High School Spotlight: Evansville Memorial

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season is still a few months away but with team workouts starting to take place, it is the perfect time to start previewing the season. In this series, we will be a look at some quick hitters, the top player, potential breakout player, other roster roster members and notable games of the upcoming season. For today's spotlight, we take a look at the Evansville Memorial Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quick Hitters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Finished 14-9 last season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lost to Evansville Mater Dei in Sectional las season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coming off back-to-back winning seasons</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Heath Howington returns for 4th season as head coach. 35-31 record as Tigers' head coach. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1578479' first='Tucker' last='Tornatta']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tornatta returns as the anchor for this Tigers' team, like it has been for the last few seasons. He is coming off a really good spring/summer playing for Kyle Guy elite that saw a jumpstart to his recruiting and schools at all levels are taking notice. Has played with an incredible motor every time I have watched him and his willingness to fight for every rebound is something that you love to see out of him. Also love his ability to also play physical on both ends of the floor. He is a walking double-double and will be the go-to guy for Evansville Memorial. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Breakout Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1539999' first='Luke' last='Ellspermann']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ellspermann comes back for Tigers as the leading scorer from a season ago. Now as a junior, he is expected to do the same. Last season, he averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season. At just 6'0", Ellspermann can flat out fill it up offensively and has only gotten better and better each of the last two seasons. This upcoming season, he has the potential to really breakout and make a name for himself as one of the best overall players in the southern Indiana area. Expect a big junior season from this talented guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Important Roster Members</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1159224' first='Luke' last='Lawrence'] - Lawrence was the other player that easily could have be named the potential breakout player of Evansville Memorial. He is a catch and shoot guy who was excellent in rhythm and also has a ton of range on the outside. Will be one of the leading scorers for the Tigers this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2053670' first='Asher' last='Evans'] - Evans was one of the top in-state stock risers in the 2025 class over the summer which should translate well into the school season. He is ne of the better pure shooters in the 2025 class while also rebounding from the perimeter at a high level for a smaller guard.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1560950' first='Dylen' last='Kendrick'] - Kendrick is a talented point guard that already has valuable varsity experience. He is a very good passer, creates for himself and others off of the bounce, and will be active as an on-ball defender. His role will get even bogger this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1560976' first='Maxx' last='Anslinger'] - Anslinger should see an increased role who will bring legit aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. Has a tough motor and with a continually improved offensive game. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1560971' first='Jason' last='(JJ) Lowery Jr'] - Not entirely sure how much varsity time Lowery Jr will get this year but the smaller yet high IQ guard has a lot of potential in the long term. Due to his explosiveness and elite quickness, would not be shocked to see him contribute. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Games</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Heritage Hills (12/15)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Terre Haute North (12/21)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Brebeuf Jesuit (12/29)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Evansville Mater Dei (1/12)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Evansville Reitz (2/1)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->