James continues to be a dog on defense! Throughout a majority of the showcase, he excelled at locking down opposing guards. He showed a knack for pressing them into mistakes and turnovers. Every time I watch him play, James demonstrates why he’s the prototypical point guard who leads and makes plays. The job of a “floor general” is to show great leadership, communication skills and being the de facto coach on the floor. When he had open looks at the basket, James knocked down a majority of his perimeter shot attempts. In driving situations, he excelled at using his ball handling and quickness to easily beat defenders to the basket. In game two he converted two three-pointers, made lay-ups in transition and scored a couple of baskets through contact. James has the potential of becoming one of the top point guards in his class. With continued growth and maturity, I believe he can get there.

One of a few very talented incoming freshmen at Merrillville High School who could compete for varsity minutes right away, Walton III is coming off of a strong showing at the Ball State Elite Camp that we attended. The 5’10” guard is a very good three-point shooter, but can also handle the ball and pass it when playing the point guard role. His talent both with and without the basketball makes him an intriguing guard to follow in the Class of 2030.

Merrillville High School has an outstanding incoming freshman class with Walton III being one of three guards that could make an impact right away at the varsity level. He was very good this summer with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 14u and got some minutes with the Pirates at the varsity level in June. Walton III is a very good three-point shooter and is smooth in the open floor with the ball in his hands. His scoring chops will make him tough to stop as he continues to develop physically and get stronger.