3 For 3: Week 5 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 high school boys' basketball season is underway and we at Prep Hoops Indiana want to give you the absolute best coverage in the whole state. Indiana is full of great teams and talented players thus giving the fans incredible matchups every week. Join me, Kyler Staley, every Monday during the season as I preview the 3 Players, 3 Teams, and 3 Matchups to watch for that coming week. Are you ready? Let's get started!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1275012"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Walston continues to prove why he is arguably the most under-recruited player in the state with how well he has been playing this season for Noblesville. The 6'6 hybrid forward is averaging 12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in the five games Noblesville has played this season while also getting it done on the defensive end averaging nearly 2 steals a game. Walston is one of the more versatile players we have in the in-state 2024 class due to his ability to play multiple spots on the floor while also scoring at all three levels at a good rate. I am still baffled why colleges at all levels have not put more focus on recruiting this talented senior. He and Noblesville have a trip to Marion (12/19) and Anderson (12/22) this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65808ddaf2fac"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297122"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Up in northern Indiana, we have arguably the best in-state 2025 center in NorthWood's [player_tooltip player_id='1297122' first='Tyler' last='Raasch']. Raasch is a 6'8 center is a consistent force due to his motor and skills that continue to develop. He is also a very good shot blocker, runs the floor well, and has burgeoning offensive ability. He is the No. 1 option for the Panthers this season like we expected him to be and has helped lead NorthWood to a 3-1 record thus far. He and the Panthers travel to Fort Wayne Concordia on 12/21 this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65808ddaf2ffb"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552625"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett'] is a name to get know if you have not already because this talented 2026 is about to take off sooner than later. As far as a long-term upside in the in-state 2026 class, the 6'7 wing sits at the top there with his ability to shoot the ball very well from the perimeter. He has very fluid athleticism in the open floor, and has a frame that is highly projectable. Schools like Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, and many others are already involved in his recruitment. He and Franklin Central will look to improve their 2-5 record when they travel to Pike tonight.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65808ddaf3040"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Fishers (4A) - </strong>At this point in time, it is safe to say that the Fishers Tigers are the best Class 4A state in the state right now. Sitting at 7-0, the Tigers are one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the state having beat great teams such as Ben Davis, Noblesville, Kokomo, and many others. Senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2079500' first='Keenan' last='Garner'] is having a breakout year with his current average of 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game guard Joanthony Hall (11.0) and [player_tooltip player_id='2140345' first='Cooper' last='Zachary'] (10.1) have also stepped up as well. That is not even including guys such as [player_tooltip player_id='1578471' first='Taden' last='Metzger'], [player_tooltip player_id='2267046' first='Jason' last='Gardner Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='1578426' first='Justin' last='Kirby'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1578452' first='Parker' last='Perdue'] who have also been big contributors as well. They will look to continue their unbeaten streak when they travel to a very tough Center Grove on 12/22. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Delta (3A) - </strong>The Eagles of Delta are proving to be one of the top Class 3A teams in the state like we thought they would. At 6-1, the Eagles hold monster wins over teams like Connersville, Centerville, Yorktown, Muncie Central with their only loss coming to a tough Tipton team in overtime. In Class 3A, they are one of the more experienced teams in the state led by senior trio [player_tooltip player_id='1275729' first='D'Amare' last='Hood'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158184' first='Jackson' last='Wors'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1275827' first='Jayden' last='Furney']. With the makeup of their team plus the way they have been playing, this is for sure a team that could make a state championship push. They have Blackford tonight at 7:30. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Providence (2A) - </strong>Down in southern Indiana, the Providence Pioneers remain as one of the flat out toughest teams in the entire state. Sitting at 5-1 on the year, they have racked off 5 straight wins after they lost to Brownstown Central the first game and have a great win over Scottsburg as well. The main guy here for Providence is 6'3 senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1287890' first='Noah' last='Lovan'] but also have great players around him in [player_tooltip player_id='1578457' first='Quentin' last='Hesse'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1561079' first='Elijah' last='Fuller-Tucker']. If you like tough, defensive teams, Providence is your team. They host Louisville Holy Cross (Ky.) tonight. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Matchups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Crispus Attucks (4A) vs Lawrence North (4A) – Dec. 19th, 7:30 pm:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talk about a true, heavyweight in Class 4A tonight. In this game alone, you have some of the absolute best players in the state and both teams are looking to make a strong postseason run at the Class 4A level. The backcourt matchup of [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson']/[player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'] vs [player_tooltip player_id='1158227' first='Mason' last='Lewis']/[player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III'] is about as exciting as you could get plus you have [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe'] having to go up against the sophomore frontcourt duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2252564' first='Kai' last='McGrew'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller']. Lawrence North has been viewed as many people's favorites to win Class 4A so this is a game where Attucks could really prove themselves. However, the guard play is a good matchup, but I feel Briscoe will have trouble trying to maintain both McGrew and Miller. I have Lawrence North winning in a close one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kokomo Tournament Dec</strong>. <strong>22nd-23rd:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The holiday tournaments are upon us this week and we have one of the best in-season tournaments in the state this week with the Kokomo Tournament. Below is the full schedule, the teams I project to win each round (<strong>BOLD</strong>), plus the top prospects in attendance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Round 12/22: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11am: New Haven vs <strong>Kokomo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12:45pm: <strong>South Bend Riley</strong> vs. Mishawaka</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2:30pm: Mount Vernon (Fortville) vs. <strong>Plainfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4:15pm: Warren Central vs. <strong>Jeffersonville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second Round 12/23: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11am: <strong>Kokomo</strong> vs South Bend Riley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12:45pm: <strong>Plainfield</strong> vs Jeffersonville</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Championship 12/23: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:45: <strong>Kokomo</strong> vs Plainfield </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Top prospects:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1363488' first='Flory' last='Bidunga'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276469' first='Rasauun' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1384422' first='Eli' last='Ellis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1293396' first='Collin' last='Schmidt'], [player_tooltip player_id='2089932' first='Robert' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1547394' first='Payton' last='Baird'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297060' first='Jevon' last='Guess'], [player_tooltip player_id='1388408' first='Tre' last='Singleton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1373104' first='P.J.' last='Douglas'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297093' first='Michael' last='Cooper'], [player_tooltip player_id='1539552' first='Tanner' last='Teschendorf'], [player_tooltip player_id='1561435' first='Julien' last='Smith'], [player_tooltip player_id='1561030' first='R'mani' last='Wells']</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bobcat of Daviess County Classic – Dec. 21st-23rd</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another one of the best holiday tournaments in the state takes place down in southern Indiana with the Bobcat of Daviess County Classic at North Daviess high school. Below is the full schedule, the teams I project to win each round (<strong>BOLD</strong>), plus the top prospects in attendance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Round 12/21: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:30pm: Paoli vs. <strong>Evansville Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5pm: <strong>Scottsburg</strong> vs. Loogootee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:30pm: Forest Park at <strong>North Daviess</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8pm: <strong>Brownstown Central</strong> vs. South Knox</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second Round 12/22:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:30pm: <strong>Evansville Christian</strong> vs Scottsburg </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8pm: <strong>Brownstown Central</strong> at North Daviess</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Championship 12/23: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8pm: <strong>Brownstown Central</strong> vs Evansville Christian </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Top Prospects</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1158245' first='Jack' last='Benter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158176' first='Josiah' last='Dunham'], [player_tooltip player_id='1578484' first='Wyatt' last='Zellers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276470' first='Jack' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='1401893' first='Kody' last='Clancy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297111' first='Sam' last='Singleton'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297025' first='Fletcher' last='Cole'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297005' first='Colby' last='Hall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1296999' first='Chace' last='Coomer']</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->