What I've Learned this Spring

This spring has produced some interesting AAU action thus far. With summer around the corner, and the potential for coaches to be out in July, things will only continue heat up. Below are a few of my observations from April and May AAU action.

Too Big Too Early?

D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera was often knocked for being a physically superior player (6’3 220 Pounds) at an early age, and a player without a great deal of upside. Smith-Rivera isn’t the most explosive athlete, but he’s continued to show that he can score tough buckets at the rim, and get to the free throw line seemingly at will. Couple that with an improving jump shot, and he’s one of the most productive players you’ll find on the AAU circuit.

“Late” Bloomer

In a world where the top prospects are known by the time they finish their freshman year of high school, Gary Harris could be called a late bloomer by some. People knew about the 6’4 Harris as a freshman, but most didn’t know he was this good until recently. The 2012 prospect had a strong year at Hamilton Southeastern, and has cemented himself as an elite player this spring. He’s a freak athlete who has really improved his jump shooting and ball handling. Harris very well may be the best player in Indiana’s loaded 2012 class. Although he didn’t receive the early attention some members of his class did, he’s showing that he is equally (if not more) talented.

Undersized and Underage, No Problem!

Kevin “Yogi” Ferrell stands below 6’ tall, but that doesn’t affect his game. The sophomore 5’11 floor general is “playing up” this summer with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U. Ferrell has been very impressive this spring, showing an improved jump shot that helps his versatility as a scorer. Ferrell has the speed, quickness, and ball handling to run the fast break, but also get to the rim in half-court setting. Ferrell does everything you could ask for in a point guard, regardless of height or age.

Finally Injury Free

6’10 Mitch McGary (Class of 2011) sat out much of his junior season with a nagging injury (broken foot) and a nagging case of Mono. McGary is finally back to 100% and has been impressive. When I first saw him he appeared to still be shaking off the cobwebs and rust, but a week later he looked sharp and consistent. McGary showed off his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers, run the floor, and score in the paint. With health issues aside, McGary looks lined up for a huge summer heading into his senior year at Chesterton.

Darryl Baker (2013) is coming off a leg injury, one that sidelined him for the entirety of his freshman season. The 6'2 guard has admitted that he's not back to full strength, but he's still impressed this spring. He's a good athlete, good ball handler, and improving jump shooter. Baker does a good job of attacking the rim and getting to the foul line, but will hit the jumper if left open. Baker had a great summer last year, and once he gets back into form, he should have a big 2010.

Let Me Intrdoduce Myself

Devin Davis 6’5 Forward Warren Central (2013)- The 6’5 freshman is an athletic forward with good ball handling and the ability to finish at the rim. He’s already received scholarship offers from Indiana and Purdue, and more are sure to come this summer as he continues playing with Eric Gordon All-Stars.

Basil Smotherman 6’4 Guard Heritage Christian (2013)- Smotherman is a smooth lefty with the ability to fill it up from deep. He’s got a great shot, and when he gets in a rhythm he can light up the scoreboard from all over the court. Smotherman, who also plays for Eric Gordon 15U, has already received offers from Purdue and Xavier.

Zak Irvin 6’4 Guard/Forward Hamilton Southeastern (2013)- Davis, who teams up with Davis and Smotherman for EG 15U, played JV this past year but has shown off rapid improvement and growth this spring. Irvin grew several inches and put on 15 pounds during his freshman year at HSE. He hit a game winning 3-pointer during the Adidas May Classic, and also had a game of 19 that I saw. He’ll be teaming up with Gary Harris on the varsity roster next year, so he should be an intriguing player to watch.

Collin Hartman 6'6 Small Forward Cathedral (2013)- Hartman is a skilled forward with the ability to score from all over the floor. He can shoot the jumper, drive to the basket and score, and even mix it up in the post if necessary. Hartman has such an advanced skill set as a freshman that Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame have all offered him scholarships. He is playing for the Indiana Elite Stars 15U team this summer.

Best of the Spring

Dunk- Nick Osborne had the best by literally jumping over an opponent for a one-handed jam at the IndyBall.com Shootout. Hanner Perea had a close second when he elevated over a defender for a two handed alley oop at the Adidas May Classic.

Individual Performance- Gary Harris’ 36-point game at the Adidas May Classic was very impressive.

Play- 6’10 Mitch McGary grabbed a defensive rebound, dribbled the ball down court, and took off from the volleyball line for a one-handed slam.

Shot- Zak Irvin’s game winning 3-pointer on Friday night of the Adidas May Classic is the best shot so far.

Team- The 17U SYF Players team is the best I have seen so far this spring. They’re headlined by Branden Dawson and Mitch McGary, and also feature Travis Trice and Jeremiah Jones. They might not have the same individual talent as the Indiana Elite 17U team, but the way they play together is impressive. Even with Dawson gone, they still won the Adidas May Classic 17U division.

Class of 2011 Pre-Summer Rankings

With the summer AAU season rapidly approaching I wanted to rank the rising seniors in the class of 2011. I've attended several AAU tournaments this spring, and I felt like it would be a good time to do a ranking. The list is headlined by Kentucky commitment Marquis Teague, a 6'1 Point Guard from Pike High School in Indianapolis. Keep in mind that I'm doing these rankings based off a combination of long term potential and current production. Look for explanations and footnotes at the bottom of this post.

(Slight editors note- Matt Carlino has reclassified to the 2010 class and is thus missing from the rankings.)

1. Marquis Teague- 6'1 Guard- Pike High School (Kentucky Verbal Commitment)

Teague is an athletic point guard who can push the ball up and down the court at blazingly fast speeds. His jump shot is still fairly streaky, but he can score even when he's having a cold shooting night. Teague has the ball-handling to get to the rim at will, and the grace and skill to finish after contact. His speed and quickness also make him a threat pressuring the ball in both the half-court and full-court setting. His biggest knock is his inconsistency

2. Branden Dawson- 6'6 Small Forward- Gary Lew Wallace High School (Considering Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, UCLA, Marquette, and Georgetown)

Dawson is a super athletic forward with a knack for rebounding the basketball. He's developed a nice mid-range game and is able to score using that or fighting for second chance points in the paint. Dawson's athleticism and motor allow him to be a formidable shot blocker for his size. Dawson's main area of concern is his 3-point shooting ability. There's no telling how good he could be if he improved his shooting ability from deep.

3. Michael Chandler- 6'10 Center- Lawrence North High School (Considering Louisville, Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, Cincinnati, and others)

Chandler is a big man with outstanding athleticism and lots of potential. While his development has cooled off a little bit, Chandler is still a good player and great prospect. Chandler has good footwork in the paint, runs the floor very well, and can challenge any shot in his vicinity on defense. The biggest thing Chandler could do to improve is assert himself on the offensive game by adding a few back to the basket moves.

4. Cody Zeller- 6'10 Power Forward/Center- Washington High School (Considering North Carolina, Butler, Indiana, and others)

Zeller is a skilled big man with the ability to knock down long range jump shots. He's got great touch in the post, but also has the ability to take bigger opponents off the dribble and score at the rim. Zeller is a good but not great athlete who can pull down tough rebounds and block shots. Zeller needs to add a lot of strength to make an impact at the college level, but other than that he has a pretty well rounded game.

5. Mitch McGary- 6'10 Power Forward/Center- Chesterton High School (Considering Purdue, Indiana, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Xavier)

McGary is a post with a big frame and good athleticism. Right now he's about 240 pounds, but still has room to add muscle and bulk. The one thing that sticks out about McGary is his ability to run the floor. He's one of the quickest big men up the floor, leading to easy baskets in transition. McGary has good touch in the post and can score in the paint. He's also got shooting touch out to the 3-point line, but at times can fall in love with the 3-point shot. McGary's best work is done when he spends the majority of his time scoring in the paint, and then slips out to the perimeter to hit an unexpected jump shot. McGary's biggest room for improvement is expanding his offensive repertoire with his back to the basket.

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

Davis is an undersized point guard who is lightning quick with 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 get to the rim. In the full court he is one man fast break, able to dish for an open bucket if necessary. The key for Davis to succeed is to maintain shooting consistency and add a little bit of strength to handle larger opponents.

7. Jeremiah Davis- 6'3 Combo Guard- Muncie Central High School (Considering Indiana, Michigan State, Xavier, Cincinnati, Tennessee, and others)

Davis is a strong combo guard who has the ability to get to the rim. He needs to tighten up his handles as I think he relies a little too much on strength to get to the rim at this point. Davis is a streaky shooter, but can really get hot from deep and has good form on his jumper. His strength and quickness make him a good perimeter defender when he gets after it. He's a good but not explosive athlete, who can throw down the dunk in transition. Davis has good court vision, and he can set up teammates well slashing through the defense. Davis has all the tools to be a good player, he just needs to be more consistent from game to game.

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

Etherington is a great shooter who can really fill it up from well behind the 3-point line. Perhaps his most underrated ability is his passing, making smart passes in the half-court and full-court setting. Etherington is a deceptive athlete, really able to throw down some power dunks once he gets a full head of steam. He's also a tough defender, and although he isn't the quickest guy, he really gets after it on defense. He also rebounds pretty well for his position, showing the ability to scrap for boards down low. Etherington needs to improve his ball-handling, which would make him more of a threat to score off the dribble.

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

Taylor is a combo forward with a great motor. He'll fight for any rebound on the court, and can score points from offensive rebounds. Taylor has great athleticism, and can throw down some highlight reel dunks. He can absorb contact well near the rim to finish plays. He's improving his ball-handling, but his shooting still needs some work. Taylor will struggle to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball until he improves his shooting and ability to get to the rim.

10. Nic Moore- 5'9 Point Guard- Warsaw Community High School (Considering Evansville, IPFW, Ohio, Valparaiso, Indiana, and others)

Moore is an undersized point guard, but can really shoot the ball. He shot over 40% from behind the arc during his high school season. Moore is a speedy guard, albeit probably not at the same level as Dee Davis. Moore has the ball-handling and quickness to make him a great penetrate and kick guy. What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart, and is a true competitor.

Just missed the cut- Justin Gant, Kendall Griffin, Zac VanDeWater

*Notes*
1. Teague is the clear cut choice for number one.

2./3. Some people will knock Dawson for his lack of a 3-point game, but he's still producing. Chandler and Dawson both have a ton of potential, but I see Dawson as doing more with his potential currently.

4. I like Zeller at 4. If he can add strength and play with a little bit more of a mean streak I think he'll be a great college player.

5. I have McGary here because I think he has a good upside but is currently producing pretty well. He's got the size and skill, and now that he's finally healthy he should shine.

6./7. I like Dee Davis a little bit better here because of his ball-handling and constant effort. I feel like Jeremiah Davis can take some plays off and he needs to tighten up his dribbling. Jeremiah Davis has better potential as a shooter. This one is really a tossup.

8./9. I like Etherington a little better because of his ability to shoot and pass the ball. He's not quite the athlete that Taylor is, but still is a very good one. Taylor rebounds the ball better, but Etherington is the better all around player at the position. If Taylor could add a reliable jump shot he could be a great college player. They both need to improve ball-handling.

10. You could make a case for several guys here, but I went with Moore because he's got it. I don't know what "it" is, but when you watch him play you just know he will compete hard. He's a great shooter, great ball-handler, and great passer. I could see some high major teams regret passing on Moore down the road.

Q&A with Branden Dawson AAU State Finals

I sat down with Branden Dawson after his first game on Saturday and we talked about a variety of things. Including his high school season, next season's goals, and his recruitment. Branden had 19 points and 9 rebounds in his first game Saturday, and 18 points in his second game. He blocked shots, grabbed rebounds on both ends of the floor, got to the line where he converted, and even knocked down some perimeter shots. He was definitely the most impressive player at the tournament Saturday, absolutely dominating his opponents.

Indy Hoops: Can you describe yourself to me as a player? What are your strengths, and what are some things you'd like to improve on?

Branden Dawson: "My strengths are rebounding, my aggressiveness, and scoring ability. I think I need to work on my ball-handling, my (basketball) IQ, my shooting and mid-range game."

Hoops: I know you're a versatile player, what do coaches tell you they want you to play?

BD: "Coaches say they want me to play the 3. They like my athleticism, and just want me to play."

Hoops: Could you talk about your high school season a little bit?

BD: "Oh yeah, we had a great season. It was our first time making it to the championship game. We came up a little short, but it was a great experience for our guys making it there."

Hoops: And is that a goal to make it back there next season?

Dawson: "Oh yes, that's definitely a goal, that and winning Mr. Basketball."

Hoops: As far as college goes, which schools are you considering?

Dawson: "Indiana, Purdue, UCLA, Marquette, Georgetown, and Michigan State. They are really good schools."

Hoops: Which schools do you like the most out of those?

Dawson: "Well I like them all a lot, there's not one specifically I like."

Hoops: Tell me something you really like about Purdue, Michigan State, and Indiana?

Dawson: "With Purdue you've got greating coaching and great players. I grew up playing with Robbie Hummel and E'Twaun Moore." "With Michigan State you know they have a good team, a great atmosphere, and an all-around good ball club." "Indiana you know they have a good atmosphere and they're a home state school."

Hoops: Do you have a deadline or are you still waiting? And would you prefer to sign in the fall or spring of your senior year?

Dawson: "I'm not setting a deadline, just waiting. I do want to sign in the spring of my senior year."

Hoops: What are some other tournaments your team is playing in this summer?

Dawson: "We'll be playing in the May Classic next weekend in Bloomington. We'll also be at AAU nationals in Florida."

Here's a quick rundown on Dawson's game:
When you think of Branden Dawson the first thing that comes to mind is his high-level motor. Dawson simply goes full speed on every play, making him a dangerous rebounder and defender. Dawson's ideal college position is small forward, but rebounds like a big man, using his long wingspan and high level athleticism to pull down boards. Another great trait about Dawson is his passing. At times he runs the inbounds plays for his team, and is a great passer out of the post. Offensively Dawson is a good ball-handler, but needs to have consistent outside shooting. His best scoring is done in the paint moving off cuts or attacking the rim. His back to the basket game is not great, but he shows flashes and good touch in the post. Dawson is an adequate free-throw shooter, but could stand to work on his free-throws along with his jumper. Defensively Dawson can guard 3 positions. He has the strength and length to handle bigger opponents in the paint, and the quickness and length to disrupt opponents on the wing. As Dawson improves his perimeter skills he will continue to improve as a player.

Indiana State AAU Tournament Saturday Recap

Today I attended the Indiana State AAU Tournament at Franklin Community High School. I saw two of the top rising seniors in the state in Marquis Teague and Branden Dawson, as well as a host of other players. Here is a quick rundown of the action I saw, and a brief report on how each player played:

17U:

Branden Dawson 6'6 Small Forward SYF Players- Dawson had two strong showings today, absolutely dominating the competition in the paint and on the glass. In his first game Dawson had 19 points, 9 rebounds, and a few blocked shots. He scored above the rim on put backs, alley oop passes, and even coordinated a few of his own dunks. He has great strength and body control, which makes him an affective scorer near the rim even if he isn't dunking the ball. He's not just a dunker, as he used the mid-range jumper 3 times to avoid any unnecessary contact with opponents. Dawson's motor is relentless, as he constantly fights for rebounds and loose balls. In his second game, Dawson continued his aerial assault, but also showcased his ability to knock down the 3-point shot. He's not a great 3-point shooter, but it isn't a wise move to beg him to shoot from deep by leaving him open. Dawson also excelled in the passing game, throwing multiple outlet passes to setup teammates for easy baskets in transition. Today was a great day for Dawson, as he continued to show off his toughness, athleticism, and nonstop effort.

Marquis Teague 6'1 Point Guard Progeny- Teague was a surprise guest at this tournament, playing with a new team just for this weekend. Teague was passive at first, but stepped up his aggressiveness as the games went on, scoring in double digits in both games I saw. Early on Teague played the role of set up man, looking for open teammates and breaking down the defense. As the game continued Teague shot 4-5 from 3-point range, while also pulling down 4 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists. In his second game Teague was more assertive going to the rim, throwing down multiple dunks and converting tough lay-ups. Teague played tough defense all day, not letting his man by him and forcing several steals. Overall today was a solid but not phenomenal day for Teague.

Mitch McGary 6'9 Power Forward/Center SYF- McGary spent a lot of time on the bench, resting a sore leg/knee, but when he played he impressed. McGary is a solid 6'9 225, and adds a nice dose of athleticism for a big man. He's a tough player who will scrap for rebounds and score a fair amount of points on the offensive glass. He runs the floor well, and benefits from great passing leading to lots of alley oop dunks and easy buckets. I didn't get to see McGary tested defensively, but he has good timing blocking shots, and he gets good position down low to defend. I hope to see a fully healthy Mitch McGary as the summer rolls on.

Zac VanDeWater 6'5 Guard Spiece Select- Vandewater is a solid off guard who could also play small forward. He did a nice job attacking the rim, and finishing through contact. He does a nice job of getting to the line and will convert free throws at a good rate. VanDeWater also is a good outside shooter, knocking down several 3-pointers today when given space. He's had a great start to the AAU season, and I look forward to watching him carry his momentum throughout the summer.

16U:

Jeremy Hollowell 6'7 Guard/Forward Eric Gordon All-Stars- Hollowell only scored 8 points today, but he still showed why he is a phenomenal talent. He did a little bit of everything, catching a lob for an alley oop, scoring on an offensive rebound, fighting through contact in the paint, and throwing down an fast-break dunk. Hollowell only took 6 shots, so with more assertiveness there is no doubt he could score more points. What impressed me the most about him was his ability to mix it up down low, but also handle the ball and play like a guard. Hollowell pulled down 5 rebounds, rebounding well from the wing and showing he wasn't afraid to mix it up on the glass. Defensively, his length bothered opponents and he blocked several shots. All in all Hollowell impressed and even though he didn't score a ton of points his versatility was very apparent.

Nick Osborne 6'8 Power Forward Eric Gordon All-Stars- Osborne has improved since I saw him during the high school season, looking much more comfortable on the court, and much more fluid in his movements. He scored 12 points, all coming in the paint. Osborne has great athleticism, and is beginning to show a great motor to go along with it. He grabbed several offensive rebounds and converted them into tough buckets. He also got to the foul line and was able to score some points from the charity stripe. He blocked and challenged multiple shots, but I do want to see him go up against a big man equal to him in talent. Osborne also showed a nice ability to pass out of the post, and not force himself into double teams. I'll keep an eye out for Osborne's continued improvement this summer.

Ronnie Johnson 5'10 Point Guard Eric Gordon All-Stats- Ronnie only scored 4 points, but he had a huge impact on the game leading the fast break and dishing out assists. He had 5 assists on the day, but also helped setup a variety of other baskets for teammates. His high-level speed and quickness allowed him to pressure ball-handlers and get into the lane where he could kick the ball out to teammates. Ronnie wasn't very assertive as a scorer today, but he showed his ability to impact a game without scoring much.

15U:

Darryl Baker 6'2 Combo Guard Team Southern Indiana Red- Baker is just finishing his freshman year, but he plays up a year with a 2012 team. The thing that stuck out to me about Baker was his ability to get to the rim and draw contact. He handled the ball well and drew fouls on three possessions in a row to start the game, hitting 4-6 free throws. Baker also knocked down an open 3-pointer and a nice pull up mid-range jumper, showing his soft shooting touch. Athletically he is very gifted as he used his quickness and leaping ability to get to the rim and finish. For only being a freshman Baker has a nice skill-set and he's a player I truly look forward to watching for the next 3 years.

Player Profile: 2011 Branden Dawson

Name: Branden Dawson
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'6 205
High School/AAU: Gary Lew Wallace/SYF
Position: Small Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 24 ppg 14 rpg
Schools Considering: Georgetown, UCLA, IU, Purdue, Marquette, Michigan St.
Timetable for Decision: Dawson has said he will decide in the Spring of his senior year of high school.

Scouting Report:
When you think of Branden Dawson the first thing that comes to mind is his high-level motor. Dawson simply goes full speed on every play, making him a dangerous rebounder and defender. Dawson's ideal college position is small forward, but rebounds like a big man, using his long wingspan and high level athleticism to pull down boards. Another great trait about Dawson is his passing. At times he runs the inbounds plays for his team, and is a great passer out of the post. Offensively Dawson is a good ball-handler, but lacks a consistent outside shot which at times makes him one-dimensional. His best scoring is done on in the paint moving off cuts or attacking the rim. His back to the basket game is not great, but he shows flashes and good touch in the post. Dawson is an adequate free-throw shooter, but could stand to work on his free-throws along with his jumper. Defensively Dawson can guard 3 positions. He has the strength and length to handle bigger opponents in the paint, and the quickness and length to disrupt opponents on the wing. As Dawson improves his perimeter skills he will continue to improve as a player.

Washington defeats Gary Lew Wallace 65-62 in OT to win 3A title

Led by Cody Zeller's 20 points and 26 rebounds Washington High School won the Class 3A State Championship in overtime. Zeller tied a state championship record by pulling down 26. Cody Zeller is now the 3rd Zeller family member to lead Washington to a 3A State Championship. This is Washington's 3rd title in six years.

Senior Guard Latroy Taylor hit a 3 pointer near the end of the 4th quarter to tie the game at 56. Washington failed to connect on a jump shot to win the game in regulation, and the game went to overtime. Washington led throughout overtime, and two 3 pointers by Branden Dawson did not connect in the final 10 seconds of overtime. Branden Dawson led Gary Wallace with 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Scouting:

(2011) Cody Zeller, Forward/Center- Zeller absolutely dominated the glass throughout this game. He had 15 rebounds at halftime and used his size, positioning, and athleticism to pull down a state record 26 rebounds in the game. Zeller scored 20 points in this game, able to get many opportunities off second chance points. He also showed nice shooting touch knocking down a 3 pointer to close out the second quarter. Zeller did a nice job getting to the foul line, but had an off shooting day from the charity stripe. Zeller struggled to finish plays after contact, missing shots on potential "And 1's". Adding strength to his frame could definitely help Zeller finish more plays down low. Defensively he was solid, not allowing buckets and challenging many shots in the paint. All in all Zeller played a great game and showed his skills that make him a sought after prospect. This performance surely impressed the handful of college coaches at the game. As he moves forward, Zeller must add strength to his frame to help his game in the paint both offensively and defensively.

(2011) Branden Dawson, Wing Forward- Dawson showed off his high level athleticism and motor today, fighting for loose balls and finishing in the paint. Dawson is streaky shooting the ball but was able to score in the paint off offensive rebounds and fast breaks. Dawson had two rim rocking dunks in the open court, displaying good handles with the ball. Branden also used his leaping ability to pull down high arching rebounds and contest shots. Defensively Dawson's length bothered opponents, as he was able to disrupt plays and challenge shots with his wing span. Overall Dawson played well, putting on a show for the many college coaches in attendance. The key for Dawson is too improve the consistency of his jump shot so he can become a total offensive threat.

2010 IHSAA State Finals Set

The 2010 Indiana High School Athletic Association's Boy's Basketball State Finals will take place this Saturday, featuring 4 championship games for each respective class. Each game will feature top players in the state of Indiana and at least one high major prospect. The star-studded championship features players such as Washington's Cody Zeller and North Central's Terone Johnson.

1A Finals- Barr-Reeve vs. Bowman Academy

The state's smallest class features a matchup between Bowman Academy from Gary, Indiana and Barr-Reeve from Montgomery, Indiana. Barr-Reeve is led by senior guard Trey Hughes who averages just over 17 points per contest. Bowman Academy is led by star sophomore Dejuan Marrero (14 ppg 12 rpg) who is being courted by a host of schools including Indiana, Illinois, Ohio State, and Purdue. This game is set to tip at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday.

2A Finals- Park Tudor vs. Wheeler

This title game features a hot but unranked 15-10 (Indianapolis) Park Tudor team against #2 26-1 (Valparaiso) Wheeler. Upset minded Park Tudor is led by sophomore point guard Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell (23 ppg) who like Marrero is being courted by a number of midwest schools. Wheeler is led by senior Andrew Rudakas who averages just over 16 points per game. This game will start following the conclusion of the 1A title game, with a tentative start time of 12:45 P.M.

3A Finals- Gary Lew Wallace vs. Washington

In a true matchup of star power, which junior star will lead their team to a title? #5 Lew Wallace High School from Gary, Indiana is led by nationally ranked 2011 recruit Branden Dawson. Dawson is being recruited by nearly every school in the country and is averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds per game. #6 Washington High School of Washington, Indiana is led by junior big man Cody Zeller. Another nationally ranked player, Zeller is averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds per outing. This game will start at 6 P.M. following an intermission after the 2A title game.

4A Finals- North Central vs. Warsaw

The class 4A title game puts local power #3 North Central High School of Indianapolis against #6 Warsaw Community High School of Warsaw, Indiana. North Central is led by its duo of star guards, senior Terone Johnson and sophomore D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera who combine to average 38 points per game. Warsaw is led by star junior guard Nic Moore who averages 21 points per contest. Each team hopes to win its second state title, with North Central's coming in 1999 and Warsaw's in 1984. This game will tip after the conclusion of the 3A title game and has a tentative start time of 8:15 P.M.

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

Branden Dawson scores 20 in Lew Wallace (Hornets) victory over Arlington (Knights)

Branden Dawson scored 20 points and pulled down 8 rebounds as Gary Wallace defeated Arlington High School 66-60 Saturday night. Dawson and Wallace were able to fend off a late Arlington run to maintain the lead and secure the victory. Latroy Taylor scored a game high 23 points for the hornets, many which came off penetration of the Knights' defense.

After a relatively slow first half (27-19 Wallace edge) both teams picked up the tempo, playing more of a fast pace game and going back and forth exchanging buckets. Arlington was led by senior guard Cody Rhorer and junior guard Josh Johnson who both scored 15 points for the host Knights. Midway through the 4th quarter Arlington cut the Lew Wallace lead to 3 points, but the Hornets were able to hang on and win the game by a 6 point margin.

Scouting:

-(2011) Branden Dawson- Dawson showcased the total package tonight, scoring in a variety of ways for Lew Wallace. Dawson shot 10-14 from the field, as his only deficiency was his 0-2 three point shooting. Dawson's jumper looks great from 18' in as his only two misses were on a contested layup, and a missed dunk. Dawson showed a good handle on the ball, driving to the basket and scoring after the foul. Branden pulled down 3 offensive rebounds and scored on all 3 2nd chance opportunities. He also showcased his athletic ability, throwing down a 2 handed cock-back lob off an inbounds play. Dawson showed toughness on defense, grabbing 2 steals and blocking a shot. Dawson's one issue on defense is being aggressive and giving effort on every defensive possession. The thing which impressed me most about Dawson was his passing. Dawson knew when to give up the ball, often passing out of double and triple teams to find wide open teammates. He recorded 3 assists on the game, but his passing had more of an impact than those 3 assists. All in all, Dawson is an elite prospect who is nearly unstoppable at the high school level. He fights through double teams and still scores after being hacked and smacked down low. If Dawson develops a consistent 3 point shot, Dawson could easily be a top 10 talent nationally, and more importantly an unstoppable college player.

-(2010) Latroy Taylor- This senior guard for the Lew Wallace Hornets showed toughness and composure in a highly competitive game. He has a tight handle on the ball and gets into the lane at will, scoring on contested lay-ups and finding teammates for open shots. Defensively he is solid applying good half-court and full-court pressure to opposing guards. He also possesses a formidable jump shot, enough to keep the defense honest. He appears to be a solid prospect, who appears to be a college level player.