North Daviess Cougars | LG’s Open Gym Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Back in the gym for the third straight day making back to back stops at Sectional 62 rivals. Tuesday I saw the defending 1A State Champion Barr-Reeve Vikings. Wednesday I was in to see the North Daviess Cougars. Under first year Head Coach Dusty Cole making his way over from Paoli, the Cougars are looking to build off a 15-win season a year ago behind a nice blend of experience guards with talented underclassmen. Here are my observations from Wednesday Night's Open Gym at North Daviess:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Returners</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789333"],"_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-6ac6fa3e20091"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Left handed forward that has made a tremendous body transformation to become more versatile, [player_tooltip player_id='3789333' first='Cole' last='Boyd'] is a 6'2” senior that has worked to become an inside-out threat offensively and someone that competes on the defensive end. Really good shooter with a smooth stroke. Also showed during open gym that he can put it on the floor and finish in crafty ways around the basket. Should have an impact role this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789354"],"_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-6ac6fa3e200d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Steady junior guard that will be relied upon this season to provide leadership and shot making. Stocky frame guard that plays with a good base and a high motor. Runs the floor well and has the ability to get into his shot quickly off the catch. Unselfish player that looks to make the right play. One of many guards on the Cougars roster that can be effective in different roles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789334"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3789386,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6ac6fa3e200f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The straw that will stir the drink for the Cougars this season. If North Daviess wants to have the type of season they are expecting, [player_tooltip player_id='3789334' first='Koen' last='Stoll'] is going to be the one that leads them. Tough as nail junior guard that put on an absolute scoring clinic during open gym. Scores it well from all over the floor, the 5'9” guard can get whatever shot he wants. Really nice three-point shooter, but is arguably better at getting downhill where he can finish around length with either hand. Also a hard nosed defender that plays with active hands and moves his feet well. Has a chance to be the Cougars leading scorer this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jordan Knepp - 6'5” - Senior - Center: </strong> Not in Attendance (Football)</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":["2925238"],"_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-6ac6fa3e20113"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Prep Hoops Indiana Top 25 player in the class of 2030 is even better than I thought he was. Gotten to see him multiple times now in different settings, 6'1” Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2925238' first='Finnley' last='Cole'] has a chance to go down as one of the very best players to ever wear a North Daviess jersey. He's excellent at changing pace. He understand angles and how to get to spots on the floor and he's patient. He doesn't get sped up and has excellent footwork on his drives in the midrange where he utilized ball fakes well. At his size he's able to rise up over defenders with ease and has great touch around the basket. He's an unselfish guard that plays the right way. Impacts the game on both ends of the floor, and will be a complete game changer from Day 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789376"],"_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-6ac70aceaa958"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Long and lanky Sophomore Forward that is getting his first taste of high school basketball after sitting out his freshman year. [player_tooltip player_id='3789376' first='Ben' last='Hancock'] is a 6'4” Forward that is raw offensively, but has some nice tools to work with. Was able to knock down a couple catch and shoot 3's. Runs the floor well and is an excellent cutter off the ball. Throne one year hiatus from the game has affected him as far as his Basketball IQ, but makes up for it with high energy. Most likely getting majority of his minutes on the JV this season, but is one of the taller players in the program that will be a helpful piece in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789345"],"_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-6ac6fa3e20132"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Confident lead guard that I really enjoyed seeing play for the first time last night at open gym. [player_tooltip player_id='3789345' first='Trace' last='Riggins'] is a dynamic guard with his handle on a string and was able to get to any spot on the floor he wanted. Smaller guard but did an excellent job of creating space and and shoots it well from deep off the bounce. Absolutely love the rhythm and pace that he plays with. He's a tempo pushing guard that is good with the advance pass up the floor. Such a talented young player that will be hard to keep off the floor during winning time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2869149"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3789382,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6ac70aceaa9a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An unknown prospect to me heading into open gym is now a kid in my radar that could potentially be the second best long term prospect in the North Daviess Program. [player_tooltip player_id='2869149' first='Kason' last='Smith'] is a high motor, competitive shooting guard that will impact the game on both ends of the floor as most likely a day 1 starter. Best off the ball getting open on the wing and rising off the catch, but also showed he's a solid straight line driver that can absorb contact and finish strong. Heavy right hand right now, but is an absolute gym rat willing to do anything to help the team and to get better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3672765"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":3789385,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6ac70aceaa9c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Got to see 6'4” Sophomore Wing/Forward [player_tooltip player_id='3789346' first='Khalil' last='Wagler'] for the first time back in June and was impressed with his all around game. Almost four months later, he's added some weight and the skill set is still there making him one of the more versatile players not only for North Daviess, but in 1A South. Smooth lefty that can really shoot it, but loved his ability to put it on the floor. His midrange game is top notch where he can shoot it with a soft touch. Still getting to understand his own strength and power, and once he does, he will be a tough cover for anybody on North Daviess schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3789356"],"_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-6ac70aceaa9e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Intriguing piece that's part of the North Daviess Freshman Class that plays with an extremely high motor and is capable of creating chaos defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='3789356' first='Tristan' last='Wagler'] is a long and lanky forward that rebounds well and can guard multiple positions. Offensively he's a bit raw, but he's an active cutter and the ball doesn't stick with him. He will most likely get all of his minutes at the JV level this season, but he's yet another piece of the future for North Daviess to be excited about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Will Boyd - 5'8” - Senior - Guard: </strong>Not in Attendance (Football</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cambell Wittmer - 5'9” - Junior - Guard: </strong>Not in Attendance (Football)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dillon Wittmer - 5'10” - Freshmam - Guard:</strong> Not in Attendance (Football)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->