Open Gym Report: Crispus Attucks Tigers
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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…
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Continue ReadingHere 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.
Program Profile
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.
Continuity and Returning Production
Crispus Attucks returns their top two leading scorers and seven of their 10 primary rotation players from last season. University of Indianapolis commit Ron Rutland III Ron Rutland III 6'1" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN 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 Dezmon Briscoe Dezmon Briscoe 6'9" | PF Crispus Attucks | 2025 State #107 Nation IN 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.
Aside from Rutland III and Briscoe, Chris Hurt Chris Hurt 5'11" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2025 State IN 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 Julian Norwood Julian Norwood 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN gained valuable varsity experience last season alongside a trio of seniors Jacson Payton Jacson Payton 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2024 IN , Demetrius Jenkins Demetrius Jenkins 6'2" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN , and Rishon Butts. Look for junior wing Ronsione Thomas Ronsione Thomas 6'3" | SF Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN 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.
An Influx of Talent
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.
Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 5'9" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN 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 Eric Jackson Eric Jackson 6'6" | PF Crispus Attucks | 2025 State IN from Warren Central will play a primary role as well adding some more size to the interior next to Briscoe.
Two more incoming transfers are looking to be relied upon to add some additional depth. Indianapolis Lutheran transfer DeVaughn Vales and Ethan Martin Ethan Martin 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN from Indianapolis Shortridge will each be juniors that can score the basketball and provide a little extra shooting ability as well.
Depth on Depth on Depth
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.
Prep Hoops Indiana Projected Rotation
Guards: Mason Lewis Mason Lewis 5'9" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN (SR), Chris Hurt Chris Hurt 5'11" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2025 State IN (JR), Ron Rutland III Ron Rutland III 6'1" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN (SR), Julian Norwood Julian Norwood 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN (JR), Ethan Martin Ethan Martin 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN (JR), Rishon Butts (SR), Octavious Comer (FR)
Wings: Demetrius Jenkins Demetrius Jenkins 6'2" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2024 State IN (SR), Jacson Payton Jacson Payton 6'2" | SG Crispus Attucks | 2024 IN (SR), DeVaughn Vales (JR), Ronsione Thomas Ronsione Thomas 6'3" | SF Crispus Attucks | 2025 IN (JR)
Forwards: Dezmon Briscoe Dezmon Briscoe 6'9" | PF Crispus Attucks | 2025 State #107 Nation IN (JR), Eric Jackson Eric Jackson 6'6" | PF Crispus Attucks | 2025 State IN (JR), Travon Davis (JR)