Perhaps the most energetic player in the Lawrence Central-Franklin Central came from the frontcourt with that guy being senior forward Dayton Stephens Dayton Stephens 6'6" | SF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN . By far, Stephens was the most natural athlete on the floor this game using his length and bounce to make plays over the defender in the post. His athleticism gives Lawrence Central a different dynamic on the floor to pair with their shooting and defense. He is an intriguing matchup with any team LC faces this season.

Dayton was one of the most impressive athletes I saw all weekend in Indiana. The 6’5 wing can jump out of the gym, and showed that against Starks Elite as he came flying in for a put-back dunk in traffic. That athleticism translated to more finishes at the rim, either leaking out in transition or slashing to the basket in the half-court. Has no problem finishing over the top of taller players inside. He provided a rebounding presence on the defensive end for his team, and without a true big he showed he can fight to defend against post players, while still being able to move his feet out on the wing.

The physical and athletic tools of this rising senior prospect from Lawrence Central High School jump off of the floor at you first. Stephens fit in very well at the 3SSB Palmetto Road Championship in Rock Hill while playing against a high-level of competition. He was able to elevate and rebound consistently, score it up above the rim in transition, and create havoc defensively. He finished the week/weekend averaging 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for EG10 17u.

A small forward that is starting to make some waves based off his play this spring with EG10 has been Dayton Stephens Dayton Stephens 6'6" | SF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN . Stephens, who plays for Lawrence Central, is a wing with a tremendous amount of upside in his game due to his physical tools that he brings to the court. We at Prep Hoops Indiana have seen him multiple times this spring and always come out impressed with his play in the lane, rebounding skills, athleticism, and overall versatility as a defender. Lawrence Central brings back a solid core and Stephens could be an impact player for them.

There is no denying the physical and athletic tools that his prospect possesses. Stephens is super long, athletic, and carries a good 6’5″ frame. He is excellent in transition, can attack closeouts in a straight line, and is active on the offensive glass. There is some real upside as a right hand driver/slasher and versatile defender. Look for Stephens to have a strong summer with EG10 and a breakout senior season at Lawrence Central High School.

You can’t teach the combination of length, speed, and athleticism that this 6’5″ wing from Lawrence Central High School possesses. Stephens is a constant force in the passing lanes and can block shots as well as any non-big man that we saw this weekend at The Stage. Whether he is chasing someone down in transition, moving his feet in the half court, or jumping the passing lanes he finds a way to consistently be involved in creating havoc defensively.

Dayton Stephens Dayton Stephens 6'6" | SF Lawrence Central | 2026 State IN was one of the more interesting players I saw at The Stage over the weekend. At 6’5, he is a long and lanky forward that has bounce to his game and showed that a little for EG10 17u over the weekend. I liked how he played in transition on both ends and was contesting a lot of shots on defensive end. I think there is some untapped potential in his offensive game, as well.

Highlighted as a “New Name” in early July in conjugation with our Prep Hoops Indiana Class of 2026 Prospect Rankings, Stephens had a great finish to the summer and is now deservedly being recognized as a stock-riser. One of the standouts for   EG10  as they dominated the Prep Hoops Circuit in the spring which included winning the inaugural Indiana State Championship and a strong showing at the Grit Region Finals. Stephens has excellent physical and athletic tools at 6’5″ on the wing. He is super long and bouncy, excellent in transition, and was a consistently impactful defender throughout the spring and summer. After getting his feet wet in a handful of games at the varsity level as a sophomore, look for Stephens to really blossom into a larger role for the Pike Red Devils as a junior.