NIBC La Porte Invitational: Game 1 Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In its second year. The La Porte Invitational returned to the historic LaPorte Civic Auditorium. The three day invite composed almost exclusively of NIBC members got off to a rousing start as the host squad La Lumiere earned a hard fought come from behind victory over Utah's Wasatch Academy. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are five standouts from that contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932764' first='Kaleb' last='Glenn'] 6-6 2023 La Lumiere Prep (IN) </strong>Through injury and a general attrition the Lakers are a bit short handed (only dressed 8 players). Accordingly Glenn slid into a more of a backcourt role Thursday night. The Louisville commit competed hard defensively against Wasatch's standout backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1489614' first='RJ' last='Jones'] (Kansas St) and top 5 national 2025 recruit [player_tooltip player_id='1532052' first='Isiah' last='Harwell']. However that is not what left the gym buzzing. Did his best Jimmy Butler routine late. Hitting a clutch three that allowed the his squad to pull out a late victory. Beyond just the magnitude of the shots. His demeanor really stood out. Stepped into the shot confidently. Despite not shooting well up to that point. He expected to win the game and was going to do whatever it took to do it. Finished with 11 points in the 54-51 victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1060148' first='Gus' last='Yalden'] 6-9 2023 La Lumiere Prep (IN)</strong> <strong>(pictured) </strong>The well traveled big man has settled in nicely with the Lakers for his senior year. Easily established deep position with his wide frame and well schooled footwork. Showed excellent hands and a soft touch around the basket. Plays with a competitive fire and edge. Got the best of him late. As he earned a costly technical foul. However didn't sulk about it and continued to play with intensity while having four fouls. A viral internet sensation early in his career. This was my first time catching him in person. I was struck by his frame. The girth has always been there. But he also sports some serious length. Game and frame has strong shades of South Dakota St legend <strong>Mike Daum</strong>. Should fit in nicely at Wisconsin as far as what Badgers expect from their big men. Finished with 13 points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1070092' first='Zaide' last='Lowery'] 6-4 2023 La Lumiere Prep (IN) </strong>Due to the broken wrist sustained by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297302' first='Tyler' last='Bailey']. </strong>Lowery was kind of flying solo at the two guard. The Marquette commit from Missouri was more than up to the challenge. Finished with a game high 14 points. But it was more than just buckets. Turned in well rounded all around performance. Came up one rebound shy of a double double. Seemed to be everywhere defensively. Had two blocked shots including a critical one late. Shaka Smart has had a lot of success in the past with prospects that fit this profile. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1114374' first='Malick' last='Diallo'] 6-9 2024 Wasatch Academy (UT)</strong> I was very impressed in the summer by this prospect with the Utah Stars at the Under Armour Finals in Chicago. Playing up an age level. Dunked all over a good team from Michigan. When I saw he was transferring to Wasatch. I was curious to see how his game would translate. My curiosity has been sufficiently quelled. Diallo is a big time post prospect. Battled hard defensively with Yalden. Despite a decided size advantage. Excellent finisher at the rim. If he gets it near the cup it's going to be dunk. Will need to expand his repertoire a bit as he ages. I don't see that being a problem with his upside. Finished with 8 points off the bench. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1532052' first='Isiah' last='Harwell'] 6-5 2025 Wasatch Academy (UT) </strong>Simply put. What a top five national recruit is supposed to look like. Physical gifts that defy his age. Fluid a powerful athlete with a study frame. Only took two threes. But the release was smooth and easy. In lieu of outside shooting. Penetrated hard without fear all night. Was able to absorb contact and looks like an outstanding finisher already. The class of 2025 is shaping up to be special group. Harwell should continue to be in the mix at the top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->