Summer Stock-Risers: Eight Rising Sophomore Prospects to Follow

The summer grassroots scene has now, for all intents and purposes, come to a close. Prep Hoops Indiana had boots on the ground coverage from the annual GRBA National Championship in Fort Wayne this past weekend to cap off a great run of event coverage. There were a lot of programs that had gone ahead and shut things down for the summer, but it was still a good weekend in the gym. With the slate starting to become a little lighter we wanted to go ahead and start looking big picture at the summer and highlighting some stock-risers beginning here with eight names in the rising sophomores class that clearly deserve some special recognition.    The primary floor general for one of the most impressive 15u teams of the spring and summer, Bennett led [program_tooltip program_id='2847679' first='Refined' last='Indiana'] to a tone of success on the Prep Hoops Circuit. His ball handling and passing abilities stand out the most at this point, but Bennett has proven to be a knockdown three-point shooter when open as well. He was consistently flirting with triple-doubles and was one of the best pure playmakers that we saw in Indiana's Class of 2028. As the rankings continue to expand in the next couple of updates he is one you can expect to start cracking the list.     This 6'2" wing continues to prove himself as one of the top catch-and-shoot threats in Indiana's Class of 2028. After getting some valuable experience in a larger role for Kokomo High School through the month of June, Cardwell came out in July and shot the ball with a ton of confidence for [program_tooltip program_id='2076166' first='Grand' last='Park Premier']. He had a recent 27-point performance where he shot 6-9 from deep while also making five three-point shots in another game that same day. What he can do as a perimeter shot-maker definitley makes him worth following.     Diallo was one of the most impressive young prospects for an [program_tooltip program_id='2400000' first='Indiana' last='Elite Team Indiana'] 15u group that qualified for the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championship and played very well in Rock Hill. The 6'4" wing is very versatile on both ends of the floor. His length and athleticism allows him to rebound at a high-level for his position while he also adds some legitimate rim protection as a shot blocker. On the offensive end, Diallo is a capable catch-and-shoot threat, but really excels in transition and as a right hand driver. He was in the starting lineup for Brownsburg High School during the month of June.     Gilvydis had some monster games, especially when it comes to shooting the basketball, for [program_tooltip program_id='2075551' first='Indiana' last='Game'] 15u on the UA Rise Circuit this spring and summer. We had the opportunity to see some of those games in May when the circuit came to Hamilton, Ohio and he continued to be a consistent performer for them throughout the summer. The rising sophomore at Andrean High School had a big freshman season and should step into even a larger role this winter. He is another one that should break into our Class of 2028 prospect rankings as we continue to expand them with each update.     You won't find many rising sophomores with the strong build and physicality of this guy. Johnson is 6'2" and about 220 pounds. He is able to physically dominate his peers around the basket and on the glass. However, he pairs his strength with some skill level as well. Through the summer we saw him continue to expand his game by taking some defenders off of the bounce and even knocking in some open catch-and-shoot three-point shots. Look for Johnson to have a breakout sophomore season at South Bend Riley High School this winter.     Another Kobe is coming up through the system at Portage High school. The 6'1" point guard is a talented playmaker and immediately caught our attention as one to watch in the Class of 2028 when he attended our Prep Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase last fall. Since then he has averaged 5.5 points per game as a freshman at Portage and had a great summer on the New Balance P32 Circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2399422' first='Darius' last='Garland Elite'] 15u. He is a highly skilled left-handed playmaker that can score it from all over the floor and consistently gets paint touches off of the bounce. Kobe will be one to break into our rankings within the next expansion or two.     One of a few very talented freshmen to make an instant impact at Beech Grove High School last season, Mastin stepped into a lead ball-handling role and averaged 3.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Based on how he played at the Charlie Hughes Showcase with the Hornets he is ready to take on an expanded role as a sophomore. Mastin is quick and shifty with the ball in his hands and makes good decisions from a live dribble while attacking the basket. His ability to score or make plays for others makes him very dangerous as a penetrator. Definitely a Class of 2028 guard to follow over the next few years.     Parke Heritage will enter this coming season as one of the favorites to cut down the nets in Class 2A. They return a ton, once again, and have depth pieces like Smith in the front court that look to be ready to contribute some. The 6'6" center moves very well for his size. He is an effective rim-runner, is active on the glass, and is capable of rebounding his area. Smith was a key piece for Indiana Jammers 15u on the UA Rise Circuit this spring and summer holding his own against some very good competition. As Smith continues to get stronger and expand his offensive skill set he will become a very intriguing prospect.

The summer grassroots scene has now, for all intents and purposes, come to a close. Prep Hoops Indiana had boots on the ground coverage from the annual GRBA National Championship in Fort Wayne this past weekend to cap off a great run of event coverage. There were a lot of programs that had gone ahead and shut things down for the summer, but it was still a good weekend in the gym. With the slate starting to become a little lighter we wanted to go ahead and start looking big picture at the summer and highlighting some stock-risers beginning here with eight names in the rising sophomores class that clearly deserve some special recognition.