Class of 2011 Midseason Indiana State Rankings

With the regular season coming to a close I wanted to rank the top 10 Junior players in the state of Indiana. Headed by consensus top 5 Marquis Teague, the 2011 Indiana class compares to the 2007 class in terms of depth, but arguably trumps it in terms of star power. The 2011 class contains 3 legitimate McDonald's All American candidates, but also boasts at least a dozen other division one level players.

(Just an editor's note: I wasn't able to get season averages for a lot of these guys so sorry in advance.)

1. Marquis Teague- 6'1 Guard- Pike High School (Considering Louisivlle, Kentucky, Indiana, Purdue, and Cincinnati)

The number 1 junior in the state is having a fantastic season for the 11-5 Red Devils. Showing off an improved jump shot, great court awareness, and off the charts athleticism, Teague has all the makings of a top flight college point guard. Defensively he is great pressuring the ball, but can be a little steal happy at times. Not set on a college announcement, Teague will make a college coach very happy when he pulls the trigger.

2. Michael Chandler 6'10 Center- Lawrence North High School (Louisville Verbal)

A fantastic center prospect, Chandler is oozing with upside in the true sense of the term. Chandler isn't just a big flop with hops, he is a prospect who is truly improving every day. Comparing the Chandler of 2008-09 vs. 2009-10 would show a completely different and more efficient player. On the defensive side of the ball his athletic ability makes him a dangerous shot blocker and altars many shots. If Chandler continues to improve, he has the chance to be a great big man for Rick Pitino.

3. Branden Dawson 6'6 Forward- Gary Wallace High School (Considering UCLA, Purdue, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgetown, Marquette, and many others)

An athletic forward with a high motor, Dawson excels at scoring around the rim by using his athleticism and effort. He has a great nose for the ball making him a great offensive rebounder and put back machine. Dawson's jump shot is improving, and if he can add reliable handles to his game he will be a dangerous small forward. Dawson is currently averaging 25.9 points and 15.2 rebounds per contest.

4. Cody Zeller 6'9 Power Forward- Washington High School (Considering Butler, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida, Notre Dame, Purdue, Ohio State)

A skilled 4 man with a great feel for the game, Zeller can score with his back to the basket or with the ball in his hands facing up. He has nice touch around the basket, but also has the skill to step out and hit the 3 pointer. He is comfortable with the ball in his hands, able to take slower big men off the dribble and score. He is currently averaging roughly 20 points and 11 rebounds for the 15-2 hatchets.

5. Ryan Taylor 6'6 Forward- Lawrence North High School (Louisville Verbal)

(Taylor, left defending)

Taylor is a combo forward with a high motor and off the charts athleticism. Taylor isn't the biggest or strongest guy, but his relentless effort and knack for grabbing loose balls make him a great rebounder and shot blocker. He needs to improve his shooting and ball skills to transition as a scorer in college, but he can be a contributor on the glass from the get go.

6. Jeremiah Davis 6'3 Guard- Muncie Central High School (Considering IU, Tennessee, Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue and others)

A smooth combo guard with a nice stroke, Davis won't wow you with his vertical leap or speed, but is a deceptive athlete. He doesn't do any one thing outstanding but does many things well. His perimeter shot can be a great weapon for him offensively, but also can be a bit streaky. On defense he plays the ball handler well but is often caught going for the steal. The key for Davis is too match talent with intensity on both sides of they ball.

7. Darwin "Dee" Davis 5'9 Guard- Bloomington South High School (Xavier Verbal)

Davis is an undersized point guard who is lightning quick with or without the ball. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in speed and athleticism. Davis is a great finisher near the basket, and possesses acrobatic moves that allow him to convert tough baskets. He has a good first step and is able to take defenders off the dribble and run the half court offense. In the full court he is one man fast break, able to dish for an open bucket if necessary. His speed and quickness allow him to pressure the ball and defend the perimeter well, though he may struggle against bigger guards.

8. Matt Carlino 6'2 Guard- Bloomington South High School (Indiana Verbal)

A crafty guard with a good feel for the game, Carlino can score the ball himself or set up teammates. He has a good handle with the ball and can score the ball well near the rim. He isn't the quickest or fastest guard, but does a good job of attacking the defense and dishing the ball. Defensively he may struggle with speedy guards but his toughness and grit help him to defend ball handlers well.

9. Austin Etherington 6'6 Forward- Hamilton Heights High School (Indiana Verbal)

A skilled three man, Etherington is one of the better 3 point shooters in the state. A good but not great ball handler, Etherington has a good basketball IQ and is a good passer as well. He should excel in college playing with skilled teammates who can find him for open jumpers and create plays for him. He is currently averaging 22.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 steals a contest this season.

10. Mitch McGary 6'9 Forward- Chesterton High School (Purdue offer, considering others)

A post player with strong hands and a strong frame, McGary is a great rebounder near and away from the basket. He runs the floor well for a big man and his athleticism allows him to finish in the paint when on the break or in traffic. Defensively he is a good shot blocker at the high school level, but needs to improve his timing to excel in college. Grades are an issue for McGary, so a potential prep school or junior college destination isn't out of the question.

Jut outside: Jalen Packer, Nic Moore, Justin Gant

Thomas Tops Senior Class Midseason State Rankings

After watching as much basketball as possible this season, these are my midseason rankings for the current senior class. I plan on updating these rankings again after the season is over. Also I will be ranking the 2011, and 2012 classes at later dates.

(Keep in mind that I evaluate these rankings on performance, but I also take into account college "potential" to a degree.)

1. Deshaun Thomas 6'7 Forward- Ft. Wayne Bishop Luers (Ohio St. Signee)

Deshaun Thomas has been nearly unstoppable this season, averaging close to 34 points and over 16 rebounds per game in his senior season. It is because of these efforts that he tops the Midseason 2010 class rankings in the state. Thomas has scored the ball at will this season, lighting it up from all over the floor. When teams give him the perimeter he will knock down the jumper, but when given an opportunity down low he will overpower opponents. With a deep run in the state tournament, Thomas has a real chance to break Damon Bailey's all time state scoring record.

2. Terone Johnson 6'3 Guard- North Central High School (Purdue Signee)

Johnson has been outstanding this season leading his #2 4A team to a 16-2 record. He is averaging close to 22 points per game, scoring aggressively and shooting the ball very well.

3. Travis Carroll 6'9 Center- Danville High School (Purdue Signee)

Carroll has looked great this season averaging close to 19 points and 13 rebounds a game for the #1 (17-0) 3A team in the state. Carroll has dominated his competition, scoring at will using his size and bulk down low to score high percentage shots. He is also averaging 81% from the free throw line, converting at a great great for a big man.

4. Russell Byrd 6'7 Forward- Blackhawk Christian High School (Michigan State Signee)

Byrd is averaging 23.5 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game while leading his team to a 10-7 record. Byrd has really filled it up this season, netting games of 26 and 25 recently.

5. Donnie Hale 6'8 Forward- New Albany High School (Purdue Signee)

Averaging close to 19 points a game, Hale has been impressive fighting through double teams and getting teams' best look each night. Hale is also averaging 7.9 rebounds per contest, leading his team to a 14-2 record, thus far.

6. Jesse Berry 6'1 Guard- Lafayette Jefferson High School (Dayton Signee)

Berry is averaging 23.5 points per contest while leading his Lafayette Jeff team to a 14-5 record so far this season.

7. Jake Kitchell 6'9 Forward- South Central High School (Indiana St. Signee)

Kitchell is averaging 22.5 points and an outstanding 17.1 rebounds per game thus far. He is also averaging 3.4 blocks per game.

8. Jordan Manuel 6'8 Forward- T.C. Howe High School (Detroit Signee)

Manuel is currently averaging 17.2 points and 3.7 blocks per game for the 14-4 Howe Hornets.

9. Chrishawn Hopkins 6'2 Guard- Manual High School (Butler Signee)

Hopkins is one of the top scorers in Indianapolis, averaging over 25 points per game for Emmerich Manual High School. The high flying guard has been impressive this year, recording 26 points and 14 rebounds against star junior Marquis Teague and Pike High School last week.

10. Erik Fromm 6'8 Forward- Bloomington South High School (Butler Signee)

Fromm is averaging over 15 points and 8 rebounds a game for the class 4A #1 panthers. Fromm has had an impressive season, highlighted by his 26 point & 15 rebound performance against Pike last month.

Lawrence North prevails in OT against Bishop Luers

Junior big man Michael Chandler led Lawrence North to a 49-48 overtime win over Bishop Luers Saturday afternoon scoring 25 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. In a back in forth game that saw several lead changes and ties, Chandler was a force in the post for the host Wildcats. Deshaun Thomas recorded a 22 points and 14 rebounds for Bishop Luers in the loss.

Bishop Luers led 12-10 after the 1st quarter, in which star forward Deshaun Thomas scored only 3 points. Lawrence North led 23-22 at halftime due in part to an 11 point half from Michael Chandler. Chandler showed off an array of dunks and inside baskets in the 1st half for Lawrence North. Luers trailed 36-32 going into the 4th quarter but was able to keep up with Lawrence North in the 4th quarter and force overtime, tying the game 44-44 at the end of regulation.

Scouting:

(2010) Deshaun Thomas- A lethal scorer, Thomas was inconsistent today shooting the ball, but was still effective scoring the ball in the post and near the basket. Thomas has a good nose for the ball and can benefit from missed shots and loose balls by getting second chance points. Thomas fought through double teams in the post to score tough baskets and get to the foul line at will. Although he is an above average ball handler, Thomas can at times force the action by dribbling into double and triple teams instead of finding open teammates. Defensively, Thomas can use his strength to guard opponents down low and give up no easy baskets. They key for Thomas to succeed is to not force the action and let teammates find him for scoring opportunities. In college he should see few if any double and triple teams and will benefit from more one on one situations.

(2011) Ryan Taylor- A lunch pale player, Taylor works hard on offense and defense. Taylor possesses a never-ending motor which allows him to finish around the rim and and contest shots on defense. Combining this with impressive athleticism helps Taylor change games on both sides of the ball. Taylor excelled around the basket, grabbing offensive rebounds and scoring off put-back lay-ups and dunks. As a shooter Taylor is streaky, struggling to knock down perimeter jumpers, but able to knock down the occasional mid range jumper. Defensively Taylor's energy translates to many blocked and contested shots. On two occasions Taylor sprinted down court on fast breaks and blocked would be wide open lay-ups from behind. Overall Taylor is a good, undersized power forward who excels at scoring underneath and around the basket. Most of his offense is created via loose balls and offensive rebounds, so the key for him is to play with high energy and give effort on every play. If Taylor is able to improve his mid range and perimeter jump shot he will become an even more special player.

(2011) Michael Chandler- Like most high school big men, potential is the name of the game for Michael Chandler. An extremely athletic player, the sky is (truly) the limit for Chandler. Chandler has good foot work and and strong hands which make him a lethal high school post player. Although he is slender physically, Chandler didn't back down in the post and went at defenders early and often under the basket. Chandler is able to score in the paint by sealing off the lane and going up strong at the rim. Chandler also benefits from good passing by throwing down wide open dunks and alley oops in transition. Defensively, Chandler's size and athleticism make him a formidable shot blocker and shot changer in the lane. His strong hands and athleticism also make Chandler a dominant rebounder. They key for Chandler to succeed is developing a go-to move in the post so he can be a high level scorer in college.