2023 FORUM Tipoff Classic Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are now nearly three weeks into the Indiana High School Basketball season and one of the best single day events of the year is here. The annual FORUM Tipoff Classic at the historic Southport Fieldhouse is back for another year featuring 12 excellent teams, six competitive games, and five nationally ranked prospects. As always, Prep Hoops Indiana will have boots on the ground coverage of this great event. Let's dive in and take a closer look at this day full of Indiana High School Basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">12:30 p.m. Southport vs. Greenfield-Central</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296984' first='Braylon' last='Mullins']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/braylon-mullins/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Greenfield-Central H.S. 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> Southport (1-2), Greenfield-Central (3-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview</strong>: The host Southport Cardinals will look a lot different than they did a year ago. Last year's group was loaded with seniors and first year head coach Bill Zych will be replacing the top six scorers from that squad. Look for their strong 2025 class to make a leap this season though led by guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1306153' first='Michael' last='Johnson']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-johnson-4/"></a> and wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297043' first='Jack' last='Turner']</strong>. 6'7" sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2252551' first='James' last='Kalala'] is one to watch as well. As for the Cougars of Greenfield-Central, it will be all about Top 100 national prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1296984' first='Braylon' last='Mullins']</strong>. The 6'5″ guard averaged 16.9 points per game a year ago along with a team-leading 5.2 rebounds. His ability to score from any spot on the floor has made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the state this season and he is averaging 25.0 points per game while leading the Cougars to a 3-0 record. Ranked #82 in the On3 Class of 2025 Rankings, Mullins holds offers from Indiana and Notre Dame among over a dozen others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Greenfield-Central 64 Southport 50</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2:00 p.m. Warren Central vs. Center Grove</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong> Michael Ephraim (Center Grove H.S. 2025), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297060' first='Jevon' last='Guess']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jevon-guess/"></a> (Warren Central H.S. 2025), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158238' first='Joey' last='Schmitz']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joey-schmitz/"></a> (Center Grove H.S. 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> Warren Central (0-2), Center Grove (3-2)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> After leading the Warriors to a 32-0 state championship in 2018, head coach Criss Beyers returns to the Warren Central sideline with an under-the-radar group. 6'3″ wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2089932' first='Robert' last='Walker']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/robert-walker-2/"></a> had an excellent summer and should really emerge as a two-way threat on the perimeter. 6'5″ forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297060' first='Jevon' last='Guess']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jevon-guess/"></a> is a physically gifted big man who will dominant the paint and the glass inside. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2140392' first='JJ' last='Craig'] has already stepped into a starting role for the Warriors too. Center Grove is fresh off an excellent season and has several pieces to help them maintain success. Senior point guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158238' first='Joey' last='Schmitz']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joey-schmitz/"></a> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547490' first='Jalen' last='Bundy']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-bundy/"></a> bring back a lot of playmaking ability while Schmitz is also a high-level shooter. 6'6″ senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547488' first='Will' last='Spellman']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-spellman/"></a> is one of the best big men in the area that people may not know a ton about yet as well. His skill level at his size makes him a versatile piece for coach Zach Hahn to play with on the offensive end of the floor. 6'10" junior move-in Michael Ephraim is one to watch as well. These are two deep teams that should make for a fun matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Center Grove 63 Warren Central 58</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3:40 p.m. #2 (3A) Guerin Catholic vs. #7 (3A) Heritage Hills</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547883' first='Dylan' last='Murans']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dylan-murans/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Guerin Catholic 2024),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297118' first='Trent' last='Sisley']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trent-sisley/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Heritage Hills H.S. 2025),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275817' first='Robert' last='Sorensen']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/robert-sorensen/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Guerin Catholic 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> Guerin Catholic (4-0), Heritage Hills (3-0)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> This matchup will feature two of the top teams in Class 3A. Last season, Guerin Catholic went on an impressive postseason run to reach the state finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They return a lot from that team including leading scorer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275817' first='Robert' last='Sorensen']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/robert-sorensen/"></a> who posted 14.4 points per game along with senior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1547883' first='Dylan' last='Murans']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dylan-murans/"></a> who holds Division I offers from Army and Missouri State along with up-and-coming junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2053658' first='Bryson' last='Cardinal']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryson-cardinal/"></a> who is poised for a breakout season. On the Heritage Hills sideline, it is all about 6'8″ junior forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297118' first='Trent' last='Sisley']</strong>. The highly sought after four-star prospect is ranked #61 in the On3 Industry Ranking with offers from nearly all of the Big Ten along with Notre Dame. Sisley is currently averaging 24.7 points and 13.3 rebounds per game for the Patriots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Guerin Catholic 60 Heritage Hills 51</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5:20 p.m. #9 (4A) Crispus Attucks vs. #6 (4A) Noblesville</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dezmon-briscoe/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Crispus Attucks H.S. 2025),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-curry-ii/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Noblesville H.S. 2026),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158209' first='Aaron' last='Fine']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aaron-fine/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Noblesville H.S. 2024),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ron-rutland-iii/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Crispus Attucks H.S. 2024 – University of Indianapolis),&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275012' first='Hunter' last='Walston']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/hunter-walston/"><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(Noblesville H.S. 2024)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records:</strong> Crispus Attucks (3-1), Noblesville (2-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview:</strong> Two very successful teams from a year ago will face-off in the evening of the Forum Tipoff Classic featuring Top 10 rosters in the Class 4A preseason rankings. Crispus Attucks won last season's Indianapolis City championship and return nearly all of their production from that team. UIndy commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ron-rutland-iii/"></a> was the Tigers leading scorer averaging 18.0 points per game while making nearly 80 three-point attempts. Inside, Top 150 national prospect in the Class of 2025, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dezmon-briscoe/"></a> brings back 15.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. Noblesville will counter with senior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1158209' first='Aaron' last='Fine']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aaron-fine/"></a> who averaged 13.8 points and 3.5 assists per game last year and stock-rising senior wing <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1275012' first='Hunter' last='Walston']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/hunter-walston/"></a> who contributed 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds. Look for sophomore guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/justin-curry-ii/"></a> to potentially be the difference maker for the Millers as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Noblesville 70 Crispus Attucks 67</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7:00 p.m. #1 (4A) Lawrence North vs. #8 (4A) Fort Wayne Wayne</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1297001' first='Chase' last='Barnes'] (Fort Wayne Wayne H.S. 2025), [player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'] (Lawerence North H.S. 2024), [player_tooltip player_id='1158193' first='Jevon' last='Lewis'] (Fort Wayne Wayne H.S. 2024), [player_tooltip player_id='2252564' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] (Lawrence North H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'] (Lawrence North H.S. 2026), [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] (Lawrence North H.S. 2025)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records</strong>: Lawrence North (3-0), Fort Wayne Wayne (2-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview</strong>: Lawrence North enters as the #1 team in the state while the Generals of Fort Wayne Wayne are ranked #8 and are fresh off a trip to the Semi-State last season. The Wildcats feature three-star prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'] who is ranked #119 in the On3 Industry Ranking. He played in front of Indiana head coach Mike Woodson and Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry on Wednesday in a win over rival Lawrence Central. Fellow backcourt mate [player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'] has been excellent as well for LN. In forth front court, a pair of sophomores lead the way as 6'6" [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'] and 6'8" [player_tooltip player_id='2252564' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] have been dominant. This roster is loaded and looks very much like a state title contender. For the Generals, their dynamic backcourt of [player_tooltip player_id='1158193' first='Jevon' last='Lewis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297001' first='Chase' last='Barnes'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1297075' first='Khalyn' last='Williams-Thomas'] will give them a unique ability to matchup with the Wildcats. Down low, [player_tooltip player_id='1297032' first='Trey' last='Dillard'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1297102' first='Preston' last='Comer'] will look to hold their own against Miller and McGrew.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Lawrence North 75 Fort Wayne Wayne 62</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8:30 p.m. #3 (4A) Fishers vs. #4 (4A) Kokomo</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players</strong> <strong>to Watch</strong>: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1363488' first='Flory' last='Bidunga']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/flory-bidunga/"></a> (Kokomo H.S. 2024 – Kansas), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2079500' first='Keenan' last='Garner']</strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/keenan-garner/"></a> (Fishers H.S. 2024), <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1578471' first='Taden' last='Metzger']</strong> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/taden-metzger-2/"></a>(Fishers H.S. 2024 – Huntington University)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Records</strong>: Fishers (5-0), Kokomo (3-1)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Preview</strong>: This game was even more highly touted when it was announced, but even a high-profile transfer can't keep this game from being the perfect nightcap to an excellent day of basketball. Kansas signee [player_tooltip player_id='1363488' first='Flory' last='Bidunga'] is the obvious draw in this one as a five-star prospect ranked #6 in the On3 Industry Ranking. Bidunga is averaging 17.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game to begin the season. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2282357' first='Karson' last='Rogers'] actually leads the Wildkats in scoring at 18.3 points per game while also pulling down 9.8 rebounds. For Fishers, versatile 6'6" senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2079500' first='Keenan' last='Garner'] is their go-to man. He olds a couple of Division I offers along with DII and NAIA options. Huntington commit [player_tooltip player_id='1578471' first='Taden' last='Metzger'] is certainly one to watch as well along with talented freshman guard duo [player_tooltip player_id='2140345' first='Cooper' last='Zachary'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2267046' first='Jason' last='Gardner Jr.']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong>: Kokomo 70 Fishers 68</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->