Bundy’s Semi-State Forward Evaluations
In this article:
This week, I saw two high-level basketball matchups featuring some of the top talents in the state, and both of these games saw players shine under the bright lights with a trip to state on the line. In the first…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis week, I saw two high-level basketball matchups featuring some of the top talents in the state, and both of these games saw players shine under the bright lights with a trip to state on the line. In the first game, Gary 21st Century and Lafayette Central Catholic battled in a back and forth affair that ended up going to overtime before Lafayette Central Catholic pulled it out in the end. Then, in the 4A North matchup, Chesterton outlasted Kokomo in an amazing defensive battle that came down to each team having a chance to win it in the final 10 seconds. Now, let’s take a look at the best forwards in these two games.
Player Evaluations
Clark Barrett Clark Barrett 6'5" | SF Lafayette Central Catholic | 2022 State IN – 2022 6’5” SF – Lafayette Central Catholic
Barrett is a bigger forward who uses his length and agility to make plays around the rim. Though he struggled from the outside in this one, Barrett is a very good three-point shooter. He also dominates the glass by just outworking his opponents, and he displayed a strong array of post moves. Barrett finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds in the semi-state victory, and he will be playing football at Marian University next year.
Flory Bidunga Flory Bidunga 6'9" | C Kokomo | 2024 State #7 Nation IN – 2024 6’10” C – Kokomo
Bidunga is a long, lanky big man on the inside, and he is an absolute menace on the court. He really might be the best rebounder that I have ever seen at this level, and his shot-blocking ability is remarkable. There is no doubt that Bidunga is the best player in the 2024 class, and he should have his choice of any school in the country come his senior season. Despite foul trouble, Bidunga ended with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks in just 20 minutes of action.
D.J. Moss D.J. Moss 6'4" | SF Gary 21st Century | 2023 State IN – 2023 6’4” SF – Gary 21st Century
Moss is a big, thick body who is willing to bang around in the paint, but he can also step out and knock down the triple with consistency. He handles the ball well, and when he gets it, his first instinct is to drive. Moss ended with 9 points and 7 rebounds as well as 3 blocks on the defensive end. I like this kid’s game, and he should be playing NAIA or low Division one basketball in two years. Watch out for him this summer!
Clark Obermiller – 2022 6’5” PF – Lafayette Central Catholic
Obermiller had one of the best games that I have seen of any single player this season. Not only was he aggressive in attacking the basket and scoring it on the inside, but his rebounding ability really changed the game. Obermiller ended with 23 points and 18 rebounds including 10 offensive rebounds in the win. He outworks and outhustles every single player on the floor, and because of this, he has put himself on the radar of college coaches. If a Division three coach wants someone who is going to get into the gym and make everyone else better because of how hard he works, this is the guy to look for.
Eric Price Jr. Eric Price Jr. 6'9" | C Gary 21st Century | 2022 State IN – 2022 6’9” PF – Gary 21st Century
Price is a huge body that is an absolute force inside and around the rim. If you let him catch the ball deep in the post, you will not be able to stop him. He did most of his work on the offensive glass in this one as he had three offensive rebounds and putbacks. Not only is he a menace inside, but he also knocked down a three late in the game. Price ended with 16 points in the loss.
Justin Sims Justin Sims 6'6" | PF Chesterton | 2024 State IN – 2024 6’6” PF – Chesterton
Sims is a big forward on the inside who does a lot well on both ends of the floor. He has a lot of length which allows him to contest shots on the inside and grab rebounds. However, he did really struggle with the size of 6’10” Flory Bidunga Flory Bidunga 6'9" | C Kokomo | 2024 State #7 Nation IN . Sims also struggled from the floor, like the entirety of the Chesterton team, as he ended with 4 points and 5 rebounds on 0-6 shooting. Sims is going to be fun to watch develop over the next couple of years for sure.
Shayne Spear Shayne Spear 6'3" | SF Kokomo | 2023 IN – 2023 6’2” SF – Kokomo
Spear is a big wing who controlled the offense for Kokomo. He distributes the ball well and looks to get his teammates involved in the game. He struggled on the scoring side of things as he knocked down the first three of the game and did not hit another shot for the rest of the game. Spear is a big-bodied player who can do a lot, and it will be fun to watch him lead Kokomo back here next season.