Decatur Central Hawks | LG’s Open Gym Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back on the road again for Preseason Open Gym stopping in at Decatur Central this afternoon. The Hawks are coming off the school's first ever regional championship and return one of the state's premier backcourts along with 4 of their top 6 rotation players from a year ago. Here is everything I saw at Decatur Central's Open Gym:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Premier Backcourt</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2560619"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d1be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lengthy senior guard that was second on the team in scoring a year ago at 12.7 points per game had a big time spring and summer for Indiana Jammers and is primed for an outstanding senior campaign. [player_tooltip player_id='2560619' first='Makeil' last='Baker'], a 6'1” Senior Guard is a smooth bucket getter that can put up points from anywhere on the floor. Shifty guard that got to any spot on the floor he wanted today and showed a creativity with his finishing. Excellent footwork when he would get stopped around the basket and was able to get a look using his length. Excellent shooter off the catch from the perimeter. 38% from three a season ago and with the way he understands how to get himself open, I can see that number going up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2194347"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d240"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most dynamic point guards in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='2194347' first='Devin' last='Colbert Jr'] is a lightning quick guard that wreaks havoc on both ends of the floor. Big time on ball defender that applies relentless pressure on his matchup and has the ability to turn defense into offense in a hurry. Thrives in the open floor with his quickness. He's a great finisher around the basket for a smaller guard. In the half court, he can set the table for his teammates while also having the ability to break down his defender and go get a bucket when he needs to. Shot the ball extremely well from three this afternoon, he ultimately is best at getting to his midrange game where he can rise up or pick the defense apart as the help comes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2140420"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d29c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Been a huge fan for a long time of Marian University Commit [player_tooltip player_id='2140420' first='Nash' last='Sigmund']. Always been known as one of the premier shooters in the state, the continued development over the last couple years of his all around scoring ability is remarkable and makes him one of the toughest covers in the state. Always on balance. He's never in a rush to make a play. He's always poised and reads the defense well taking what they give him. Won't wow you with quickness or athleticism, but knows how to use his body to get to spots and creates space as well as any player I've seen. Averaged 12.3 points as Junior a season ago while shooting 39% from three. He's in for a huge senior season for the Hawks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2539816' first='Lavell' last='Love'] - 6'4” - Junior - Wing</strong> (Not in Attendance)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Avery Mourer - 5'10” - Senior - Guard </strong>(Not in Attendance - Cross Country)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Eli Swain - 6'4” - Senior - Forward </strong>(Not in Attendance - Cross Country)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Newcomers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794631"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d2eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Leading scorer on the JV a season ago is moving up and will play major minutes for the Hawks as Junior. [player_tooltip player_id='3794631' first='Blake' last='Williams'], a 5'11” Guard showed he's capable of playing on or off the ball, was really good at playing at his own pace and taking care of the ball. Knocked down open three's and was really good finding teammates for open looks on his drives. Will be a crucial member of one of the top backcourts in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794650"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d35a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A bruising Junior Center transferring in from Pike High School, [player_tooltip player_id='3794650' first='Marcel' last='Jackson'] has all the tools to be a major contributor this season for the Hawks. For a bigger player, he's extremely agile with good footwork to go with his power and strength. Will need to get in better shape, but really the sky is the limit for him to have a big time Junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2897208"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d3aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Like a carbon copy of his brother, love the improvement of [player_tooltip player_id='2897208' first='Gray' last='Sigmund'], a 6'0” 2029 Guard that possesses a high basketball IQ and a level of skill that will definitely help the Hawks sooner rather than later. Unselfish playmaker that could work to be a little more aggressive looking to get his own, but did a nice job knocking down his open looks. Could split time this season between JV and Varsity, but will be a major contributor moving forward for the Hawks in 2028.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794652"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d3f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">6'4” 2029 Wing [player_tooltip player_id='3794652' first='Jerry' last='McElrath'] is a versatile wing that plays with an incredibly high motor. Long and athletic wing that thrived in the open floor as a play finisher. Can see him being a guy that gets varsity minutes this season as a primary defender and rebounder. Definitely a name to remember in this Decatur Central 2029 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794653"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d43c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A kid that was solid all afternoon at open gym was 6'4” 2029 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3794653' first='Chase' last='Payton']. Played with no fear. Knew what his role on the team was, and played extremely hard. A bit unorthodox at times, but showed he's an excellent cutter and a capable floor spacer. Will most likely get the bulk of his minutes on JV, but is a kid that I can see getting into games and contributing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>• Kervinson Amisial - 6'7” - Senior - Center </strong>(Not In Attendance - Football)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Look to the Future</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3794660"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad180bf0d483"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arguably the most intriguing prospect that I got to see this afternoon at Decatur Central will be a kid that may not even get any varsity action this season. [player_tooltip player_id='3794660' first='Khalid' last='Popoola'] is a 6'7” 2030 Center that can do some eye popping things on the floor despite being super raw. Excellent at rim running and had some good hands for what I could see. High motor rebounder and a defender in the paint will make him a nightmare for JV teams this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->