Havoc in the Heartland: Mike’s Sunday Standouts
In this article:
The Havoc in the Heartland brought the Prep Hoops Circuit to Indianapolis for a weekend filled with competitive action. In this article I’ll break down the standouts I saw from the last day of the event. Jaylen Murphy OH #87…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Havoc in the Heartland brought the Prep Hoops Circuit to Indianapolis for a weekend filled with competitive action. In this article I’ll break down the standouts I saw from the last day of the event.
A 3-point sniper, Murphy came off the bench and made it rain for Hopson Elite as they built a 20+ point lead in the first half off the hot shooting from Murphy. A prototypical 3-and-D prospect, Murphy can knock down shots off the catch and has the length and quickness to be an impact defender on the wing as well. After a surprise run to the final four last season, Murphy will look to play a bigger role for the Titans as a senior and his experience playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit will help with that change.
One of the most athletically gifted players on the Prep Hoops Circuit, Holden is a monster in the paint. On Sunday, Holden dominated the offensive glass and used his quick second jump to get second chance points in the paint. On the defensive side of the ball, Holden was spiking shots like a volleyball player to protect the rim and start the fast break for his team. In a back-and-forth game, his alley-oop slam with a few minutes to go was a swing point in the game as R4L gained some momentum. At the buzzer, Holden’s teammate, Noah Savard hit a bank shot from half court to win the game for R4L in the best finish of the weekend.
Rice Basketball Academy had an impressive weekend and Davis played a huge part in that success. An athletic wing, Davis was making his presence felt defensively by jumping passing lanes and helping start the fast break. His active hands on the ball also caused turnovers for players looking to take him off the dribble. As a playmaker, Davis was making impressive passes in the pick and roll and on drives to shooters in the corner. A capable shooter from the outside, Davis made a couple perimeter shots in each game they played this weekend.
Ahrens put in the most eye-popping individual performance of the day in Gem City’s blowout victory over Ronnie Fields Elite. Finishing with 30 points on 13/17 from the floor, it was a dominating stat-line for Ahrens. With a couple fast break slam dunks, the 30 points were filled with highlights and plays where Ahrens was bullying in the paint. With everything going his way, Ahrens even knocked down a 3-pointer that had the bench going crazy in support.
The straw that stirs the drink for Gem City’s 16 U squad, Rothwell consistently leads the team in assists and gets his teammates going through his passing. A pass first point guard, Rothwell is a guy who sets his teammates up first and then looks to score himself. As a slasher, Rothwell was either looking to make the right pass to an open teammate or seek contact to head to the free throw line. Gem City Basketball Club had two blowout victories and their ball movement and unselfish play were key factors in these blowouts.