Broad Ripple vs William Penn- Standouts

Broad Ripple Middle School vs. William Penn Middle School- These young standouts were definitely worthy of being showcased in a Prep Hoops Next article.    This young man was unstoppable in the game I watched Wednesday night! Edresse played like a man amongst boys versus Broad Ripple Middle School. He stayed in constant attack mode by going to the basket in isolated situations or driving coast to coast after defensive rebounds. A very athletic player who excelled at rebounding on both ends of the floor. I strongly believe he finished the game with a double-double. Edresse is a really good passer who was able to find teammates for high percentage shots on numerous occasions. Defensively, Edresse was really elite at blocking shots and forcing turnovers from the opposition. Playing excellent on-ball defense was also a strength he showcased. I counted three blocks and four steals in Wednesday night's game. He runs the floor well and finishes in transition. (sometimes through contact) Edresse finished as the game's leading scorer with (30) points. Keep working Edresse!!     Ian's a natural floor leader who happens to be able to score. Excellent ball handler and play-maker who always seemed to blow by defenders and find teammates with slick passes. These assists were often converted into easy baskets. This guy has a very effective mid-range game which allowed him to draw in defenders and get to the rim. Ian was also effective at creating shots while using the dribble to free himself. On a number of occasions, he was able to knock down threes with side or step-back dribble moves. He was the clear cut leader in regard to running his team as the point guard. Very knowledgeable of how to run the team offense and direct his teammates on where they're supposed to be. Ian was really good at forcing opposing guards into turnovers. He often applied excellent on-ball pressure that generated multiple steals, leading to fast break opportunities for himself or others. Ian definitely has the skills to be an effective point guard at the high school level.     Phillip's an excellent low post player who has the ability to step out the paint and make shots from mid-range. He's the type of scorer who had no issue putting the ball in the basket. A really good ball handler and passer who often used his skills to get to the basket or find open teammates along the perimeter. Phillip's a very strong player who over powered smaller defenders in the paint with good post moves. As I said, knocking down fifteen foot jump shots was a strength he took full advantage of. In Wednesday night's game, I watched Phillip make a high number of field goals that helped the team's production. This young man was a monster on the boards! I saw him constantly attacking the glass, especially on the offensive side of the court. I counted at least five offensive rebounds that lead to either put-backs or kick-outs to open teammates behind the arc. On defense, Phillip played a physical style against the opposition. He prevented his opponent from being effective on offense by crowding their space and making scoring very difficult.     Jalen is what I call a "glue guy." He's the kind of player who doesn't score much but seems to do everything else. An excellent rebounder who's tenacious on both the offensive and defensive backboards. Runs the floor well and finishes in transition. A very energetic player who's always active and never seems to tire. Jalen is that player who hustles for every loose ball and takes charges on defense. He scored most of his points on offensive put-backs after grabbing rebounds. Defensively, is where he excelled the best. Jalen has a great shot blocking ability, which he often used to prevent the opposition from attacking the paint. His great timing and footwork allowed him to be effective in the painted area of the court. He also used his length to poke at opponents with his long reach and quick hands. This lead to numerous steals for him and his team. Jalen does all the necessary intangibles needed to help a team win.     Jason's a really good scoring guard who happens to play the point guard position. He's an excellent passer who lead his squad in assists and play-making. Excels at pushing the pace and leading the fast break for easy scoring opportunities. Great ball handler who can break down defenders and attack the basket using floaters and scoring with layups. Jason's an elite passer who I watched throw a number of flashy dimes which often found its target. These passes lead to a lot of open looks around the rim and along the perimeter for teammates. On a number of occasions, he knocked down step-back threes while creating space with excellent dribbling skills. Defensively, Jason really excelled at playing passing lanes and taking the ball away from the opposition. I watched him force the opposing guard into three turnovers. All would end up being turned into positive plays for the Broad Ripple squad. I predict this season will go really well for Jason. He's a baller!!     Robert's a really tough minded scorer who has a knack of putting the ball in the basket. I watched him score multiple times in the the paint despite being fouled by the opposition. A very strong rebounding big man who always grabbed every board that came his way. As I said, he's the kind of player who doesn't mind contact from opposing players.. whether on offense or defense. On offense Robert was a vital cog to the success of the Broad ripple system. He was effective at setting the screens which allowed offensive players to free themselves for open shots. Robert plays with high energy, while showing the ability to run all the plays needed to succeed. Showed promise on the defensive end of the court by playing tough physical defense on opposing post players. Robert also made scoring difficult for players trying to drive the paint. He blocked a couple of shots and challenged every player who came down the lane. Once he develops a mid-range shot.. Robert will be a dangerous player to go up against. Keep working young man!!     Messiah is the kind of player who hustles on every play, while on the basketball court. He showed an ability to score inside the painted area by grabbing offensive rebounds for easy put-backs. He occasionally knocked down mid-range shots, whenever he found himself open on the wing. Messiah was great at running the floor and finishing in fast breaking situations. There were a couple of times where he attacked the basket and dished off nice passes to open teammates. A good defensive player who can stay in front of the opposing player and be effective. As I said, Messiah's biggest strength is the sheer hustle he shows to be a part of every play on the court. As long as he continues to work and improve his skills... This young man could have a very bright future. Keep working Messiah!!

Broad Ripple Middle School vs. William Penn Middle School- These young standouts were definitely worthy of being showcased in a Prep Hoops Next article.