Havoc in the Heartland: Saturday 2027 PM Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit rolled into the greater Indianapolis are for the annual Havoc in the Heartland showcase. After giving you the standouts from the AM sessions. Following are five standouts from the evening sessions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425702' first='Magnus' last='Johnson'] 6-6 Chicago DePaul Prep (IL) (pictured) </strong>The most impressive performance I saw in the evening sessions. The rare case at this age group of the production matching the potential. The potential portion jumps off the page. Has a very lengthy but has an athletic frame. With the wingspan, plays closer to 6-7 or 6-8 than his listed height. Ran the court fluidly for his size. The athleticism is new school. The drop steps and pivot usage in the post are decidedly old school. Finished with both hands around the basket. Including a nice left hook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425718' first='Cole' last='Raub'] 6-3 Chicago Walter Payton Prep (IL) </strong>While Johnson was holding down the block for LVL Basketball. Raub was athletically slashing from the wing. Like his teammate Johnson. Also has a long and rangy frame that helps him play taller than his listed height of 6-3. Along with his bounce, this helps him plays easily above the rim. Had more than one impressive finish out in transition. In the half court. Used a nice handle to get to his spots. Once there easily and effortless rose over defenders. Looks like he still has some room to grow into his frame. A lot potential in this prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carlos O'Connell 6-0 Saint Charles North (IL) </strong>Versatile prospect who did a bit of everything for M 14 Hoops. Showed the ability the slide between both backcourt positions. Scoring when his team needed. But also setting up and initiating offense at times. Was aggressive and attacked the basket without pause. Had a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. Has a stocky but athletic frame. With plenty of quickness as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2434102' first='Donovyn' last='Williams'] 6-7 Niles (MI) </strong>Readers need to look at the parentheses. I'm not taking about the Niles that serves as a near suburb of Chicago. The Michigan Niles is essentially a suburb of South Bend. This prospect has a ways to go as a prospect. But he has intangibles you just can't teach already. First and most obvious. He has eye opening size. Is a legitimate 6-7 with a wide frame. Especially in his lower body. Which means he isn't going to get pushed off the block. Seemed to know his potential as a post. Wasn't chasing around shots on the perimeter or needlessly trying to handle the ball. Fought hard for position down low. Had soft hands and touch around the basket. Has obviously been well schooled. Kept the ball high after rebounds and catches. Attacked the ball on the boards and did not wait for it to come to him. A lot potential that this player is just beginning to scratch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2430755' first='Josh' last='Rodenbaugh'] 6-3 McBain (MI) </strong>Had the play of the day. A 3/4 court heave at the halftime buzzer as his squad was trailing. Turned out to be the difference in the game. Outside of the highlight made winning plays all day for Real Basketball. Excellent lateral athleticism and covers a lot of ground defensively. Is also a good shooter and above average ball handler for his size. Comes from a rural area in Northern Michigan. These tournaments are good for these types of prospects. Shows that they can play with regional competition. Bright future for a prospect who plays in a deep and talented regular season program. Should make an impact at the varsity level in the coming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->