Havoc in the Heartland: Sunday Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual Havoc in the Heartland wrapped up Sunday in the greater Indianapolis area. Following are standout superlatives skill sets from championship action in the 2027 age group (kind of) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Shooter: [player_tooltip player_id='2422124' first='Brady' last='Bowman'] 6-0 2028 Lakota East (OH) (pictured) </strong>I used the qualifier <em>kind of </em>above as I wanted to stress the fact Bowman is a 2028 prospect playing up an age group. And play he did. Has “in the gym range” from the perimeter. When you combine it with a trigger quick release, he was easily not only the best shooter I saw on Sunday— but the whole weekend. Was in constant motion off the ball. Moved with speed and purpose and knew how to get open. Caught the ball in the shooting position and got it up quickly. More than just a pump. Also showed the ball handling ability to play the point when needed. Led his All Heart squad in scoring and an undefeated record on the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Highlight: [player_tooltip player_id='2402366' first='Maxwell' last='Vise'] 6-6 2027 Mount Vernon-Fortville (IN) </strong>Vise flashed major potential all weekend. I wrote about it on Saturday. I generally try not to write about players consecutive days. However the versatile 6-6 prospect forced my hand with a big time highlight. Late in his [program_tooltip program_id='2144117' first='Midwest' last='Stars'] closing contest. Seized the ball and proceeded to go coast-to-coast with his uncommon ball handling ability. Finished it off with an emphatic dunk that had the gym buzzing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Defense/Comeback: [player_tooltip player_id='2267060' first='Ozzie' last='Bates'] 5-7 2027 Evansville Christian (IN) </strong><em>and </em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2408663' first='Elijah' last='Chinn'] 5-8 Evansville Bosse (IN) </strong>I lumped this Evansville together for more than one reasons. They are similar in both game and frame. Built like fullbacks and played dogged on ball defense. This was key in Evansville Finest's huge come from behind victory to close out the weekend. Applied constant full court pressure to key the comeback. When needed to, they hit outside shots as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Driver: [player_tooltip player_id='2395325' first='AJ' last='Mcguinea'] 6-3 Garfield Heights Trinity (OH) </strong>Led his G Mode squad to 3-1 record on the weekend. Was a patient driver who lived at the rim. Went predominantly to the left side. Defenses adjusted accordingly and began to overplay him as the weekend continued. However had the type of speed where it didn't really matter. Also had a nice counter move to his right. While the penetration was explosive and hard to stop. Played at his own pace and didn't get sped up. Played with strength and off of two feet. Finishing through contact multiple times. Also showed a huge power jump stop that helped him create space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Long Term Potential: [player_tooltip player_id='2422302' first='JJ' last='Smith'] 6-3 2028 Lakota East (OH) </strong>I began with a 2028 prospect from All Heart. I'll end in the same spot. Smith is a bouncy and versatile prospect with some serious long term potential. This comes primarily from his athletic frame and ability to play easily above the rim already. More than just an athlete though. Showed good ball handling ability. Operated well in the mid range and high post areas. Should form a good long term duo with Bowman (see above) at Lakota East. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->