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.

Coming into the 2025-26 season, there are many intriguing prospects that we have our eye on this year and one of those guys comes from Cloverdale High School, 2029 6’9″ center Ishmael Kiteka Ishmael Kiteka 6'9" | C Cloverdale | 2028 State IN . Last season and over the summer you got to see flashes of what Kiteka could become in the long term and we are excited to see what he can do this year for Cloverdale. At the Class 1A level, when you have guy with the legit size of Kiteka, it is major advantage. This week, you will get a chance to watch him at Edgewood (12/5) and vs Soutmout (12/6)

When it comes to premier big men in the class of 2028 in-state, there is an argument that the list should start with Ishmael Kiteka Ishmael Kiteka 6'9" | C Cloverdale | 2028 State IN . The improvement that I’ve seen from him since my first viewing back in April is incredible. He’s a true center that’s working to extend his game. Good hands that catches everything. Soft feet with footwork that continues to improve. Soft touch on his shot with range that has improved out to the three-point line. Plays with a high motor on both ends. Defensively he’s a big time shot blocker that does a good job keeping his blocks inbounds turning them into fast breaks. Averaged a double-double last year and will only improve on those numbers this season. Big time player with big time potential.