Director’s Cut: Indiana Edition (Part 1)
As the first half of the grassroots season comes to a close we wanted to touch base with programs directors and coaches to see how things went during April and May. These articles aim to provide updates on the teams as well as under the radar players or the kids who are on track to have a big July.
Team Name: Indy Heat EYBL
Mid-Season Update:
At the break Indy Heat sits at 9-7 in second place of Divsion C in the EYBL standings. This is a team that has played well and qualified for the Peach Jam in July, something that they failed to do last year. Coach Jason Delaney said that this squad has battled through some injuries and adversity but different guys stepped up at different parts of the year which has lead them to qualifying.
Under the Radar Players:
• Drew Lowder – 6’0 G – defend at a high level and consistently knock down shots
came over from The Phamily, mid major that could jump into that next level in July
• Jalen Windham – 6’3 W – wing that can torch teams from the outside and get
you a stop on the other end, MAC schools following closely and interest drawing
all over the board
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Nike Peach Jam – North Augusta, SC
July 19-22: Brawl for the Ball – Grand Rapids, MI
July 26-29: GRBA National Championship – Fort Wayne, IN
Team Name: Indiana Elite
Mid-Season Update:
A highly talented team that battled through injuries and left the spring gauntlet with only one loss. UNC committed point guard Jeremiah Francis has yet to play this AAU season but is expected to suit up in July. Coach Mark Adams and Jordan Bayse both commented on how each of their guys have stepped up and played bigger roles to help this team succeed.
Under the Radar Players:
• Kobe Barnes – 6’6 – low/mid type player, great slasher that can finish at the rim
killer in transition
• Kyle Roade – 6’7 – toughest competitor, big frame that loves to play physical,
drawing mid major offers everyday
• Michael Moreno – 6’6 – stretch four type game that can guard multiple spots,
mid major
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Finale – New York, NY
July 18-22: Adidas Summer Championships – Orange County, CA
July 25-29: Super 64 – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Team Teague
Mid-Season Update:
A team that lost two of their top producers in Trayce Jackson-Davis and Jalen Windham but are still having a successful spring. The teams focus is to play inside-out with the presence of Dejuan Jones in the post surrounded by shooters on the outside. This is a group that for the most part has been together since 6th grade and it shows when you watch Team Teague operate on the court.
Under the Radar Players:
• Chris Robinson – 6’1 G – great passer and been putting a lot of hours in the
gym working on expanding his outside shooting
• Dejuan Jones – 6’8 F – back to the basketball, can shoot midrange, brings a
little old school post game to todays game, holds DI offers in football
• Willie Jackson – 6’0 G – 3 and D guy that has been turning some heads during
the first half of the year
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Ballin Under 1 Roof – Louisville, KY
July 19-22: Brawl for the Ball – Grand Rapids, MI
July 25-29: Las Vegas Classic – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Indy Heat Red
Mid-Season Update:
A squad that might be the second 17U team in the program but competes and beats most programs top teams. This Indy Heat group has been in the top brackets at each event they have played in and won three of those tournaments during the first half of the year. They love to play an uptempo style that primarily plays 4 out 1 in or 5 out so that they can utilize their size and mismatches to an advantage. As for the defensive end they are long enough and athletic enough that they switch everything and continue to sit and guard even if it’s their big man and he is switched onto an opposing teams guard.
Under the Radar Players:
• Ali Ali – 6’8 F – point forward that can’t go unnoticed, handles the ball at a
high level for his size, needs to be more consistent game to game, but a guy
thats stock could skyrocket with a strong July
• Frankie Davidson – 6’6 G/F – quick bounce that can shoot the rock, DII that
could break the low major barrier in July
• David Ejah – 6’6 W – just started playing as a freshman, ridiculous athlete,
leads team in rebounds and double-double threat every game
• Andrew Owens – 6’6 W – 3 and D type guy holds NAIA offers drawing
interest from low D1 and high D2 level
Where can you find them in July?:
July 13-15: Ballin Under 1 Roof – Louisville, KY
July 19-22: Brawl for the Ball – Grand Rapids, MI
July 26-29: GRBA National Championship – Fort Wayne, IN
Team Name: Indiana Faith
Mid-Season Update:
This Indiana Faith group has a core of kids that have been together for three years now. The team has added some new pieces that are getting used to playing with each other but are seeming to click. Two of the teams main contributors are back in July so it looks like things will pick up even more next month. This is a team that definitely likes to get up and down the floor, they play almost a collegiate style of game, which makes sense as they are coach by former IU guard Taylor Wayer.
Under the Radar Players:
• Cade Gentry – 6’1 G – hard nose guard that as of late is shooting the ball at a
high level, playing more point this spring
• Nemo Jones – 6’5 F- super long kid that is still figuring out his length, a guy that
snatches rebounds with his 6’8 wingspan
• Cooper Lewis – 6’4 F – shoots the lights out, can handle the ball, another kid
that is expanding his game quickly, stock riser
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Invitational – Indianapolis, IN
July 20-22: All-In Hoopfest – Louisville, KY
July 26-29: Fab 48 – Las Vegas, NV
Team Name: Grand Park Premier
Mid-Season Update:
The early portion of the AAU season has provided great learning experiences for this Grand Park Premier group. There were definite spots during the first half where the team was clicking and competing at a very high level, Coach JD Bembry is hoping to get his guys clicking and continue that level of play through the month of July. He says his guys must learn from those experiences and take what they have learned to find success in the second half of the year.
Under the Radar Players:
• Colt Meyer – 6’0 G – leader on the court, high level shooter that seems to have
no limit in his range, guard that can wiggle his way to the rim and finish,
competes on defense
• Connor Lucas – 6’0 G – another kid that anywhere in from half court is
dangerous, super crafty with the ball in his hands, a surprisingly athletic kid
that is great at creating turnovers on defense
Where can you find them in July?:
July 11-15: Adidas Invitational – Indianapolis, IN
Grand Park Premier is still working to finalize their July schedule.