Sectional 10 Deep Dive: Players to Watch Pt.1
The Indiana basketball regular season is coming too close this week. After how last year ended abruptly, every team is looking to take home a sectional title, and go after their class’ state championship. In the 4A class, there’s a…
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Continue ReadingThe Indiana basketball regular season is coming too close this week. After how last year ended abruptly, every team is looking to take home a sectional title, and go after their class’ state championship. In the 4A class, there’s a sectional that usually has 2-3 teams in the Fab 15 by the end of the year. This year infamous Sectional 10 has 6 teams that are a part of the Fab 15. Crispus Attucks, Cathedral, North Central, Lawrence North, Warren Central and Lawrence Central, all in the top 15. With all the individual talent from players on these teams, you may not be surprised by that. This is part 1 of the top players on the teams in Sectional 10 “The Sectional of Death”. Make sure to tune in for part 2 for more players to watch.
Jalen Hooks Jalen Hooks 6'6" | SF Warren Central | 2023 State #282 Nation IN 6’7 SF 2023 (Attucks)
Hooks’ freak athleticism and length are definitely in team’s scouting reports. The nationally touted sophomore has proven to be regarded high on both ends, in each of those categories this year. The athletic Franklin Central transfer is natural a rim protector, altering or blocking any shot at the rim in his vicinity. At his size and frame, Hooks has been a solid ball handler in the open floor. While he gets most of his points slashing to the rim or put backs, the forward has also been effective in iso situations in the half court on mismatches, with a slower big. He has shown to be very comfortable driving to the rim and finishing at and above the rim when needed, and as of late Jalen has been consistent in knocking down midrange, and is a willing and capable passer as well. On the back end of the season, the athletic sophomore has been very aggressive scoring in comparison to the beginning of the year. While still maturing, he has shown flashes that he can be the best forward in the state right now, as well as the best forward in this sectional. Look for him to continue that into the first round of the sectional as Attucks Takes on Tech. Jalen is ranked 1st in the 2023 class.
Isaiah Stafford Isaiah Stafford 6'1" | PG Crispus Attucks | 2021 IN 6’3 PG 2021 (Attucks)
The new Southern Indiana commit has had as good a year as you could have, moving states and transferring to a new school. Playing very well, while winning, putting himself in position to be an Indiana Senior All Star. Offensively this year, Isaiah’s proved he can score effectively at all 3 levels. Getting to the rim strongly, making threes off the catch or pulling up off the dribble, and the midrange where he is most effective. His skill, touch, and footwork in the 13-17 ft are, mixed with the natural fluidity of his game and movements make him very tough to guard. He scores effectively while playing his game. He is quick but plays the game with pace, choosing his attack points in the defense and getting to his spots for his high percentage shots. . Eyes will be on him throughout the playoff, as he matches up with some of the best talent in his position the state has to offer. He is not yet ranked in the 2021 class in this state.
Crispus Attucks is ranked 6th in the Fab 15 this week, however, they are 2-3 playing against 5 out of the 6 teams in the sectional in the regular season. They earned wins against North Central and Warren Central. While dropping tough close games against Lawrence North, Lawrence Central, and Cathedral. Their First round Matchup is against Arsenal Tech.
Tayshawn Comer Tayshawn Comer 6'0" | PG Cathedral | 2022 State #226 Nation IN 5’11 PG 2022 (Cathedral)
Comer is a quick guard with a rock steady handle. From blowouts to crunch time, the top 10 prospect is just as effective and poised, no matter the situation. Tayshawn’s a true point guard, getting where he wants to with his defined build and polished handle. With a quick first after an even quicker change of direction, the Cathedral junior gets into the teeth of defenses and finishes at the rim. Comer has shown his excellent footwork and balance, getting to his spots and scoring or facilitating. He splits his responsibilities well, making sure to score when he needs to while keeping his teammates engaged and happy. In the city championship this year, Comer took over in the 4th quarter, scoring 9 of his 16 points, scoring at will on multiple possessions as the game was close in the final minutes. He has shown he has no fear regardless of opponent or situation. Which is exactly what is needed in a sectional like this, which presumably will be action packed with close games throughout. The first round matchup against another tough point guard, will definitely be one to keep an eye on(see part 2). Tayshawn is ranked 8th in his class of 2022, 3rd in his position.
Vincent Brady Vincent Brady 6'3" | SG Cathedral | 2021 State IN 6’3 SG 2021 (Cathedral)
The Air Force commit is a smooth lanky guard that can score in any area on the court, and makes it look effortless. Brady has a nice 3 point stroke with a pull-up or off the catch. Even when chased off of the line, he has more than enough skill to put the ball on the floor and score at the rim. He has been effective as a shooter or slashing to the basket, and when his pull up 3 is consistent, he really makes defense choose between a lesser of two evils. The senior scorer has also shown discipline on the defensive end, being active and getting deflections that lead to runout dunks for him and his team. In this last week, Brady has exploded in back to back games with 35 points against Ben Davis and 25 points against Ft. Wayne Snider. Their first matchup in the sectional is tough matchup for him and the team, against a top ranked junior in his position, it will be a battle. The game will be very interesting, and to win, the scoring guard will have to play one of his best games of the season (see part 2). Vincent is currently ranked 32nd in the class of 2021
Cathedral is ranked 3rd in the Fab 15 this week, and 3-0 against Sectional 10 teams this regular season. They have beaten Warren Central, Attucks, and Tech. However, for the first round of the sectional, the Irish are going up against the 2nd ranked team in Lawrence North. Some would argue they are the best 2 teams in the sectional. It will be a battle, you don’t want to miss this matchup
Leland Walker Leland Walker 5'11" | PG North Central | 2022 VA 6’0 PG 2022 ( North Central)
From the summer last year to now, Leland Walker Leland Walker 5'11" | PG North Central | 2022 VA has solidified himself as the best point guard in the state regardless of class. The cat-quick point guard has multiple D1 offers and rightfully so, as his skills portray him as a guard with all the firepower needed to be successful at the next level. Walker’s athleticsm and speed have made him tough to stay in front of, but those tools mixed with his fluid handle, make him a notoriously dangerous guard going to the rim. The 6’0 guard has springs in his legs, soaring for dunks after rejecting a screen or splitting a double team after a screen. If Leland can’t finish above the rim, he has great balance and a strong core to take contact and power through, finishing tough layups. His lack of fear of his opponent, and confidence in himself, is exactly what you want in point guard that is leading your team. When defenders back off him, or bigs go under on screens, he comfortably pulls up for three and knocks it down. The athletic point guard also has shown change of pace, slowing down in the lane and lofting up 2 foot floaters. Battling through some injuries this year, he has been consistent as the anchor for the Panthers. Look for that to continue into the sectional. Leland is currently ranked 5th in the 2022 class, 1st in his position.
North Central is currently ranked 11th in the Fab 15 and has a first round bye. Their record is 1-6 in their sectional having lost to Lawrence North twice and everyone once except Tech, who they beat. They will play the winners of Attucks and Tech.