Havoc in the Heartland: Next Generation

While I was assigned to cover the 16U field at the Havoc in the Heartland event this past weekend in Indianapolis. My eyes would occasionally wander over to the adjacent courts for the 15U division as well.   The event easily featured the deepest field of the spring so far. The 15U division was led by Arkansas' JaSahawn Andrews a top 10 national recruit in the 2026 class. Additionally Jaylan Walker, arguably the top overall recruit in the 2027 class was playing up with Andrews. A lot of coverage has already been provided by other scouts in this network for these prospects. I would encourage you to check it out. They are special players.   I'm going to go a little off the beaten path. To highlight some players in the next generation without big reputations at the moment. That could change with more growth and exposure.   [player_tooltip player_id='1561076' first='Bryson' last='Chapman'] 6-5 Evansville North (IN) (pictured)The opening session of games Friday night did not feature any 2025 contests. So I took in an impressive and dominant performance from Evansville based Indiana Ambition. Chapman led with his with his versatile offensive game. Had a huge block. Took that then went coast to coast to finish through contact with the left. Impressive play for a prospect in any age group. Let alone a freshmen. Put up 22 points in a close loss to one of the many Midwest Basketball Clubs. I wrapped up the event the same way it started. Watching a Sunday afternoon dominant performance as Indiana Ambition defeated a REAL Basketball squad that had some talent (see below) Chapman was outstanding in that contest as well. Setting the tone on both ends of court. Hoping to catch more of this high upside prospect this weekend at the Midwest Melee in Chicago.   Shawn Ladd 5-10 Ben Davis (IN) Another standout guard out of the loaded Ben Davis program. Ladd played up an age division with a Team Teague-Hilliard/Mixon squad that went undefeated on the weekend. Not the biggest prospect. However played with a maturity and balance that made him appear older. Played well Saturday night to hand Ohio based Elite Mentality their only loss of the event. Scored 11 points in that contest. Penetrated with purpose against a big and long frontline. Showed the ability to creatively finish around the rim against size. Also set up teammate Tavion Williams for some easy looks as well. Will probably have to wait his turn a bit at Ben Davis. However showed good long term potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588155' first='Maxwell' last='Muhl'] 5-9 Rochester (MI) Like Ladd Muhl played up an age division with Top 1 Basketball. The suburban Detroit guard showed a clutch gene as he helped his squad pull out two nail biting victories on Friday and Saturday night respectively. Not very big at this point of his development. Makes up for it with a deft shooting touch that keeps defenses honest. Additionally has a quick and efficient release so he doesn't need much room to get it off. Competitive player who is not afraid to mix it up and appears to like contact.   Cameron Gunsell 6-3 Ludington (MI) Hailing from along the Michigan Laleshore. The Hardwood Midwest 2026 squad nearly ran the table last year on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Going undefeated up until the championship round. That squad was led by a versatile forward who went by “Cam”. Whitehall's [player_tooltip player_id='1373000' first='Camden' last='Thompson']. Rinse and repeat this year. The 2026 unit is off to a good start with another versatile “Cam”. Cameron Gunsell is a little smaller and not quite as dynamic athletically as Thompson. However he is a versatile offensive weapon. Comfortable and aggressive at the rim. But also a good ball handler with a soft touch out to the perimeter. As a product of the Ludington program you won't have to worry about defense with this prospect. Will be well schooled and disciplined on that end by the time he is done there. Played JV last year. Should be ready to step into a bigger role on a team that should be one of the better Division II squads in Northern Michigan next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2112234' first='Drake' last='Gatrell'] 6-0 Beal City (MI) Mid Michigan area guard had an excellent weekend for REAL Basketball. The cliche “coaches kid” get tossed around a lot. While that is true for Gatrell. More importantly he plays like it. Shows good court and spatial awareness. Doesn't dribble into trouble and is a pass first point guard. That being said had no problem scoring on the weekend. Had a team high 20 points in dramatic overtime victory against Indy Heat Competitive Greatness. Followed that up with 23 points in a Sunday afternoon victory over OPS Latham. The lefty has a sturdy frame and good size for the point guard position already.   [player_tooltip player_id='1890551' first='Corbin' last='Bisballe'] 6-1 Lake City (MI) Gatrell wasn't the only Highland conference guard playing well in Indy this weekend. Where his backcourt mate Gatrell is sturdy and stout. Bisballe is long, lean, and lanky. Struggled at times at the varsity level playing the point for a very young squad. It was nice to see him in this setting. As he was able to move off the ball. At that spot his length is a little more apparent. Creates space well with an in and out dribble. Came up big in the clutch for REAL. Hit a game winning three at the buzzer in overtime on Saturday night. Has good basketball bloodlines. One older sister plays a Division II power Grand Valley St (MI) The other will probably be a Division I player. Will have to develop physically to follow a similar path. But has a nice perimeter skill set to build upon.

While I was assigned to cover the 16U field at the Havoc in the Heartland event this past weekend in Indianapolis. My eyes would occasionally wander over to the adjacent courts for the 15U division as well.