Indy Heat Showcase: Top 17U Weekend Performers
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There was tons of talent in Fort Wayne for the Indy Heat Showcase, headlined by some good high-major talent and other emerging players. Here is a look at some of top 17U performers from the weekend. Chris Gunn Chris Gunn…
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Continue ReadingThere was tons of talent in Fort Wayne for the Indy Heat Showcase, headlined by some good high-major talent and other emerging players. Here is a look at some of top 17U performers from the weekend.
Chris Gunn Chris Gunn 6'5" | SG Lawrence North | 2022 State #114 Nation IN (Indy Heat/SG)
It was Gunn’s first time back on the court in a few weeks after dealing with an ankle injury. While he definitely spent the first half of his first game kicking off the rust, he came out on fire after halftime. He scored 13 of his 15 in the second half and went on his own personal 7-0 run to help Indy Heat take down Illinois Wolves. Gunn didn’t have his normal burst but he was extremely aggressive in attacking the rim and looking for his shot. Overall, it was a good weekend coming back. He hit a few outside shots, had good elevation on his mid-range jumpers and finished in transition and around the rim. Also was very efficient all weekend from the free throw line.
Fletcher Loyer Fletcher Loyer 6'4" | SG Homestead | 2022 State #108 Nation IN (Indy Heat/SG)
Loyer continues to play better and better each time I see him play. He showed his ability to play both on and off of the ball. He hit 3’s from all over the court, and even from NBA range at times. His ability to get his shot off is terrific. He is still better on catch and shoot opportunities than off of the dribble, but he showed a good ability to get by defenders in the open floor. One part of his game that continues to get better is his passing and ability to create for others. He had a few really nice looks for teammates.
Jaden Schutt Jaden Schutt 6'5" | SG Yorkville Christian | 2022 State #42 Nation IL (Illinois Wolves/SG)
One of the better all around players from the Illinois Wolves, Schutt did what he does best and that is shoot. He struggled in the earlier game to get his shot, but that was due to a lack of good looks. He typically doesn’t force many shots. As the weekend went on, he was able to get into a rhythm and knock in some perimeter shots. His game continues to evolve as a playmaker and an overall shot maker. He had some good drives leading to opportunities for himself at the rim, and his teammates around the rim.
Braden Huff Braden Huff 6'11" | PF Glenbard West | 2022 State #58 Nation IL (Illinois Wolves/PF)
Teammates with Schutt, Huff did a good job showcasing his versatile game. He can play in the low post, high post and even attack off of the dribble at times. He had some good finishes through contact at the rim and took his defender off of the dribble, too. Huff has good agility and put on a nice display of moves in and around the paint. He also stepped out a few times and hit from three.
Tayshawn Comer Tayshawn Comer 6'0" | PG Cathedral | 2022 State #226 Nation IN (Indy Heat/PG)
Comer is a blur in the open court and he put that on display in a few games. His speed and start and stop ability is extremely effective. He was able to get into the paint at will and put tons of pressure on the defense in the open floor. His best game was the opener where he had 18 points. He hit from the mid-range, finished through contact at the rim and was good in transition. His decision making is a bit suspect at times, trying to force things. Overall, Comer had a solid weekend and showed his full bag of tools when leading a team.
Kebba Njie Kebba Njie 6'8" | PF La Lumiere | 2022 State #152 Nation IN (Indy Heat/C)
A bit underrated while playing for La Lumiere, Njie was terrific this weekend. He has a good frame and a very athletic build. Njie was terrific on the glass on both ends of the floor and had a really good jumping ability. He’s versatile around the basket, but didn’t show a ton of ability to step out around the perimeter. If he wasn’t dunking almost everything he could, he showed good footwork to adjust around the defender.
Jalen Jackson Jalen Jackson 6'2" | PG Fort Wayne Northrop | 2022 State IN (Indy Heat/G)
Jackson was very impressive this weekend. He isn’t going to blow you away with his athleticism or size when on the floor with a ton of these guys, but he does a lot of the work that goes unnoticed. What you can’t miss is his good ability to drive to the basket. He was very aggressive attacking, but wouldn’t force anything at the rim. He finished through a lot of contact at times but also did a great job at making plays for others. His passing and vision was good all weekend.
Jack Karasinski Jack Karasinski 6'5" | SF Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 State MI (Grand Rapids Storm/G)
Karasinski put on a very well-rounded performance this weekend. He shot the ball great from the perimeter, either on catch and shoot opportunities or off of the bounce. His release is quick and high, making it difficult for most defenders. He plays with a lot of confidence and it shows on the floor when he is constantly making plays for others. He had some really good pocket passes on pick and rolls and showed his vision when he was double teamed on hard hedges by opposing big men.