3 For 3: Week 8 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! </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":["2079499"],"_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":"He has only been here less than a year, but the senior forward has really made an impact in his short time in the state of Indiana for Westfield. The 6'8 power forward out of New Zealand is one of the most aggressive overall players I have seen all season long and is someone that will do whatever it takes to get a rebound. What he does on the floor on both ends is not the prettiest, but it can be very effective at times, which is why Westfield remains undefeated and one of the top teams in the state. Arguably the best uncommitted 2024s we have in the state. Watch him when Westfield hosts Hamilton Southeastern on 1/12.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659af96f001f9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1907680"],"_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":"It is pretty well-known by now, but I am a huge fan of [player_tooltip player_id='1907681' first='Cole' last='Henry'] and his game. Being all the way down in South Ripley, he falls a little under-the-radar but by all accounts, he has been having a great junior season and continuing to raise his stock as a college prospect. At nearly 6'7, Henry is one of the more versatile players at his position and has the motor and tools that can be improved with more and more work. Should have a strong finish to the season and is in for an important spring/summer. South Ripley travels to Oldenburg Academy (1/12) and Switzerland County (1/13) this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659af96f00261"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560995"],"_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":"All the way up in northern Indiana at Gary West is one of the more dynamic and high upside guards in the in-state 2026 class. Hinton is a near 6'0 lead guard that is very good with the ball in his hands, creates for himself and others off of the dribble, and can be an impactful defender as well. He has had multiple high-scoring games this season and should be getting more attention this upcoming summer with Indiana Elite. He and Gary West are in for a busy week when they host Victory Christian (1/9) and travel to Bowman Academy (1/11) and Indianapolis Tindley (1/13).","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-659af96f002b9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Noblesville (4A)</strong> - Noblesville is just one of the most consistent teams we currently have in the state. They sit at a fantastic 10-1 record with their only loss coming to the unbeaten Fishers but are currently riding a 8-game winning streak with wins over Attucks, Anderson, Crown Point, and many others. They arguably have the best trio in the state with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1158209' first='Aaron' last='Fine'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1275012' first='Hunter' last='Walston'] with sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II'] being such a great compliment to this experienced team. This team is set up to make a strong run in the postseason. This week they travel to Zionsville (1/12) and host Connersville (1/13). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danville (3A)</strong> - The Warriors are one of the more surprising teams in Class 3A this season and after a very impressive 11-0 start, they finally saw their streak end with a tough loss to Avon. For this team, it all starts in the middle with big man and 2024 Indiana football signee [player_tooltip player_id='1275801' first='Evan' last='Lawrence'], who has been a beast this season. Senior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1578355' first='Caden' last='Collins'] junior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2053657' first='Jace' last='Scrafton'] have also been great pieces as well. They have a chance to bounce back this week when they travel to North Montgomery (1/12) and host West Lafayette (1/13). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brownstown Central (2A)</strong> - The Braves of Brownstown Central are back to full strength with 2024 Purdue signee [player_tooltip player_id='1158245' first='Jack' last='Benter'] returning from his lower leg injury last weekend. Even when Benter was out, the Braves proved to almost be just as dominant without him, which is scary for the rest of Class 2A. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1297005' first='Colby' last='Hall'], Chase Coomer, and [player_tooltip player_id='1547584' first='Parker' last='Hehman'] have seen their game be taken up a notch which has taken the Braves to another level. They sit at 10-4 on the year with a two-game road trip to Carmel (1/12) and Silver Creek (1/13) this week. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Matchups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Silver Creek (3A) at Christian Academy (1A) - Jan. 9th, 7:30 pm</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is going to be a lot of scoring in this game I would imagine. Down in the southern Indiana area, you will see a matchup of two of the best scorers in the state in junior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1297066' first='Joshua' last='Renfro'] and sophomore shooting guard Karen Daeger going at it. For their respective classes, both teams have been one of the best with Silver Creek coming into this game 8-3 and Christian Academy at 10-1. While we know both Renfro and Darger are going to go off, it will come down to surrounding factors in my opinion, which I think Silver Creek has the slight edge in. This one could go either way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Guerin Catholic (3A) at Cathedral (4A) - Jan 13th, 7:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This may be the biggest matchup of the week. You've got arguably the best 3A team in the state going on the road to face one of the top 4A teams. The exciting matchup here is senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1547883' first='Dylan' last='Murans'] going up against sophomore wing [player_tooltip player_id='1525663' first='Brady' last='Koehler']. The key here will be how Guerin Catholic will be able to handle the depth of Cathedral especially with the way their guards and wings have been playing. In order for the Golden Eagles to go on the road and win this one, both [player_tooltip player_id='1275817' first='Robert' last='Sorensen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2053658' first='Bryson' last='Cardinal'] will have to be consistent factors all game. I like Cathedral here at home and because of their depth. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marion County Tournament - Jan. 9th-13th</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marion County Tournament is this week and it looks just about as stacked as you can imagine! Below, I have the top player of each team listed plus the my predictions of how the tournament will play out. Winners are in <strong>BOLD.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Players: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1297108' first='Rogelio' last='Rivera'], [player_tooltip player_id='1539996' first='Lonte' last='Ward Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297034' first='Hudson' last='Horvath'], Contrell Byrd, [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1981704' first='Albert' last='Gooden III'], DeZhon Hall, [player_tooltip player_id='2089936' first='Aidan' last='Hunt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1278639' first='Evan' last='Haywood'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158204' first='K.J.' last='Windham'], [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett'], James, Kalala, [player_tooltip player_id='1158210' first='K.C.' last='Berry'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297060' first='Jevon' last='Guess'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158219' first='Cam' last='Reich'], [player_tooltip player_id='1945635' first='Drew' last='Kegerreis']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Frist Round</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>North Central (Indianapolis)</strong> at Indianapolis Lutheran</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beech Grove at <strong>Park Tudor</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawrence Central at <strong>Lawrence North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perry Meridian at <strong>Pike</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brebeuf Jesuit at <strong>Ben Davis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southport at <strong>Franklin Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Decatur Central at <strong>Warren Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I<strong>ndianapolis Roncalli </strong>at Speedway</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quarterfinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Central at <strong>Park Tudor </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawrence North</strong> at Pike</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Davis</strong> at Franklin Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Warren Centra</strong>l at Indianapolis Roncalli</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Semifinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Park Tudor vs <strong>Lawrence North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Davis</strong> vs Warren Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Finals: </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lawrence North</strong> vs Ben Davis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->