A Snowy Week in Review | Top Performers

With a snow storm knocking out most of Southwest Indiana games for the week, I spent my time watching streams of available games. Here are my top performers from Saturday, January 24th to Friday, January 30th:    The Detroit Mercy Commit did what he does in every game he steps on the floor in the Indianapolis City Tournament Championship. The highly versatile forward impacted the game in so many different ways leading Cathedral to back to back City Championships finishing with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.     In the highly anticipated Top 10 matchup versus New Albany, Richmond Signee [player_tooltip player_id='2476482' first='Dane' last='Caldwell'] had a dominant defensive performance. The long and athletic wing/forward was in passing lanes all night long turning the game into his very own dunk contest finishing with 4 steals to go along with 17 points and 8 rebounds.     Game in and game out, Evansville North Senior Forward [player_tooltip player_id='1561076' first='Bryson' last='Chapman'] delivers a top notch performance, and he was able to do it again on Friday night despite his team struggling. The long and lanky inside-out forward was able to handle the New Albany pressure and made plays all game long with his size and skill. Scoring a team high 19 points and grabbing five rebounds despite the loss, New Albany had a tough time guarding him one on one. Chapman has a knack for getting open and he's not a player you can leave open. He knocked down two 3's stretching the defense as well as being an excellent cutter off the ball being able to finish around the basket.     Had the chance to see [player_tooltip player_id='2954490' first='Ian' last='Collins'] play twice on stream. The talented sophomore guard from Scecina put in a big time performance in the Crusaders blowout win in the City Semifinals versus Crispus Attucks scoring 20 points, 18 in the first half doing it by getting downhill and finishing at the rim at a high rate. Showed the ability to step out and hitting the three but didn't settle. Also made a living on the defensive end turning Attucks over and converting.     The sharpshooting Stony Brook Commit came out on fire knocking down a couple 3's on his way to a smooth 20 point night. Showed his all around game in this one. Loved his ability to get to the basket and finish in crafty ways. Has a quick first step that allows him to get by his defender and plays stronger than he looks where I thought he did a good job playing on balance.     The high potential sophomore forward from Scecina put in a dominant second half in the City Championship versus Cathedral almost lifting the Crusaders to a comeback victory. He scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half. He's a physical presence that plays longer than he is. He's comfortable playing out on the perimeter. Capable shooter from 3, but doesn't force his shot.     [player_tooltip player_id='2140328' first='Brandon' last='Hunter'] is best known for his passing ability. His leadership skills on the floor. The questions of his shooting and scoring ability were put to rest in this game as he came out more aggressive looking for his own shot than I have ever seen him. He knocked down three 3's as well as getting downhill and finishing through contact. He scored a game high 28 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 5 assists leading Silver Creek to a big time Top 10 win over New Albany.     Scecina senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2477113' first='Bryce' last='Mathis'] was the Crusaders constant scoring threat in both the City Semifinals and City Championship game averaging 15.5 points and 5 rebounds in the two games. Has the ability to score it all over the floor. Smooth release on his shot with deep range that he shoots with confidence.     Got the chance to see New Albany Junior Point Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2125697' first='Reece' last='McKee'] in two games and he was sensational averaging 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. He effected the game on both ends of the floor with his on ball defense as well as his playmaking. He showed his ability to create separation off the dribble and getting to his midrange as well as stretching the defense from the three-point line.     The University of Illinois-Chicago Commit played like the best player in the best player in the state in Crown Points win over Chesterton on Monday Night. Dominating on both ends of the floor, [player_tooltip player_id='1561617' first='Dikembe' last='Shaw'] scored 20 of his 33 points in the first half. The versatile inside out threat not known for his three-point shooting but knocked four 3's, including two to open the second half. Also showed his tremendous playmaking ability with 4 assists.     The National 4-Star sophomore put together one of the most impressive 4th Q scoring performances I have ever seen. Beginning the last period with just six points and no made field goals, he completely took over the game scoring 20 of his team high 26 points. He's a smooth offensive talent that trusts the work he puts in. He may seem to take tough shots, but he makes a lot of tough shots. At 6'5”, he's able to elevate over essentially any matchup that guards him. Big time scorer it's big time talent with his best basketball still ahead of him.     Not many players in the 2028 in-state class with as much upside as MJ Wilson of Crown Point. Long and athletic wing made his presence felt all game long in the Bulldogs win over Chesterton on Monday night finishing with 12 points and 2 steals. Fluid 6'5” athlete that scores in a variety of different ways. Versatile defender that was aggressive in passing lanes looking to turn defense into offense. Once he did, he showed he can make big time plays in transition.

With a snow storm knocking out most of Southwest Indiana games for the week, I spent my time watching streams of available games. Here are my top performers from Saturday, January 24th to Friday, January 30th: