One of the new Ball State staffs’ first order of business was offering this 6’9″ rising junior center a month or so ago. Kiteka played extremely well in a morning game on Thursday finishing with 26 in a win for Cloverdale. He displayed his strong hands and finishing ability around the basket offensively while also controlling the game defensively at the rim. It will be interesting to follow his recruitment heading into Charlie Hughes and the July live periods.

This talented young big man suited up with Indy Heat 16u on the EYBL Circuit for the weekend in Kansas City. Kiteka, who normally plays on the UA Rise Circuit with the Indiana Jammers showed himself capable of holding his own at the highest level. The 6’9″ center immediately showcased his shot blocking ability swatting away five shots in two games while also finishing with 10 points and 3 rebounds in a win on Saturday. It was good getting to see him play against some of the top competition in his class nationwide.

Every time we check in on this young big man he seems to show significant improvement. We’ve been following Kiteka closely since his freshman year due to his obvious size and upside, but now he is starting to really put it all together. He finishes well around the basket, continues to move better and better, and remains one of the top shot blockers in the state of Indiana. Kiteka scored 17 points while dominating the paint on both ends in a win for Indiana Jammers 16u when we were in attendance on Friday.

The most dominant player in Southwest Indiana, Ishmael Kiteka Ishmael Kiteka 6'9" | C Cloverdale | 2028 State IN has continued his strong play following his dominant sophomore campaign at Cloverdale. The high potential big man is improving at a massive rate. He’s a mobile big that impacts the game on both ends. Elite shot blocker in the state of Indiana that owns the glass. Reliable jump hook over his left shoulder with a soft touch while his jump shot has improving range out to the three-point line.

It would probably be more note-worthy at this point if Kiteka did NOT deliver a double-double. However, the 6’9″ Cloverdale center did just that on Tuesday night finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 56-44 win over White River Valley. Kiteka remains one of the top prospects in Indiana’s Class of 2028.

The ultimate matchup nightmare in the Putnam County Tournament. The 6’10” Sophomore Center was dominant on both ends of the floor. Showcased his good hands and patience on his post ups. Heavy right hand finisher, but showed his ability to finish through contact. Didn’t show much range on his jump shot but knocked down a couple jumpers including a turnaround over a triple team. Ultimate paint presence on the defensive end where North Putnam didn’t even try him at the basket and when they did he ended up sending it away.

Stats: 24 points | 14 rebounds | 3 blocks

Kiteka is proving why we at Prep Hoops Indiana have him ranked so highly in the Class of 2028. He is a totally different player from even just this summer. The 6’9″ sophomore center moves so much better and has added an impressive turnaround jump shot in the post that is simply unguardable. Kiteka finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots in Cloverdale’s 75-52 loss to Terre Haute North.