Class 3A Indiana State Finals: Kyler’s Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The dust has finally settled and just like that, we have four games set for the Indiana High School Boys State Finals this upcoming weekend. Prep Hoops Indiana will have boots on the ground at Gainbridge Fieldhouse as always and will get a chance to watch all four games. The Class 3A State Championship matchup will feature the New Haven Bulldogs vs. the Cathedral Fighting Irish in the third game on Saturday. With that, here are two players to watch from both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2955304"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c00ac2488db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The only freshman to make an appearance in this watchlist series comes from Cathedral High School in 2029 guard [player_tooltip player_id='2955304' first='Ryan' last='Gold Jr']. Gold Jr. is one of the few freshmen playing an impactful role among the eight teams that made the state finals. He is averaging 5.8 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, showing his ability to contribute across the board. Gold Jr. is already one of the top prospects in Indiana's Class of 2029, highlighted by his elite shot creation ability off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140333"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c00ac24896c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When it comes to pure impact in the post, Cathedral junior power forward [player_tooltip player_id='2140333' first='Braylon' last='Pippins'] will be one of the best in the gym on Saturday evening. For Cathedral, he has been stellar in the paint, serving as their top option when it comes to post play. Throughout the season, he has averaged 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Irish. He is very consistent around the basket, using his strength and size to score through physical contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2892459"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c00ac2489da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The New Haven Bulldogs have made one of the most impressive runs to the state finals this season, and a lot of that can be credited to the play of their leaders—one of them being 2026 shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='2892459' first='Jadrien' last='Ezell']. The 6'2" guard is averaging a second-best 10.8 points per game for the Bulldogs and does a great job of hunting his shot, whether attacking the rim or pulling up from midrange. He is also very active on the defensive end, bringing energy and effort on both sides of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140444"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c00ac248a40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The other player who will be leading the New Haven Bulldogs this weekend vs. Cathedral is combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140444' first='Tarvar' last='Baskerville II']. Baskerville has been the top option for New Haven all season long, leading the team in scoring with 15.0 points per game. A top-50 prospect in the Indiana Class of 2027, Baskerville is a combo guard who is not afraid of the moment and does a great job of creating offense for himself at a high level. Expect a strong performance from him against Cathedral.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->