Open Gym Report: Hamilton Southeastern High School

Photo: Twitter

Brandon Ramsey October 31, 2022 @ 01:30 PM

<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. So far, I've visited Fishers, North Central, Avon, Connersville, Kokomo, Cathedral, Franklin, Crispus Attucks, Ben Davis, Richmond, Zionsville, Carmel, Bishop Chatard, Guerin Catholic, Noblesville, Center Grove, Bloomington South, and New Castle. I capped off last week's travels with a stop at Hamilton Southeastern. Let's dive into what the Royals have to work with this season.</p>   <h2>Roster Breakdown</h2>   <p>After six seasons as the head coach at Decatur Central High School, Coach John Ashworth made the move over to Hamilton Southeastern last season. The Royals had their moments, including an instant classic double overtime loss to rival Fishers and knocking off Westfield on the road, but overall it was a 9-14 first year for Coach Ashworth. There will also be big shoes to fill as Sam Jacobs graduated taking with him just shy of 20 points per game. However, a talented junior class plus 6'7" senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1273712' first='Reph' last='Stevenson'] gives the Royals a solid foundation to build off of.</p>   <p>Stevenson is Hamilton Southeastern's top returning player as the talented big man averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season. The highly sought after small college prospect is a high percentage finisher around the basket with a patient right handed hook shot over his left shoulder. His length allows him to get up and finish around the rim as well when he rolls to the basket or receives a dump off pass from a dribble drive. Stevenson plays with a good motor, rebounds very well on both ends of the floor, and will provide some rim protection defensively as well. He will need to be the Royals anchor around the basket on both ends and appears to be ready to take on that expanded role.</p>   <p>In the HSE backcourt, Coach Ashworth will be relying on his junior class to step up into bigger roles now that they are a year older and have valuable varsity experience under their belts. The most dynamic of the bunch, [player_tooltip player_id='1275826' first='Donovan' last='Hamilton'], will be a late addition as he is a star wide receiver for the Royals football team. However, when he does return to the hardwood, the 6'3" guard will bring explosive athleticism and playmaking ability. He is coming off of a good summer and should really expand his scoring this season. At point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1158212' first='Deion' last='Miles'] is back after averaging a team-best 3.1 assists per game last season. The left-hander is very quick with the ball, displays good court vision, and can help push the pace alongside athletic wings and a great rim-runner in Stevenson. The other most known commodity that returns in the junior class is [player_tooltip player_id='1201800' first='Michael' last='Griffith']. a 6'3" wing, Griffith brings more explosive athleticism and elite physical tools to the Royals rotation. He will be excellent in transition and rebounds his position very well. If Hamilton Southeastern wants to improve in the win-loss column, they will rely on big junior seasons from these three guards.</p>   <p>Rounding out the HSE rotation will be some new faces to major varsity roles. However, there is talent to work with. Senior wing Joe Karwowski, sophomore guard Braeden Totton, junior forward [player_tooltip player_id='1295379' first='Eli' last='Robinson'], and senior wing Christian Pfeifer will be relied upon to fill in the holes left by graduation and one outgoing transfer.</p>   <h2>Season Outlook</h2>   <p>Playing in the Indianapolis area is not for the faint of heart. Somebody has to lose the games and there is so much talent in the area that even good teams can struggle to get to the .500 mark. That is what Hamilton Southeastern ran into last year going 9-14, and they could face that same fate this time around as well. However, getting another year of experience under the talented junior classes belt, along with the continued development of 6'7" senior [player_tooltip player_id='1273712' first='Reph' last='Stevenson'], will give the Royals a shot at improvement. Sectional 8 will be an uphill battle to say the least, but on any given night this group is at least good enough to give some people a real scare.</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. So far, I've visited Fishers, North Central, Avon, Connersville, Kokomo, Cathedral, Franklin, Crispus Attucks, Ben Davis, Richmond, Zionsville, Carmel, Bishop Chatard, Guerin Catholic, Noblesville, Center Grove, Bloomington South, and New Castle. I capped off last week's travels with a stop at Hamilton Southeastern. Let's dive into what the Royals have to work with this season.