3 For 3: Week 3 Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 high school boys' basketball season is underway and we at Prep Hoops Indiana want to give you the absolute best coverage in the whole state. Indiana is full of great teams and talented players thus giving the fans incredible matchups every week. Join me, Kyler Staley, every Monday during the season as I preview the 3 Players, 3 Teams, and 3 Matchups to watch for that coming week. Are you ready? Let's get started!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1275780"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Man what a start to the senior season of Eastern Kentucky guard [player_tooltip player_id='1275780' first='Micah' last='Davis']. Has led his team to start the season 3-1 which includes a big win over Center Grove while he is also putting up big time performances as well. Davis is one of the best guards in the state and has really put the Grizzly Cubs on his back this season has them playing very good basketball. He is an explosive, dynamic playmaker with high-level end-to-end speed and the ability to get up and finish around the rim at the end of his drives. Look for him to continue his great play as he leads Franklin at Greenwood (12/8) and Columbus East (12/9) this week.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656f47aac328b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1297002"],"_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_0_evaluation":"The 6'4 long and lanky wing remains as one of the best juniors in the state this season. In three games this season, Konieczny has looked really solid and lot of that is due to the help he has around him this season which has taken a bit of the pressure off of him. He is an excellent shooter, both off of the catch and the dribble, handles the ball well at his length, and is a fluid athlete. Hard to find a smoother, pure scorer in the northern Indiana region. He and SBSJ travel to Jimtown (12/7) and Goshen (12/9) this week looking to improve to 4-1.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656f47aac32f0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1385611"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Moving down to southern Indiana is a guard that is a little overlooked in my opinion, Silver Creek shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1385611' first='Kasen' last='Daeger']. In the four games of the Dragons this season, Daeger has put up some big time performances including 31-point outing in the first game of the season. The 6'3 shooting guard is one of the best pure scorers in that in-state class. He plays with a high IQ and can either score at the rim and especially knock down the long ball well. Plays with a tough motor on both ends of the floor as well. He and Silver Creek will look to remain undefeated as they host North Harrison (12/8) and travel to Jennings County (12/9).","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656f47aac3341"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Teams</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bloomington North (4A)</strong> - Although this is loads of talent on this Bloomington North team, the Cougars have really struggled in their first two games this season as they have lost to both Bedford and Center Grove. While this is a very talented team on paper, there are some youth problems so the inexperience at this varsity level has been a transition. They are led by 6'5 junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1749527' first='Luke' last='Lindeman'] who has had a solid start to the year. Around Lindeman, they have some guys with great long term potential in sophomore shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1560959' first='Jalen' last='Williams'] and freshman lead guard [player_tooltip player_id='2140349' first='Derrick' last='Cross Jr']. While there are struggles now, this is a team that could better as the season progresses and that could start this week with a game at Mooresville (12/8) and vs Franklin Central (12/9). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tipton (2A)</strong> - The Tipton Blue Devils are rolling to start the season. Currently sit at 3-0 on the season and have wins over Tri-Central, Frankfort, and Frankton. At the 2A level, they have one of the best 1-2 punch combos in 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1158205' first='Nolan' last='Swan'] and 2025 wing [player_tooltip player_id='1297029' first='Grady' last='Carpenter'], both who can really put up points and make play happen. They are one of the teams that are favorites to make a deep post-season run and they will look to continue proving that as they play Western (12/8) before a big time showdown vs Delta (12/9). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Morgan Township (1A)</strong> - The Cherokees are one of the teams in Class 1A with the best start to the season. Are 3-0 to start off the season with wins over Lowell, Bethany Christian, and Oregon-Davis but I feel they are about to to hit their biggest test yet. This week, they have two important yet tough games on the road first coming at 4A Kankakee Valley (12/7) and then at 3A Tippecanoe Valley on 12/8. All eyes will be on 2024 guard [player_tooltip player_id='1879419' first='Keagen' last='Holder'] who will be looking to lead the Cherokees with his playmaking ability this weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3 Matchups</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scottsburg (3A) at Brownstown (2A) – Dec. 8th, 7:30 pm:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not only is this the biggest matchup in southern Indiana this weekend, it may be the biggest game period across the state. Of course, the hype of this game all comes down to the health of Purdue signee [player_tooltip player_id='1158245' first='Jack' last='Benter'] who missed last week's big Brownstown game vs Lawrence North. If Benter is available, it will be a great Big 3 vs Big 3 contest with Benter, [player_tooltip player_id='1297005' first='Colby' last='Hall'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1547584' first='Parker' last='Hehman'] taking on the Scottsburg trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1578484' first='Wyatt' last='Zellers'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276470' first='Jack' last='Miller'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1401893' first='Kody' last='Clancy']. The atmosphere for this game is going to be as about as electric as you could imagine with so much talent on the floor and two of the best teams in the southern region going head-to-head. I think the deciding factor is Scottsburg's senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1295314' first='Caden' last='Richardson'], who will make important plays for the Warriors. Give me Scottsburg regardless if Benter plays or not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Indianapolis Lutheran (1A) at Greenwood Christian (1A) – Dec. 9th, 7:30 pm:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending Class 1A champs Indianapolis Lutheran finally get their season started this week as they have two games with their biggest one coming on Saturday at Greenwood Christian. The Cougars of Greenwood Christian are also one of the favorites to make a deep post-season run but will have to go through Lutheran in Sectional 59 in order to do so. This will be a great first test for both teams before they likely meet up again in March. The key showdown will be Lutheran backcourt [player_tooltip player_id='1539996' first='Lonte' last='Ward Jr.'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2053660' first='Cayden' last='Loescher'] vs Greenwood Christian backcourt [player_tooltip player_id='1386511' first='Max' last='Booher'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1529293' first='Evan' last='McIntire']. I give the slight edge to Lutheran in this game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Forum Tipoff Classic - Dec. 9th, 12:30-8:30</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual Forum Tipoff Classic is this Saturday at Southport and the field is just as loaded as it usually is! This event is always one of the best in the state and with the lineup we have this year, that will not change. Below is the full schedule plus the top talent that will be in attendance. My picks are listed in <strong>BOLD</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12:30: Southport vs <strong>Greenfield-Central </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2:00: Warren Central vs <strong>Center Grove</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:40: Guerin Catholic vs <strong>Heritage Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5:20: <strong>Crispus Attucks</strong> vs Noblesville </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:00: <strong>Lawrence North</strong> vs Fort Wayne Wayne</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8:30: <strong>Fishers</strong> vs Kokomo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top Prospects: [player_tooltip player_id='2089932' first='Robert' last='Walker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1277566' first='Nick' last='Glover'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158238' first='Joey' last='Schmitz'], [player_tooltip player_id='1547488' first='Will' last='Spellman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1455666' first='Peyton' last='Byrd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1547490' first='Jalen' last='Bundy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1547883' first='Dylan' last='Murans'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275817' first='Robert' last='Sorensen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158209' first='Aaron' last='Fine'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275012' first='Hunter' last='Walston'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275771' first='Ron' last='Rutland III'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158227' first='Mason' last='Lewis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158193' first='Jevon' last='Lewis'], [player_tooltip player_id='1158213' first='Kobi' last='Bowles'], [player_tooltip player_id='1275769' first='Myles' last='Baker'], [player_tooltip player_id='1363488' first='Flory' last='Bidunga'], [player_tooltip player_id='2079500' first='Keenan' last='Garner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1578471' first='Taden' last='Metzger'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297118' first='Trent' last='Sisley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297006' first='Colten' last='Hopf'], [player_tooltip player_id='1296984' first='Braylon' last='Mullins'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297043' first='Jack' last='Turner'], [player_tooltip player_id='1306153' first='Michael' last='Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297060' first='Jevon' last='Guess'], [player_tooltip player_id='2053677' first='Ezekiel' last='Kirby'], [player_tooltip player_id='2277727' first='Michael' last='Chigozie'], [player_tooltip player_id='2053658' first='Bryson' last='Cardinal'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297019' first='Dezmon' last='Briscoe'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297001' first='Chase' last='Barnes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1297032' first='Trey' last='Dillard'], [player_tooltip player_id='1296979' first='Azavier' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1381461' first='Zion' last='Bellamy'], [player_tooltip player_id='1578426' first='Justin' last='Kirby'], [player_tooltip player_id='1525664' first='Jonanthony' last='Hall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II'], [player_tooltip player_id='2252564' first='Kai' last='McGrew'], [player_tooltip player_id='1729136' first='Brennan' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='2252551' first='James' last='Kalala'], [player_tooltip player_id='1561440' first='Korbyn' last='Hammel'], [player_tooltip player_id='1561074' first='Baris' last='Moore'], [player_tooltip player_id='1560951' first='Jake' last='Prior'], [player_tooltip player_id='2267046' first='Jason' last='Gardner Jr.'], [player_tooltip player_id='2140345' first='Cooper' last='Zachary']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->