Havoc in the Heartland: Saturday Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the Havoc in the Heartland was an action packed day of high level play from start to finish. Following are my observations from the day. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elite players do elite things</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seems pretty self explanatory. However despite the fact “elite” is a popular feature among many AAU team names. Few reach the true lofty description of that moniker. The EYBL program lives up to that billing and then some. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While there is talent up and down the roster. I was struck by their players from the Bluegrass state. [player_tooltip player_id='1252216' first='EJ' last='Walker'] got off to bit of a slow start Saturday morning. However once he got going he did not let up. Scored eight in a row in a win over EG10. Using a variety of old school drop step moves in the post. Game is a bit of fresh air for this scout approaching his mid 40's. As he is a traditional back to the basket big at this point of his development. Finishes with a soft touch over both shoulders with the appropriate hand. Also displayed well schooled footwork. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Louisville Western's [player_tooltip player_id='1228478' first='Elijah' last='Clinton'] is the wing yin to Walker's post yang. Clinton is a super explosive player who put on an aerial show Saturday. However it wasn't just the elevation it was also the innate ability to hang in the air. Had one particular rejection that looked like it was out of a video game. Could have grabbed it at whatever point he wanted to. Goes without saying that he was an explosive finisher at the rim. However he was also to easily get to his spots </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Ben Davis program isn't going anywhere</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not that anyone really expected it to. However when you go 34-0 and win a state championship in Indiana's largest classification one might expect a slight letdown. I think I've written enough about [player_tooltip player_id='1373105' first='Mark' last='Zackery']. Frankly the thesaurus is running low. So I'll just say this. He is really—good. However as Saturday continued I was able to view what could be be his future running mates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the evening session I traveled over to Fishers High School were I got a taste of the next generation for the Giants. I was particularly impressed with the long term upside of [player_tooltip player_id='1749499' first='Tavion' last='Williams']. Williams is a lanky post prospect with a lot of long term upside. Was a big deterrent at the rim altering numerous shots. With his extreme length I would say he plays closer to a 6-7 or 6-8 prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was also impressed with future Ben Davis backcourt prospects <strong>Shawn</strong> <strong>Ladd</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id='1561607' first='Kylin' last='Higgins'] (pictured) Ladd played up a division with Team Teague 2025 Hilliard/Mixon. He displayed a balanced and under control offensive game uncommon in young scoring guards. Higgins ran with Circle City Shooters. He is an explosive 6-3 guard who gets to his spots easily and showed the ability to run the point of needed. I would be remiss I'd I did not mention the Team F.E.E.D that came into this event with a perfect record on the Prep Hoops Circuit. While they have since dropped a few this weekend. Ben Davis' <strong>TJ Minor</strong> continues to show potential as a 6-3 power guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who invited North Carolina to the party? </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have covered both Kentucky and Indiana in this space. Perhaps the only stare that can match Bluegrass and Hoosier hoops hysteria is the great state of North Carolina. They did not want to be left out of this festival of basketball. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Enter Sw15h Basketball (and yes that is how it is spelled. This group from the Tar Heel stare enters Sunday unbeaten and frankly untested. Did I mention that are also playing up an age division while doing so. This is a very impressive led by <strong>Cash McSweensey. </strong>A physically imposing 6-8 swing forward from Cardinal Gibbons. He arrears to fashion himself as guard. However the 2025 prospect is so strong he dud most of his work near. With a few gym buzzing dunks as well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> Not it be outdone was 6-8 Green Level prospect <strong>Isaac</strong> <strong>Ericksen</strong>. Eriksen is more of a traditional post. However lanky build could also provide some perimeter upside. Was able to take a block from the top of the key to the rim on the dribble for an emphatic flush. Also ran the court well for his size. We'll see if Sw15h Gershwin pushed on Sunday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->