Open Gym Report: Southport High School

Brandon Ramsey November 2, 2022 @ 09:00 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, New Castle, and Hamilton Southeastern. This week, I started off my travels with a trip to Seton Catholic on Tuesday followed by a trip to Southport on Wednesday afternoon. Let's dive on in to what the Cardinals will have this season.</p>   <h2>Roster Breakdown</h2>   <p>Coach Eric Brand saw his group drastically improve in the win-loss column last season. After a 5-17 record in 2020-2021, Southport improved to 14-12 a year ago and advanced to the sectional championship game before falling to Ben Davis. The Cardinals return their top three scorers, have eight seniors, and got a pair of impact transfers from Tindley. Expectations are high surrounding this team heading into the season and they certainly have the talent to back it up.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='935723' first='Anthony' last='Dancler'], [player_tooltip player_id='868221' first='Nickens' last='Lemba'], and [player_tooltip player_id='868243' first='Keyon' last='Garrett-Miller'] are the big three that return as the top scorers from a year ago. Dancler led the team with 17.8 points per game and shot 62-155 from three-point range. He back to being fully healthy now after missing the end of last season and the entire summer. He shot the ball very well in Wednesday's workout and appears to have the same burst and lift that he had pre-injury. At the point guard position, Miller averaged 13.4 points per game and dished out 3.9 assists. He is a tough two-way guard who will be a four year starter for Southport. That backcourt duo can matchup with the very best in the city and throughout the state. On the interior, Lemba is back as one of the most physically gifted prospects in the area. Last season, the 6'6" forward averaged 13.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. His energy level on both ends of the floor can be a real difference-maker. Lemba has continued to work on expanding his offensive game as well to become and even tougher cover for opposing defenses. Slowing down Dancler, Lemba, and Miller will be a tall task throughout the season.</p>   <p>Beyond the big three, Southport welcomed the addition of [player_tooltip player_id='868226' first='Jayden' last='Pinkston'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1049159' first='Jeffery' last='Pinkston'] from Tindley. The pair of seniors will make an immediate and significant impact for the Cardinals. Jayden is an elite athlete that will provide a lot of defense and rebounding to the roster. Jeff will do a lot of the dirty work on both ends as well and plays with a good basketball IQ. Adding in their size, length, and talent to an already strong core really has raised the level of what Southport is capable of achieving this season.</p>   <p>Rounding out the stable of eight seniors are [player_tooltip player_id='1556393' first='Tanner' last='Percifield'], [player_tooltip player_id='1556389' first='Shane' last='Handlon'], and Terrion Washington. Percifield and Handlon were both rotation pieces last season and will help Southport space the floor, while Washington transferred in from Victory College Prep. Expect junior [player_tooltip player_id='1547494' first='Jye' last='Rudolph'] to factor into the equation in some capacity as well. Southport also features a very talented sophomore class that can get minutes and contribute when needed, but with so many veterans they will have the opportunity to continue to develop.</p>   <h2>Season Outlook</h2>   <p>The Indianapolis area is extremely competitive and having to compete with Ben Davis in Sectional 11 will make a postseason run difficult. However, Southport has built a roster with as much talent as you will find anywhere else. Dancler is a low to mid-major Division I prospect who will be an Indiana All-Star candidate this season. Both [player_tooltip player_id='868221' first='Nickens' last='Lemba'] and Keyon Miller are scholarship players in some capacity as well. Pretty much all of the guys in their rotation could find a home to play college basketball if they want to. That is quite a luxury for Coach Brand going into this season. Having this level of talent, mixed with a ton of experience, will make them extremely dangerous once March rolls around.</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, New Castle, and Hamilton Southeastern. This week, I started off my travels with a trip to Seton Catholic on Tuesday followed by a trip to Southport on Wednesday afternoon. Let's dive on in to what the Cardinals will have this season.