Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament – Under-the-Radar Prospects
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We had the opportunity to cover the quarterfinals and semifinals of the 4th annual Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament over the past couple of days. Ultimately, Kokomo defeated Jeffersonville to take home the championship, but all eight teams in attendance…
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Continue ReadingWe had the opportunity to cover the quarterfinals and semifinals of the 4th annual Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament over the past couple of days. Ultimately, Kokomo defeated Jeffersonville to take home the championship, but all eight teams in attendance had prospects worth talking about. In this article we will highlight one under-the-radar prospect from each team. Let’s dive on in.
Admittedly, Baker-Lands is vastly over qualified to be considered “under-the-radar.” The only reason people around the state may not be aware of him yet is because he is just a freshman. However, the 6’3″ Plainfield High School guard is absolutely one of the best Class of 2027 prospects in the state of Indiana. He runs the show from the point guard position in a manner well beyond his years and has the ability to create his own shot from any spot on the floor. Baker-Lands is also a very good on-ball defender for his age. Fans around the state will be hearing a lot of his name for years to come.
This dynamic 6’1″ guard plays his roll very well as a microwave scorer off of the bench for the Wildcats. He is your prototypical sixth man for this group that comes in and immediately puts the defense on their heels with his scoring ability. Barbara is a very good jump shooter both from beyond the arc and in the mid-range and has shown his ability to crate for himself going to the rim as well. He was an integral part of South Bend Riley finishing third at the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament with wins over Mishawka and Mt. Vernon (Fortville). They are now 9-2 on the season.
Everyone obviously knows about Kansas signee Flory Bidunga Flory Bidunga 6’9″ | C Kokomo | 2024 State #7 Nation IN and his front court running mate Karson Rogers Karson Rogers 6’6″ | PF Kokomo | 2024 State IN is starting catch plenty of attention with his strong senior season. However, 5’8″ junior point guars Zion Bellamy Zion Bellamy 5’8″ | PG Kokomo | 2025 State IN is the one who sets everything up offensively for the Wildkats. The small lefty is an excellent outside shooter which helps to spread the floor for Kokomo’s interior presence. He is also an excellent passer that feeds Bidunga and Rogers the ball consistently. Do not overlook Bellamy’s importance to this team.
It was a tough trip to the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament for the New Haven Bulldogs as they lost to Kokomo, Mishawaka, and Plainfield to fall to 1-8 on the season. However, senior wing Jeremiah Cottrell Jeremiah Cottrell SF New Haven | 2024 IN showed some flashes as an athletic slasher and right hand driver that uses his physical tools to his advantage on both ends of the floor.
Highlights
Warren Central has played one of the most difficult schedules in the state so far this season and is really starting to hit their stride. After beginning the season 0-3 they have now won four of their last five games including wins over Plainfield and Mishawaka at the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament. Harlan, a 6’3″ junior guard, has been a big part of their recent success. He has excellent length defensively that he uses to be disruptive both on and off of the ball. Offensively, Harlan can knock down outside shots or use his athleticism to explode to the rim as a right hand driver.
Highlights
Johnson is an under-the-radar prospect for the Cavemen that should continue to attract small college attention throughout his senior season. Mishawaka went 1-2 at the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament defeating New Haven but losing to South Bend Riley and Warren Central. They are now 6-3 on the season. Johnson, a 6’3″ wing, has been the key to their overall success as a multi-level scorer and versatile defender within their system. He attacks the basket well from the perimeter, can knock down mid-range jump shots, and rebounds his position at a high level.
The Marauders have a loaded sophomore class of talent and Parra is one that hasn’t necessarily received the statewide recognition compared to some of the others. However, he was excellent throughout their three games at the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament showcasing his excellent three-point shooting ability and all-around athleticism. You’ll see his name shoot up the Class of 2026 prospect rankings at our next update here at Prep Hoops Indiana.
A lot of attention, rightfully so, is paid to Jeffersonville’ talented junior trio, but this 6’0″ senior deserves plenty of recognition as well. Rose played a big role in leading the Red Devils to the Phil Cox Memorial Holiday Tournament championship game. He can score it off of the bounce using his strength and body control inside and also showed off a smooth outside stroke. His addition to the Jeffersonville roster after transferring over from New Albany gives them even more offensive firepower.