fall means it is time to get out to high school open gyms. Indiana High School Basketball teams are now allowed two on court days a week and we take that opportunity to start previewing the upcoming season. Through the first two weeks of my journey across the state I visited Fishers, North Central, Avon, Connersville, Kokomo, Cathedral, Franklin, and Crispus Attucks. To begin the third week of travels I took in a workout at Ben Davis High School on Monday afternoon and then made the short trip from my house to Richmond High School on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, I started with my first of three open gyms at Zionsville and then moved to Carmel in the afternoon. Let's take a look at the Greyhounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Roster Breakdown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In five seasons at the helm, head coach Ryan Osborn has won two state championships and finished as the runner-up one other time. His 109-24 record speaks to how consistently the Greyhounds have been during his tenure. That won't change this season as Carmel is once again a Top 10 team in Class 4A with a solid core of veterans to lead the way. They will be looking to bounce back from a sectional semi-final loss last season which marked the first time the Greyhounds hadn't cut down the Sectional 8 nets since 2014.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belmont commit [player_tooltip player_id='1042491' first='Sam' last='Orme'] is the headlining returner after an Indiana Junior All-Star season a year ago. The 6'8" stretch forward averaged 11.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for a balanced Carmel attack. Orme has really expanded his game to include the ability to attack off of the dribble which will be crucial now that he is the focal point of the Greyhounds offense. Fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='868225' first='Spencer' last='White'] and [player_tooltip player_id='935725' first='Jared' last='Bonds'] were rotation pieces last season and will look to expand their roles now as well. White is a 6'4" wing that has excellent catch-and-shoot ability while the 6'5" Bonds provides elite level athleticism on both ends of the floor. Overall, this trio of Carmel seniors will ultimately decide how far they can advance in Sectional 8.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking beyond the senior class, sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1578342' first='Alex' last='Couto'] is name for people around the state to become familiar with. He is extremely skilled, can shoot it at a high percentage, and proved to be a major contributor over the summer with the Greyhounds. If he can make a sophomore leap and truly be a high-scoring guard this season it will certainly help Carmel potentially outperform original expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, there are a lot of really solid pieces in Coach Osborn's program. Junior forwards [player_tooltip player_id='1578450' first='Owen' last='Huber'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2079503' first='Mitchell' last='Mulloy'] will be expected to contribute in the rotation this season. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1293391' first='Jake' last='Griffin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1295339' first='Logan' last='Reinhart'] will be called upon to provide a veteran presence in the backcourt. There will likely be a couple of other players assert themselves into the rotation as well like junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1578413' first='Jaylin' last='Faison'] or sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='1534946' first='Jamie' last='Whack']. Time will tell how playing time all shakes out, but know that the Greyhounds will be deep and talented as usual.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Outlook</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sectional 8 is always a gauntlet, but this season it is even more competitive than usual. Zionsville and Fishers will both likely start the season as Top 5 Class 4A teams. Noblesville will be very good this season as well while Hamilton Southeastern and Westfield won't be push overs by any means. For a long time though, the sectional ran through Carmel. Westfield climbed that mountain last season, but you can never count out the Greyhounds. Led by Indiana All-Star candidate and Belmont recruit [player_tooltip player_id='1042491' first='Sam' last='Orme'] they will certainly have their sites set on getting back to cutting down the nets. How far they can go will be determined by how effectively some players can step into expanded roles. However, you know the Greyhounds will be prepared and carry an expectation of winning. They will be a tough out as always by the time March roles around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->