Open Gym Report: Crispus Attucks Tigers

<p>Here at Prep Hoops Indiana we take great pride in covering the Hoosier state with a breadth and depth unlike anyone else. We often say “nobody does content and event coverage like Prep Hoops.” That is certainly true, but our team here Indiana prefer to go even further than that. On top of wall-to-wall, border-to-border coverage during the grassroots and high school seasons we also hit the ground running in the fall. This is a great time to hit high school open gyms and get a behind the curtain preview of some of the top teams around the state. These trips also help strength our relationships with the high school coaches and prospects that we cover. On Wednesday, October 4th I had the privilege of attending a workout at Crispus Attucks High School. Let's dive in to what the Tigers have this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Program Profile</h2>   <p>Coach Chris Hawkins became the boss at Crispus Attucks to begin the 2016-2017 season and immediately led the Tigers to a Class 3A state title. Over the next two years, before moving up to Class 4A, the Tigers repeated as Sectional champions and won the Regional in 2019. However, Attucks has yet to make it out of Sectional 10 at the 4A level. Coach Hawkins, who is 133-50 entering year eight at Attucks, could have the team to cut down the nets this season. A year ago they finished 18-8 and won the Indianapolis City Tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Continuity and Returning Production</h2>   <p>Crispus Attucks returns their top two leading scorers and seven of their 10 primary rotation players from last season. University of Indianapolis commit [player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III'] leads the way bringing back 18.0 points per game. The Indiana Junior All-Star selection made 75 three-point attempts last season at a 39.7% clip. Additionally, Co-City Player of the Year [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe'] will return a ton of production inside having averaged 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game as a sophomore. The 6'8" forward had a strong summer earning himself three-star, Top 150 status nationwide. The inside-outside punch of Rutland III and Briscoe will be very difficult for opponents to stop. Now that they are another year older they are poised to lead the Tigers on a postseason run.</p>   <p>Aside from Rutland III and Briscoe, [player_tooltip player_id='1297004' first='Chris' last='Hurt'] is the next largest producer returning after putting up 7.2 points and 5.3 assists as a sophomore. The junior point guard has been a consistent contributor since day one at Attucks. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1534943' first='Julian' last='Norwood'] gained valuable varsity experience last season alongside a trio of seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2282375' first='Jacson' last='Payton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275781' first='Demetrius' last='Jenkins'], and Rishon Butts. Look for junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2053668' first='Ronsione' last='Thomas'] to step into a role for Coach Hawkins and company as well. That returning core will be what sets the standard for Crispus Attucks this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Influx of Talent</h2>   <p>While what the Tigers have returning is what will, rightfully so, place them high in the preseason polls, the incoming talent could be what pushes them over the hump to a Sectional championship and beyond. Three transfers will be looked upon to step into the Attucks rotation this season including one who is likely to start and play a major role.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1158227' first='Mason' last='Lewis'] is the most notable new name at Crispus Attucks having spent his first three years of high school playing varsity basketball at North Central. The dynamic 5'9" point guard will provide an additional playmaking punch in the backcourt along with some valuable veteran leadership. Lewis will be a primary producer right away for the Tigers and will make them that much more potent offensively. 6'5" junior [player_tooltip player_id='2277734' first='Eric' last='Jackson'] from Warren Central will play a primary role as well adding some more size to the interior next to Briscoe.</p>   <p>Two more incoming transfers are looking to be relied upon to add some additional depth. Indianapolis Lutheran transfer DeVaughn Vales and [player_tooltip player_id='2277738' first='Ethan' last='Martin'] from Indianapolis Shortridge will each be juniors that can score the basketball and provide a little extra shooting ability as well.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Depth on Depth on Depth</h2>   <p>How Coach Hawkins spreads around the minutes will be very interesting this season as there are no fewer than 14 guys very capable of playing varsity minutes. However, there obviously won't be 14 guys actually playing in the games for the Tigers. So, who steps up to earn floor time? That is what October and November will help to figure out. One thing is for sure though, there is plenty of talent to go around this season for the Crispus Attucks Flyin' Tigers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prep Hoops Indiana Projected Rotation</h2>   <p>Guards: [player_tooltip player_id='1158227' first='Mason' last='Lewis'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='1297004' first='Chris' last='Hurt'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='1534943' first='Julian' last='Norwood'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='2277738' first='Ethan' last='Martin'] (JR), Rishon Butts (SR), Octavious Comer (FR)</p>   <p>Wings: [player_tooltip player_id='1275781' first='Demetrius' last='Jenkins'] (SR), [player_tooltip player_id='2282375' first='Jacson' last='Payton'] (SR), DeVaughn Vales (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='2053668' first='Ronsione' last='Thomas'] (JR)</p>   <p>Forwards: [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe'] (JR), [player_tooltip player_id='2277734' first='Eric' last='Jackson'] (JR), Travon Davis (JR)</p>

Here at Prep Hoops Indiana we take great pride in covering the Hoosier state with a breadth and depth unlike anyone else. We often say “nobody does content and event coverage like Prep Hoops.” That is certainly true, but our team here Indiana prefer to go even further than that. On top of wall-to-wall, border-to-border coverage during the grassroots and high school seasons we also hit the ground running in the fall. This is a great time to hit high school open gyms and get a behind the curtain preview of some of the top teams around the state. These trips also help strength our relationships with the high school coaches and prospects that we cover. On Wednesday, October 4th I had the privilege of attending a workout at Crispus Attucks High School. Let's dive in to what the Tigers have this season.