Player Profile: 2011 Darwin "Dee" Davis

Name: Darwin "Dee" Davis
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 5'10 160
High School/AAU: Bloomington South/Meanstreets
Position: Point Guard
Schools Considering: Committed to Xavier University (Offers from Purdue and Ohio)
Commitment Date: 06-22-09

Scouting Report:
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.

One of the Top Performances I've Ever Seen: Eric Gordon vs. Loyola Academy

Rewind to Feburary 1st, 2007. It was a cold winter night, and I just wanted to watch some basketball. I went with a friend of mine to watch Eric Gordon and his North Central team play Loyola Academy, which featured Michael Jordan's sons Jeff and Marcus. Gordon was a consensus top 5 recruit that was headed to Indiana University the following season. The game was televised nationally on ESPN2. The game was such a big deal that my friend and I had to scalp tickets outside the school for double the ticket price.

The game started off with to a fast pace, with both teams trading buckets and keeping it close at the 1st quarter break. I can't remember the score exactly, but I know neither team had more than a 4 point lead at the end of the 1st quarter. Eric Goron led North Central with 17 points after the 1st quarter. The second quarter was a much different story as North Central raced out to a 50 -27 lead at halftime. The game went on the be a huge blowout, with North Central defeating Loyola Academy 88-47, but the story of the night was Gordon's performance.

Eric Gordon finished the game with 43 points, and was scoring from all over the court. On two straight possessions he hit NBA range 3-pointers, foreshadowing to his future career. He drove to the basket with power all game long, scoring at will in the paint using his strength and ball-handling. In the 3rd quarter he capped off his performance by stealing a pass and running down the open floor to throw down a reverse dunk. The way he dominated his competition on national TV was extremely impressive, and a game I won't forget.

Here's a SportsCenter recap of what he did that night:

Player Profile: 2012 Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell

Name: Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 5'10 160
High School/AAU: Park Tudor/Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U
Position: Point Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 23 ppg, 4.6 apg, 78% free throw shooter
Schools Considering: Offers from Butler, Illinois, Indiana, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Virginia, and Washington
Timetable for Decision: Ferrell has stated the the earliest he'd likely make a decision is next summer.

Scouting Report:
A speedy floor general, Ferrell plays with a mature game for a 16 year old point guard. He has the speed, handles, and quickness to get to the rim, push the break, and be an elite passer. Ferrell is a good but not great shooter, keeping defenders honest from behind the arc. He averaged 23 points per game as he led his team to a runner-up finish in the state finals. Defensively Ferrell has the speed and quickness to pressure the ball, but may struggle going up against stronger, more physical guards. Although he is undersized for your ideal point guard, Ferrell makes up for it with his smarts and playmaking ability.

Player Profile: 2013 Collin Hartman

Name: Collin Hartman
Graduation Year: 2013, Rising Sophomore
Height & Weight: 6'6 200
High School/AAU: Cathedral/ Indiana Elite 15U
Position: Small Forward who could play some Power Forward.
2009-2010 Season Stats: 15 Points & 9 Rebounds
Schools Considering: Offers from Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame
Timetable for Decision: No timetable has been set for Hartman's decision. He's just finishing his freshman year, and I would expect him to compile more offers and be recruited by other schools.

Scouting Report:
A legitimate 6'6 as a freshman, Hartman has a mature skill set for his age. Hartman has the ball-handling and shooting touch to play the point forward role, sometimes bringing the ball up the court for his team. His 3-point shot is inconsistent, but his mid-range game is very good. Hartman defends the post in most AAU games, and can block shots and rebound on the defensive end. His above average athleticism helps him in those areas. Although his natural position is on the wing, Hartman shows a nice bit of versatility, leaving open the possibility of playing a combo forward role.

Player Profile: 2012 Jeremy Hollowell

Name: Jeremy Hollowell
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'7 185
High School/AAU: Lawrence Central/Eric Gordon All-Stars
Position: Shooting Guard & Small Forward
Schools Considering: Offers from Xavier, Indiana, Iowa, Cincinnati, Ohio State Illinois, and Tennessee
Timetable for Decision: No time table has been set for Hollowell's decision.

Scouting Report:
Hollowell is a player loaded with upside. He is still growing, allowing him to be a multi-positional player and defender. Hollowell has great athleticism, a good stroke, and the handles to take opponents to the rim. Hollowell's game is improving, as he continues to grow into his body and get a feel for the game. His great length (6'11 Wingspan) allows him to be an affective defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Hollowell can also mix it up inside, showing good touch in the post occasionally. As Hollowell continues to improve his game, he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level.

Player Profile: 2012 Kellen Dunham

Name: Kellen Dunham
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'4 160
High School/AAU: Pendleton Heights/Indiana Elite
Position: Shooting Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 22.5 ppg, 89% Free Throw Shooter, 41% 3-Point Shooter
Schools Considering: Wright State (His Only Offer), Butler, Michigan, IU, Illinois, and Purdue
Timetable for Decision: The recruiting process is just starting for Dunham, who should receive a few more offers this summer.

Scouting Report:
Dunham is a long, rail thin guard with excellent shooting touch and a great feel for using the glass. He shoots the ball well off screens, but can create his own shot off the bounce as well. Dunham also has a nice pump fake move he uses to get by defenders. He uses these ball skills to get by opponents and score tough buckets at the rim. Although he isn't very strong, Dunham still fights through fouls and finishes plays after contact. Defensively Dunham has the length to be a solid defender, although he may lack the quickness to guard some opponents. The key for Dunham is to add strength to his frame, and if possible improve his athleticism.

Video:

Player Profile: 2011 Austin Etherington

Name: Austin Etherington
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'6 185
High School/AAU: Hamilton Heights/Indiana Elite
Position: Shooting Guard & Small Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 20.7 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.6 spg, & 1.5 bpg
Schools Considering: Committed to Indiana University (Offers from Oklahoma St., Butler, New Mexico, and Xavier)
Commitment Date: 08-03-09

Scouting Report:
Etherington is a great shooter who does a lot of things well. He can attack off the dribble, extend his range past the 3-point line, and create for others. He's a deceptive athlete, able to throw down a nice array of dunks once he gets a full head of steam. Etherington is also a very good rebounder from the small forward spot, hustling and fighting for lose balls and missed shots. Defensively, his length helps him play solid perimeter defense, and frustrate opponents. One thing that really sticks out about Etherington is his passing ability. He has the smarts and skill to know when to throw passes, often setting up teammates for open baskets.

Player Profile: 2011 Michael Chandler

Name: Michael Chandler
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'10 215
High School/AAU: Lawrence North/Eric Gordon All-Stars
Position: Center
2009-2010 Season Stats: 14.5 ppg 7.7 rpg
Schools Considering: It's very early in the reopening process, but it's safe to assume these schools will recruit him: Louisville, Kentucky, IU, and Ohio State.
Timetable for Decision: Chandler recently opened up his recruitment after a 15 month commitment to Louisville. He has said he will continue to consider Louisville, but wants to look around and evaluate all his options.

Scouting Report:
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. 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.

Player Profile: 2011 Jeremiah Davis

Name: Jeremiah Davis
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'3 195
High School/AAU: Muncie Central/Indiana Elite
Position: Point Guard & Shooting Guard Combo
2009-2010 Season Stats: 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg
Schools Considering: Michigan State, IU, Cincinnati, Xavier, Ohio State, Tennessee, UNLV, Dayton, Miami-FL, and DePaul
Timetable for Decision: Davis is rumored to be deciding soon, but no announcement has been set.

Scouting Report:
As a junior in high school, Davis is already built like a college player. He handles the ball well, and his strong frame allows him to absorb contact and finish plays after fouls. Davis can also use his ball-handling ability to break down defenses and find the open teammate. Davis has good range on his jump shot, but his shot selection is questionable at times. When hot he can light you up from deep, but the key for Davis is to play within himself, and not force shots. Defensively Davis has the quickness, strength, and smarts to be a good defender. As long as he isn't too steal happy can really lock down opponents. Overall, Davis has the tools to be a contributor as a freshman, as long as he plays smart.

Pre-Summer Indiana Class of 2012 Player Rankings

With a little bit of Spring AAU action underway, I wanted to do a quick ranking of the top players in the state of Indiana for 2012. I'm keeping player potential and production in mind when doing these.


1. Jeremy Hollowell 6'7 Guard/Forward- Lawrence Central High School (Offers from Xavier, Indiana, Iowa, Cincinnati, Illinois, and Tennessee)



Hollowell is a player loaded with upside. He is still growing, allowing him to be a multi-positional player and defender. Hollowell has elite athleticism, a good stroke, and the handles to take opponents to the rim. Hollowell's game is improving, as he continues to grow into his body and get a feel for the game. His great length (6'11 Wingspan) allows him to be an affective defender, rebounder, and shot blocker. Hollowell can also mix it up inside, showing good touch in the post occasionally. As Hollowell continues to improve his game, he has the chance to be a very special player at the next level.

2. Gary Harris 6'4 Guard- Hamilton Southeastern High School (Offers from Iowa, Indiana, Cincinnati, Xavier, Minnesota, Illinois, and Vanderbilt)

A skilled combo guard with explosive athleticism, Harris is rapidly improving his game. Harris only averaged 14 points per game this season, but his potential is undeniable. He has the bounce and athleticism to take opponents off the dribble and score above the rim. Combine that with an improving jump shot and a high level motor, and Harris has the total package needed to be a backcourt star. Although his college offers are rather modest, I expect Harris to begin stockpiling offers as the summer rolls on.

3. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera 6'4 Guard- North Central High School (Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Xavier)



A powerful guard with a good handle, Smith-Rivera helped lead his high school team to a state championship this season. Smith-Rivera averaged 19.5 points per game, teaming up with Purdue-bound guard Terone Johnson. Smith-Rivera excels with the ball going to the rim, where he can draw the foul and score from the line. His jumper is improving, making him a threat to score from all over the court. Smith-Rivera isn't the most explosive vertical athlete, but he has the quickness to be a disruptive defender on the perimeter. He possesses the skills to play the point guard or shooting guard position at the next level.

4. A.J. Hammons 6'11 Center- Carmel High School (Offers from Indiana, Xavier, and Illinois)

Hammons is an imposing force in the paint, weighing in at close to 260 pounds. Hammons, who once weighed in at close to 290 pounds has made conditioning a priority, keeping himself in shape to help his conditioning and athleticism. The first thing that stands out about Hammons is his ability to change and alter shots in the paint, as he averaged over 5 blocks per game this season. Hammons has strong hands and nice touch around the basket, giving him the potential to develop as a low-post scorer. His strong hands and wide body make him a good rebounder, a category in which he recorded 8 per game this past season. Hammons has all the physical tools to be a difference maker in high school and college, the key for him is to put it all together and match potential with assertiveness.

5. Ron Patterson 6'3 Guard- Broad Ripple High School (Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Tennessee, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan)

Patterson is an explosive athlete with a good outside shot. Patterson does have the potential to go on streaks when shooting, but recently has been shooting at a more consistent level. Another great quality about Patterson is his ability to rebound well for his position. Patterson has a 6'10 wingspan, a trait that also allows him to be a disruptive wing defender, and formidable shot blocker for his position. He needs to improve his ball-handling, but does a great job cutting to the rim without the ball. Patterson has the athleticism to finish above the rim and create highlight reel dunks. Patterson averaged 17 points per game this season while playing for Broad Ripple High School.

6. Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell 5'10 Guard- Park Tudor High School (Offers from Butler, Illinois, Indiana, Notre Dame, Virginia, and Washington)



A speedy floor general, Ferrell plays with a mature game for a 16 year old point guard. He has the speed, handles, and quickness to get to the rim, push the break, and be an elite passer. Ferrell is a good but not great shooter, keeping defenders honest from behind the arc. He averaged 23 points per game as he led his team to a runner-up finish in the state finals. Defensively Ferrell has the speed and quickness to pressure the ball, but may struggle going up against stronger, more physical guards. Although he is undersized for your ideal point guard, Ferrell makes up for it with his smarts and playmaking ability.

7. Rapheal Davis 6'5 Guard/Forward- Fort Wayne South Side High School (Committed to Purdue)

Davis committed to Purdue as a high school freshman, a testament to his ability as a basketball player. Davis is a good 3-point shooter with the ability to get hot and really stroke the ball. His strength and ball-handling allow him to get to the rim and finish after contact. Although he's not as explosive as some of the other guards in his class, Davis is a capable athlete, able to finish plays above the rim in transition. Defensively, Davis has the quickness to be a solid defender. Davis' could play the 2 or 3 position in college, adding that versatile player that Matt Painter likes.

8. Austin Burgett 6'7 Forward- Avon High School (Offers from Butler, Cincinnati, Iowa, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio, and Xavier)

A skilled 4 man, Burgett impresses with his shooting and ball-handling ability. He is still pretty raw as a back to the basket player, but his face up skills make him a good scoring threat. Burgett can take opponents off the dribble and score at the rim, or hit the 3-point shot if given space. He averaged 15 points per game this season playing for Avon. Burgett has the skills to allow him to be a multi-positional player on offense, although his best work on defense would be done guarding the 4 spot. Austin is a good rebounder and can block shots, but adding strength to his frame will help his play in the paint.

9. Dejuan Marrero 6'5 Forward- Thea Bowman Academy (Offers from Indiana, Ohio State, Purdue, Illinois, and Cincinnati)



Marrero, who plays with an extremely high motor is a power forward in a small forward's body. Marrero has great athleticism, and when you combine that with his motor, he is a great rebounder even at 6'5. Marrero scores a lot of points on put backs and offensive rebounds, but continues to work on his perimeter game. His shot is improving, but could still use some work if he is going to play small forward at the collegiate level. Marrero also needs to work on his ball-handling to help him transition to the college game. He helped led his high school team to a state championship while averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per contest.

10. T.J. Bell 6'7 Forward- Bloomington South High School (Offers from Virginia, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Washington State, and Indiana)

Bell, originally from Illinois is an ultra-athletic forward. He has good shooting touch for his size, and will knock down the jumper when left open. Consistency is the main issue with Bell, as he'll make a few plays and then disappear for entire quarters. He played JV most of the year at South because of eligibility issues, and at times struggled to produce at that level. Other than being more aggressive, Bell could really benefit from improving ball-handling and strength. One thing is for sure about Bell, he has all the physical tools to be a great player, but he needs to put it all together.

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.

Player Profile: 2012 D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera

Name: D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'3 210
High School/AAU: North Central/Indiana Elite
Position: Point Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 19.5 ppg
Schools Considering: North Carolina, Georgetown, USC, Xavier, IU, Tennessee, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Louisville
Timetable for Decision: Smith-Rivera has no deadline, but has said he would like to end his recruitment relatively soon.

Scouting Report:
An advanced, physical guard, Smith-Rivera (DSR) uses his strength and ball-handling to get to the rim and finish tough baskets. His ability to drive and attack allows him to get to the foul line and also create 3-point plays. DSR is improving his jump shot, and will need to be a solid shooter as players in his class continue to catch up with him physically. Smith-Rivera is a capable, but not explosive vertical athlete, and he has the quickness to keep up with the ball-handler on defense. As he continues to develop his shooting touch, Smith-Rivera should also be able to play the shooting guard position in college.

Player Profile: 2012 Ron Patterson

Name: Ron Patterson
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'3 185
High School/AAU: Broad Ripple/Indiana Elite One 2012
Position: Shooting Guard
2009-2010 Season Stats: 17 ppg
Schools Considering: Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Tennessee, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan
Timetable for Decision: Ron has stated he has no timetable for his decision and is taking his time with the recruiting process.

Scouting Report:
When you talk about Ron Patterson's game the first thing that comes to mind is athleticism. He possesses incredible leaping ability and a 6'10 wingspan that allow him to block shots, rebound very well, and dunk the ball with authority. Patterson's position in college will be shooting guard, and as he continues to work on his ball-handling his ability to slash and take opponents off the dribble will only improve. Defensively, Patterson can be a lockdown defender because of his strength and quickness. As a shooter, Ron has room to improve but the defender must respect his outside shot. Although he is a little undersized for your ideal 2 guard, Patterson makes up for it with his athleticism, and with a little work on his shooting his game will continue to impress.

Video:

Player Profile: 2011 Marquis Teague

Name: Marquis Teague
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'1 170
High School/AAU: Pike/Spiece Indy Heat
Position: Point Guard
Schools Considering: Cincinnati, Kentucky, Louisville
Timetable for Decision: Teague said he could announce at the end of this month, but after pushing back his decision multiple times no one truly knows.

Scouting Report:
The total package as a point guard, Marquis Teague wows you with his speed, athleticism, and quickness. Teague has outstanding ball-handling, and cannot be kept out of the lane when he's in the zone. Teague has the strength and skill to finish at the rim, and will not shy away from contact. He also has the vision to deliver passes to any point on the court. On defense Teague has the speed and skill to keep up with anyone, and could be a one man full court press. Teague is still improving and developing consistency on his jump-shot, but anyone who leaves him open from 3 will regret it. As Teague continues to showcase his game he will likely become a household name in NCAA Basketball.

Player Profile: 2011 Cody Zeller

Name: Cody Zeller
Graduation Year: 2011, Rising Senior
Height & Weight: 6'10 200
High School/AAU: Washington/Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U
Position: Power Forward/Center
2009-2010 Season Stats: 20 ppg 10 rpg
Schools Considering: Butler, IU, Michigan, UNC, Ohio St., Purdue
Timetable for Decision: Undetermined, Spring of 2011 at the latest.

Scouting Report:
A skilled big man, Zeller can score in a variety of ways. He'll take slower opponents off the bounce and to the rim and even extend his jump shot to the 3-point line. His back to the basket game is still developing, but his good footwork and nice touch will certainly help him in that regard. Zeller has a keen ability to get to the foul line and shoots free throws at a high percentage. Defensively, his athleticism and timing make him a great shot blocker and rebounder, as he also possesses strong hands. On offense, these qualities also allow him ample attempts at second chance points and extending possessions. Zeller could stand to add some strength to his frame, giving him the ability to finish better after contact and guard larger opponents. Ideally, Zeller is a skilled power forward, but possesses the tools to play some center as well.

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.

Wheeler Wins 2A State Championship over Park Tudor

In a back and forth game, Wheeler High School edged Park Tudor 41-38. Wheeler Senior Andrew Rudakas sank two free throws late to take a three point lead. Two last second three point attempts by Park Tudor guard Kevin Ferrell were unable to go as Wheeler hung on to win the game. Petar Todrovic led Wheeler with 13 points.

Park Tudor trailed 19-15 at half, but regained a 1 point lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. Sophomore point guard Kevin Ferrell led runner-up Park Tudor with 20 points and 5 rebounds.

The 3A State Championship game will be played this evening at 6 P.M. The matchup is Gary Lew Wallace High School vs. Washington High School. Highly regarded juniors Cody Zeller (Washington) and Branden Dawson (Wallace) will be playing in the game.

Scouting:

(2012) Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell: Guard, Park Tudor- Ferrell's quickness and ball-handling make him a dangerous floor general even though he stands just 5'9. He is able to penetrate defenses and get to the rim and score or kick it out to open teammates. He is a skilled passer who knows when to give it up and not force the action in traffic. As a shooter Ferrell can be streaky, but is able to knock down shots from beyond the 3 point lane. His size and strength do sometimes prevent him from scoring the against contact. As a free throw shooter Ferrell averaged 77% from the foul stripe this year, but was down a little today shooting 5-8. Defensively, Ferrell pressures the ball well and could be a real weapon in a full court press. He'll struggle to guard bigger and stronger guards but his speed and quickness allow him to stay in front of his man. Overall, Yogi is a good lead guard who can run the show and score, but will need to improve his strength to help him finish plays.

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.

Washington defeats Danville to clinch Semi-State Title

Led by sophomore guard Dylan Ervin's 23 points, Washington defeated Danville 57-38 Saturday afternoon. The victory advances Washington to the state finals where they will play a yet to be determined opponent. Highly regarded junior big man Cody Zeller added 14 points and 12 rebounds in the victory for the Washington Hatchets.

Washington only led by 3 points after the first quarter (15-12) but was able to hold Danville to just 4 points in the second quarter, leading 28-16 at halftime. Danville was led by senior guard Jordan Weidner who scored 19 points for Danville. Purdue-bound big man Travis Carroll added a double double, 14 points and 11 rebounds, for the Warriors.

Scouting:

(2011) Cody Zeller- Zeller had an up and down game today. He looked great in the first half, scoring 10 points, but struggled in the second scoring just 4 points. Zeller finished plays after contact, but struggled to convert from the free throw line, shooting just 3-8. He showed nice shooting range, knocking down his lone 3 point field goal attempt. Defensively, Zeller did a nice job and recorded 3 blocked shots. Zeller needs to add strength to his frame as he struggled at times guarding Carroll in the paint. Zeller rebounded the ball well, but struggled to control rebounds as many smaller opponents were able to tie him up for jump balls. He also passed the ball well and did not take any bad shots. All in all, Zeller had an alright game but could have done better. The main reason for his second half struggle was that Carroll switched and guarded him in the second half, as he was guarded by other smaller players in the first.

(2010) Travis Carroll- Carroll played a great game today, looking impressive on the glass and showing great effort on the defensive end. Offensively Carroll did most of his work on the offensive glass, pulling down 5 offensive rebounds and scoring several second chance buckets. He did display a good post presence, but was triple teamed at times, giving him almost no chances to score in the low post. Carroll was 4-4 from the free throw line, and also knocked down 2 deep 2 point shots. On the defensive end, Carroll held star junior Cody Zeller to just 4 points in the second half. Carroll had not matched up with Zeller in the first, so this was an impressive outing. Not an explosive leaper, Carroll used his strength and technique to rebound the ball very well and did not allow many second chance opportunities for his opponent.

(2010) Jordan Weidner- Weidner showcased his great shooting ability today, knocking down 4 3 pointers and 5-6 free throws. Defensively he played well, not allowing easy buckets and causing multiple deflections. Weidner showed good slashing ability as he was able to get to the rim and earn free throw attempts. All in all Weidner played a great game, showcasing great shooting touch and intensity on both ends of the court.

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