Open Gym Report: Indianapolis Lutheran Saints

Brandon Ramsey September 5, 2024 @ 04:00 PM

One of my favorite parts about working with Prep Hoops Indiana is being able to get out and spend time with the many outstanding coaches across the state of Indiana. That is why I value getting to as many open gyms and fall workouts as possible throughout the months of September and October. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity at a more intimate view of individual programs while also building a relationship with each coaching staff. Our journey across the state started on Tuesday, September 3rd with a trip to see the Flashes of Franklin Central High School and then heading just down the street to check out the Indianapolis Lutheran Saints.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   This is a program that is no stranger to success under head coach Remus Woods. Indianapolis Lutheran is 88-36 under Coach Woods who is entering his sixth season at the helm. In 2023, the Saints cut down the nets at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as the Class 1A State Champions. The leading scorer from that team, [player_tooltip player_id='1539996' first='Lonte' last='Ward'], is still around as are a couple of other key pieces that are now seniors. Expectations will be high for the Saints who will make a case to be the preseason #1 team in Class 1A when the Prep Hoops Indiana Rankings get released.   [player_tooltip player_id='1539996' first='Lonte' last='Ward'] is the star of the show for the Saints. The electric 5'10" guard averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.2 steals per game last season. Holding a handful of football offers, Ward remains under recruited on the hardwood. His dynamic playmaking ability is something that Division II, Division III, and NAIA programs will want to watch closely this winter. Meanwhile, classmate [player_tooltip player_id='2053660' first='Cayden' last='Loescher'] is another mainstay on Indianapolis Lutheran's roster. He was a key piece of their state championship team as a sophomore and averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game last season. Those two will provide an excellent one-two punch that will be hard for a lot of 1A teams to handle.   Along with Ward and Loescher, 6'8" senior center [player_tooltip player_id='2485715' first='Raishaun' last='McHaney'] is another name to know. He put up 6.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season and will once again anchor things around the basket for the Saints. However, this year, he will have some size next to him in the front court as well. Versatile 6'4" wing/forward [player_tooltip player_id='2539953' first='Jarrett' last='Harris'] is one of the most high-profile incoming freshmen in the Class of 2028. He will make an immediate impact at the varsity level for Indianapolis Lutheran as proven by his strong play in June at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.   In terms of depth, junior guard TJ Clark and senior wing Reece Koomler are two with varsity experience that could blossom into larger roles this season. Clark put up 5.7 points per game last season while Koomler is one to really watch for a breakout season. His catch-and-shoot ability coming out of a very good summer will help space the floor for the Saints.   This Indianapolis Lutheran team has a little bit of everything. They have super talented, veteran contributors who have tasted success and know what it takes to win a state championship. They have size around the basket. They have a freshman X-Factor who could add some more top end talent. There is enough shooting to take pressure off of Ward with the ball. Then, on top of all of that, they are well coached. You could make a very strong argument that this team will enter the 2024-2025 season as the favorite to cut down the Class 1A nets once again.

One of my favorite parts about working with Prep Hoops Indiana is being able to get out and spend time with the many outstanding coaches across the state of Indiana. That is why I value getting to as many open gyms and fall workouts as possible throughout the months of September and October. This time of year provides an excellent opportunity at a more intimate view of individual programs while also building a relationship with each coaching staff. Our journey across the state started on Tuesday, September 3rd with a trip to see the Flashes of Franklin Central High School and then heading just down the street to check out the Indianapolis Lutheran Saints.