Prep Hoops Havoc in the Heartland: Indiana 15U Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second Indiana stop of the Prep Hoops Circuit took place outside of Indianapolis this past weekend. The annual Havoc in the Heartland produced plenty of high level play from players hailing throughout the Midwest. I'm going to focus on the home team today. Giving you a list of Hoosier state standouts from the 15U division of competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442377' first='Zander' last='Whitaker'] 6-1 2028 Jimtown (pictured) </strong>Michiana area team Indiana Impact had an outstanding 4-0 weekend. While it was balanced team throughout the weekend. Whitaker gradually stepped forward as the team's leading scorer. Was an excellent driver. Had a particularly potent spin move that he finished off of well. Also showed a smooth and efficient release from beyond the arc. Saved his best for last. In a close game against the top team from another bracket. Whitaker put up 27 much needed points in a four point victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442397' first='Jackson' last='Woolwine'] 5-8 2028 Jimtown </strong>While Whitaker was the dynamic scorer for Indiana Impact. His Jimtown teammate was the steady floor general. Not very big, but used his craftiness and court vision to get out of high traps. Kept the ball moving in the half court and made the right pass. Was more than just a distributor though. Put up a team high 17 points in a win against a Midwest Flyers (OH) squad that featured a strong backcourt. Jimtown is coming off a successful season and is going to have a new head coach. Whoever it is, they are going to have nice backcourt building blocks in Woodwine and Whitaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jawaun Johnson 5-8 2028 South Bend Riley </strong>You don't go undefeated on a weekend with all offense. Johnson was the defensive dynamo for Indiana Impact. Was especially evident in a Saturday afternoon victory over a Midwest Flyers squad that a featured a talented 6-1 point guard (see above) While that player finished with 24 points, many of them came early. As Johnson's speed and defensive intensity slowed him down a bit on the second half. The defense is ahead of the offense at this point. However that doesn't mean he struggles on that end. Is a good ball handler with plenty of speed. Makes the right pass and the ball doesn't stick in his hands. Between 2027's [player_tooltip player_id='2140346' first='Dakori' last='Parker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2129321' first='Drew' last='Dixon'] there is some serious point guard play in South Bend. With some offensive improvement, perhaps Johnson could work his way into that grouping</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lucas Magsamen 6-4 Noblesville </strong>Indiana Impact wasn't the only Hoosier squad to post an undefeated weekend. It's a mouthful but IE Indy Hoops 9th Black also put together a 4-0 weekend. Keying that was the lengthy 6-4 forward. Mostly played in the post when I caught him. His long arms help him play taller than his listed height. Showed a soft touch around the basket and wasn't timid down low. Also showed accurate passing out of the high post and the ability to step out a hit a three. Ran the court with speed and purpose. Getting plenty of easy baskets. Put up 17 points in his teams final victory of the weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2714603' first='Dylan' last='Daugherty'] 5-8 2029 </strong>A handful of players tested themselves by playing up an age division on the weekend. Daugherty caught my eye playing with Lafayette Panthers. While not glaringly small, also doesn't appear to be too physically advanced. That's a good thing. As his mature floor allows to stay on the court with older players. Plays with his head up and is good in two man situations. Showed a confident stroke from beyond the arc. Didn't need much space to get it off with a trigger release. Showed nice counters when defenses ran him off the arc. Mainly a high arching mid range floater. Also showed toughness by playing through an ankle injury in a overtime victory over Indianapolis' based Progeny.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->