Purdue High School Shootout – Top Performers
![Purdue High School Shootout – Top Performers](https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Ertel.jpg?w=400)
In this article:
Every June, Prep Hoops Indiana makes it a point to get over to Purdue to take in one of their high school shootouts. This Thursday was one of the most competitive groups they were bringing in this month so we…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingEvery June, Prep Hoops Indiana makes it a point to get over to Purdue to take in one of their high school shootouts. This Thursday was one of the most competitive groups they were bringing in this month so we had boots on the ground coverage from Mackey Arena and surrounding other courts for a great day of basketball. Let’s dive on in and highlight some of the top performers from the event.
There is a lot of young talent at Carmel High School right now, but Couto has grown into an elder-statesman. His veteran leadership will help lead the Greyhounds into a season with high expectations. Couto is an excellent shooter that constantly puts pressure on the defense and attracts a lot of attention. Within their Motion offense he does a great job of moving off of screening action and can make tough shots on the move. On top of the obvious skill level, his non-stop motor and leadership qualities really stand out. He was a big part of Carmel’s 3-0 day which included wins over Chesterton, East Chicago, and Noblesville.
We are all familiar with how well Daeger can shoot the basketball. He has proven himself as one of the top shooters in Indiana’s Class of 2026. That certainly was on display once again at Purdue on Thursday. However, he really impressed with the continued expansion of his game showcasing his ability to create off of the dribble and find open teammates. Daeger can serve as a secondary playmaker while also stretching the defense with his shot-making ability.
Highlights
This will be a big summer for Ertel after he was forced to miss the vast majority of the high school season due to an injury sustained in football. The athletic, 6’1″ left-handed guard is back and as good as ever thought playing up with Indiana Elite 2025 on the 3SSB Circuit and obviously running the show for the Marauders of Mt. Vernon (Fortville) this month. Ertel appears to have complete control of the floor when the ball is in his hands. He can direct the traffic while not getting sped up, draw help when he penetrates to the paint, and make any pass on the floor. Then, as a scoring threat, he shoots at a good percentage from deep and can elevate to score in the mid-range or at the rim. Really good, well-rounded two-way point guard.
There has been a very natural progression to Harrell’s game from his freshman season to now going into what will be his junior year. The 6’7″-6’8″ wing has gotten noticeably bigger and stronger even just since this past high school season. His added physical strength allows him to take on contact when he drives to the basket and has really advanced his back to the basket game. Harrell is excellent inside displaying great patience in the post before making real moves. Then, when you mix it what he can do from the perimeter as a driver and you start to see why he is a Top 10 prospect in Indiana’s Class of 2026. He had a really good day at Purdue on Thursday.
Highlights
King is a highly productive scorer and rebounder for Harrison (West Lafayette) and that certainly translated against the competition at Purdue on Thursday. He is very strong and physical at 6’4″ with impressive length which allows him to be high percentage around the basket against bigger defenders. When he drives or cuts into the paint there is a good chance two points are coming. King’s overall versatility is what has garnered the attention of many of the top small college programs in the area as he will be highly sought after over the next few months.
Returning so much from a Sectional championship team has led to some serious off-season exceptions for the Avon Orioles. So far this spring they have lived up to the hype. They went 3-0 on Thursday at Purdue with Lott-Hancock leading the way. The 6’4″-6’5″ wing/forward dominated the competition off of the bounce consistently getting to his left hand and finishing around the basket. When he gets downhill, spins back to his left, and has a foot in the paint there is no stopping him. He is very strong, agile with the ball, and comfortable finishing against size inside. Look for a breakout senior season from Lott-Hancock.
Highlights
Chesterton’s matchup against Carmel to start the day didn’t go great, but Pokorney was certainly a bright spot for the Trojans. The athletic 6’3″ guard showed off his ability to get to the paint consistently where he finished in a variety of ways. Pokorney is excellent with both hands around the basket and can use the floater in the intermediate range against size as well. Along with his obvious shooting ability from three-point range, his continued progression as an intermediate range scorer and what he can do at the rim will really take his game to the next level. Highly skilled offensive player.
There is no denying the physical and athletic tools that Wallace possesses on the wing. He handled the ball a lot for East Chicago Central showcasing some comfortability in the open floor as he consistently sliced through the defense in transition. However, he was even more effective running the floor and receiving a throw ahead where he could go play above the rim to finish. Wallace is an excellent rebounder from the perimeter and has some upside as a two-way wing at the next level.