Kyler's Early Season Standouts - Part 1

The first two weeks of the season has officially wrapped up with multiple big time games taking place in the early part of the 2025-26 season. I was able to make it out to a few games over the past few weeks and was able to see a good amount of standout performances from our high school prospects. Here is part 1 of my standouts in the early part of the season.    [player_tooltip player_id='2399375' first='Keaton' last='Lawson'] remains one of my favorite prospects to watch in the entire state. His blend of athleticism, fluidity, IQ, and playmaking are just a few of the intangibles that make him so special on the floor. I had the chance to watch him against Whiteland, and he showed once again that he's capable of taking over a game almost entirely on his own. While he's most comfortable operating on the ball, Lawson also flashed real potential as an off-ball slasher — including a dunk-of-the-year candidate on a one-hand finish off a backdoor cut. Even though Columbus East came up short against Whiteland, having a player like Lawson makes a coach's job significantly easier. His impact touches every part of the game.     Columbus East doesn't just rely on Lawson as their primary on-ball playmaker — they have another backcourt piece who can step in and make things happen. I got a look at 2027 rising guard [player_tooltip player_id='2470630' first='Judah' last='Lewis'] against Whiteland, and despite battling some foul trouble, he still had a handful of moments that really stood out. First, he was excellent shooting off the catch, knocking down multiple perimeter shots — something I honestly didn't know was in his arsenal. Second, he's at his best when he's able to explode downhill and get to the rim, using his strong, stocky frame to finish through contact. Lewis is definitely a guard to watch over the next two years for East.     Whiteland earned an impressive win over Columbus East, and honestly, it doesn't happen without the play of junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140455' first='Tyler' last='Angerer']. At first glance, Angerer might not pass the eye test, but once he steps on the floor, his impact becomes obvious. Despite a thinner frame, he attacks the basket with confidence and scores efficiently inside 15 feet, whether it's tough jumpers or finishes at the rim. Defensively, he drew the assignment of guarding East's [player_tooltip player_id='2399375' first='Keaton' last='Lawson'] and held his own for most of the night. Angerer is one of the better under-the-radar guards I've seen so far this season.     Early in the Whiteland vs. Columbus East matchup, it was all about big plays — and junior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2622069' first='Joban' last='Kalkat'] delivered several of them. He showcased a versatile skill set, knocking down a smooth jumper from the outside, jumping passing lanes for a steal and score, and even flashing some sneaky athleticism with a fast-break dunk. Kalkat is a valuable piece for a tough Whiteland squad.     Got the chance to watch 2027 Franklin Central guard [player_tooltip player_id='2622077' first='Raymond' last='Hayes'] this past Wednesday when the Flashes hosted Lawrence Central and I can easily say he was the most impressive player for FC. The Flashes were a little shorthanded but that opened more for Hayes throughout the contest. At 5'10, Hayes knows how to creates offense both on and off the ball showcasing quickness in the lane and knocking down multiple threes off the catch. An under-the-radar guard in the 2027 class to keep an eye on.     Even though he comes off the bench for a very loaded Lawrence Central team, [player_tooltip player_id='1561118' first='Doron' last='Harris'] can always make a case as one of the most important players for the Bears in the backcourt. Watching him vs Franklin Central this past week, he once against proved that if he gets a chance to go downhill, he is going to make a defense pay. He used his elite quickness to get to the rim in a blink's notice with multiple steals and jumpers to go with it. Harris makes plays happen.     Perhaps the most energetic player in the Lawrence Central-Franklin Central came from the frontcourt with that guy being senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2477117' first='Dayton' last='Stephens']. By far, Stephens was the most natural athlete on the floor this game using his length and bounce to make plays over the defender in the post. His athleticism gives Lawrence Central a different dynamic on the floor to pair with their shooting and defense. He is an intriguing matchup with any team LC faces this season.

The first two weeks of the season has officially wrapped up with multiple big time games taking place in the early part of the 2025-26 season. I was able to make it out to a few games over the past few weeks and was able to see a good amount of standout performances from our high school prospects. Here is part 1 of my standouts in the early part of the season.