Player Profile: 2012 Dejuan Marrero

Name: Dejuan "Rico" Marrero
Graduation Year: 2012, Rising Junior
Height & Weight: 6'5 200
High School/AAU: Thea Bowman Academy/Spiece Indy Heat
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
2009-2010 Season Stats: 14 ppg, 12 rpg
Schools Considering: Offers from Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Illinois,
Timetable for Decision: No timetable has been set for Marrero's decision.

Scouting Report:
Marrero is a combo forward who plays with an extremely high motor. 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. Marrero needs to continue to improve his ball-handling and shooting to help him transition to the college game. Defensively, he is strong and will block some shots using length and great athleticism. He helped lead his high school team to a state championship while averaging 14 points and 12 rebounds per contest this past season.

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.

Top Performers: Adidas May Classic

During a loaded weekend of hoops a few players stuck out as being top players at the tournament. Although I only attended on Saturday, I wanted to highlight my top performers from the weekend. Below are my top 5 performers from the weekend.

1. Gary Harris (2012) D3 Heat- Harris had a huge weekend, pouring in games of 36, 23, and 22 this weekend. In my eyes he has cemented himself as one of the two or three best players in the state of Indiana. I believe you can make a real case for him being number one, as there's just so much he can do. He'll hit a contested 3-pointer, break down the d and score at the rim, or blow right by you for a thunderous dunk. If that's not enough he'll hit the pull up mid-range jump shot, and pester opponents all game long on defense. Harris really played phenomenal this weekend and not only did he impress me, but he was also watched by several national scouting services. Already an outstanding guard, If Harris keeps improving at this rate, he could be a truly scary talent by the time he's done with high school.

2. Mitch McGary (2011) SYF Players- I knew McGary was good before this weekend, but I had no idea he was this good. In one game I watched McGary hit four (yes four) 3-pointers and several mid-range jump shots, an impressive feat for a 6'9 big man. McGary didn't just shoot all day though, as he got the ball in the post and was able to score with his back to the basket. Mitch also ran the floor well which led to some easy baskets in transition. He had games of 23 and 18, and pulled 12 rebounds in one Saturday game. McGary also showed the ability to handle the ball, often taking the ball up the court to the displeasure of his coach. There's not a lot McGary cannot do, he just needs to refine his back to the basket game a little bit.

3. D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera (2012) Indiana Elite Team Indiana- Smith-Rivera did double duty this weekend, playing with the Indiana Elite 17U and 16U teams. On Sunday he only played with his 16U team and scored 22 points to help lead them to the tournament title. Smith-Rivera had it going all weekend long hitting 3-pointers, scoring at the rim, and getting to the free throw line. He also did a great job passing the ball to Peter Jurkin, Obij Aget, and Hanner Perea who all finished numerous DSR passes with authority in the paint. Chalk up another productive weekend for the 2012 standout.

4. Devin Davis (2013) Eric Gordon All-Stars- Watching Davis, he showed why he's already scored offers from Purdue and Indiana as just a freshman. Davis is a great athlete who excels at absorbing contact and finishing plays after hard fouls. He can score off the bounce, or gain position in the post to score a basket. This weekend Davis had games of 17 and 15, but also made an impact blocking shots (6 in one game) and hustling for rebounds. He's got a relentless motor, and game similar to 2012 Dejuan Marrero, but his ball-handling is more advanced. Since he is only 6'5, Davis needs to improve his range out to the 3-point stripe, something he has plenty of time to do.

5. Jeremy Hollowell (2012) Eric Gordon All-Stars- The 6'7 Hollowell showed off his versatile game this weekend, making it look easy from all over the court. He had a game of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, and another game with 18 points. Hollowell scored from 3, scored on opponents off the dribble, and ran the floor well as he was the recipient of some nice alley oops passes in transition. He'll also mix it up down low on offense and defense, scoring second chance points and blocking shots in the paint.

Adidas May Classic 16U Saturday Recap

Today I attended the Adidas May Classic in Bloomington where I saw games played at Assembly Hall, Cook Hall, and Twin Lakes Recreation Center. Over the course of a 10-hour period I watched team after team sand saw at least 2 dozen division one prospects. I saw games in the 17, 16, and 15U divisions. Below is my Saturday 16U recap.

Gary Harris D3 Heat 6'3 SG- Today, my first time seeing Harris live was a real treat. I have seen televised games of him before, but watching him in person is something else. Harris had 23 points in the game I saw, showcasing his ability to score at and above the rim, knock down the 3-pointer, and knock down the mid-range jumper. To close the first half Harris had 8 straight points, knocking down two 3-pointers and taking the ball to the rack for a bucket. Physically, Harris is slender but not too skinny, able to absorb contact and finish after contact. His arms are long, and as he continues to get older he'll likely add more strength and bulk to his frame. On defense his length and quickness make him a pest on the wing, not giving up any easy shots or drives. You can tell Harris is improving his game at a rapid rate, making a real case as the top player in the state for 2012. ( I'll have an interview feature to come with Gary Harris later this week. )

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera Indiana Elite Team Indiana 6'3 PG- Productivity is the word that comes to mind when you mention DSR. He's not the most athletic or flashy player in Indiana, but right now he's the most productive. He showcased his skill today running with Indiana Elite Team Indiana 17U and 16U. DSR hit 3-pointers, scored at the rim after contact, knocked down free throws, and passed well. He threw some great passes to athletic big men Hanner Perea and Peter Jurkin. Smith-Rivera is going to get knocked for his lack of "upside", but he's going to have a very productive junior year at North Central.

Jeremy Hollowell Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'7 SF- Hollowell's team won in an absolute blowout early in the evening, beating the team by nearly 60 points. I didn't see Hollowell play against the greatest competition, but he still showed why he's a top-notch talent. He knocked down a 3-pointer, fought for some second chance points, and had some athletic dunks in transition. He also blocked some shots and pulled down some boards on defense, truly showcasing the total package. There's not much Hollowell can't do on either side of the ball, so it will be interesting to see him challenged by equal talent when the opportunity presents itself.

Hanner Perea Indiana Elite Team Indiana 6'8 PF- Although he's not an Indiana guy, Perea is definitely worth a mention. He plays high school ball in North Carolina, but AAU for the Bloomington based Indiana Elite team. Perea may just be the most athletic big man I have seen so far this summer. In one sequence he blocked a shot, ran down the floor, and literally jumped over an opponent as he threw down an alley oop dunk. He showcased a nice array of dunks and blocks all throughout the day, proving himself as an elite athlete. He is pretty raw on the offensive game, but is expanding his jumper out to the mid-range. If he can develop a consistent mid-range jumper and back to the basket move, he could be an elite college talent.

Nick Osborne Eric Gordon All-Stars 6'8 PF- Osborne had another good showing, dominating competition in a blowout. He's got great athleticism and is developing a knack for grabbing offensive rebounds to score second chance points. Similar to Hollowell, Osborne has impressed me this summer but I've yet to see him truly be challenged. He's got to develop a better back to the basket game, but Nick has the physical tools and effort to excel.

Ronnie Johnson Eric Gordon All-Stars 5'9 PG- Truth be told, I am a Ronnie Johnson fan. He's a quick and smart guard who knows when to pass and knows when to get his points. Admittedly, his jump shot isn't great, but has been improving this spring. He throws the lob pass very well, and benefits from playing with athletic players such as Jeremy Hollowell. Since he is a bit undersized, it is key for Johnson to develop that consistent outside game to keep defenders honest. He's got a knack for hitting floaters and buckets on the run.

TJ Bell Indiana Meanstreets 6'7 PF- Bell has been coming on pretty strong this spring playing with Indiana Meanstreeets. He's a great athlete and dunker who's the recipient of some good passing by his teammates. Today he showed good touch around the rim, scoring after contact on lay-ups and turn-around post moves. Bell blocked some shots on the defensive end, showing off his athleticism on the other end of the floor. He hit a nice 15 foot turn-around jumper to tie the game with less than 30 seconds remaining. Today Bell had 18 points, and the key for him is to consistently give a big time effort, otherwise he can disappear from a game. If he asserts himself on both ends of the floor he could be a really productive player.

Peter Jurkin Indiana Elite Team Indiana 7'0 C- Another half-Indiana half-not guy, Jurkin is a teammate of Perea in high school and AAU. Jurkin is very athletic, but pretty raw with the basketball in his hands. He'll throw down some nice dunks and oops due to great passing, but he's not going to create many points for himself. That is alright though, as Jurkin has plenty of time to improve as a prospect. He blocks/changes shots on defense and hustles to get back on offense, often creating alley oop opportunities for himself. Although he's pretty raw around the basket Jurkin does have a pretty good stroke from the free throw line, converting at a reliable rate for a young big man. Jurkin does hold some high major offers, so you know he has the talent and upside, he just needs to work hard on his game.

Q&A with Jeremy Hollowell

I caught up with Jeremy Hollowell after his game Saturday afternoon, and he talked about his game, the schools recruiting him, and his eventual college decision.

Indy Hoops: How would you describe your game?

Jeremy Hollowell: "I can mix it up, go inside or out. I like to attack the basket and when the defense backs off I can knock down the open three, and I can post up if I need to."

Hoops: What's one thing you would say you'd like to improve on this summer?

JH: "My ball-handling."

Hoops: What are the schools that have offered you scholarships and you're considering?

JH: "IU, Ohio State, Tennessee, Xavier, Illinois, Iowa, Cincinnati, and Indiana State."

Hoops: What schools have you visited?

JH: "Ohio State, IU, Butler, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Xavier."

Hoops: What schools are recruiting you the hardest? Does anyone stick out as really recruiting you hard?

JH: "Ohio State, IU, and Xavier."

Hoops: What are some things you really like about Ohio State?

JH: "Well I'm from Ohio so I like it there, and I've liked Ohio State since I was little. I've been there on campus 3 times. I like the campus, the players, and I talk to Evan Turner a lot."

Hoops: What do you like about IU?

JH: "Even though I'm from Ohio I have lived in Indiana my entire life and I like it here too. Me and Coach Crean have been talking a lot lately. I haven't been down to see the new facilities, but I think I'm going down there next week."

Hollowell indicated he's in no big hurry to decide where he will go to college. "I'll probably decide on a college next AAU season, the summer going into my senior year", Hollowell said. Hollowell indicated he'd know when it was time to make his decision, "I'll know it when the time is right" he said. Jeremy is currently playing for the Eric Gordon All-Stars 16U team.

Here is a quick scouting report on Jeremy Hollowell:
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.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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.

IndyBall.com Shootout 17U Saturday Recap

In what was a loaded day of AAU action, I got the chance to see 17U, 16U, and 15U action today. The majority of my day was spent watching the Indiana Elite teams. I also saw a few Spiece teams play today. Tomorrow I will get the chance to see the Eric Gordon All-Stars play. Several players were attending the Adidas Nation event and will be reuniting with their teams in the future.

Indiana Elite 17U

2011 Guard Matt Carlino- Carlino had an up and down day today, showing off great range on his jump shot but also committing small mental mistakes and turnovers. Carlino hit four 3-pointers in the first half of a game, and also showed the ability to slash and finish at the rim with the ball in his hands. Unfortunately Carlino also showed the tendency to get a bit too flashy, trying to throw passes behind his back and between his legs, leading to turnovers. Matt displayed nice athleticism, throwing down a one handed dunk in the lane, and hitting another off the back of the rim. The key for Carlino is to play within the game and not force any flashy passes or plays.

2011 Forward/Center Cody Zeller- Zeller had a game that mirrored his high school season. He made fluid and smart moves in the post, showing nice touch but struggled at times to finish through fouls. His active hands allowed him to get several tip ins and pull down challenged rebounds on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Zeller is one of the best free-throw shooting big men I can recall in recent history, shooting 6-7 from the charity stripe in his first game. If Zeller is struggling with his jump shot, the key for him is to get the ball in the post and score. All in all he had a good showing today, and I will be intrigued to see how he does this summer.

2011 Guard Jeremiah Davis- Davis did not have the best showing today, as he struggled to find his jumper. Davis does a nice job of breaking down his man off the dribble, but at times can hold onto the ball too long. He does a good job at getting into the lane, and if he concentrates on attacking the basket and finding his teammates instead of falling in love with the jump shot, he should be fine.

2011 Forward Austin Etherington- Etherington showed a little bit of everything today, playing well on both sides of the ball. In the first half of the morning game he struggled with his jumper but passed the ball well and took his man off the dribble for an impressive 2-hand dunk. In the second half he found his range, knocking down two 3-pointers. In his second game of the day he hit several mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers.

2011 Forward Vinny Zollo- This former Kentucky commitment impressed me in his first game. He was the most active player on the floor, pulling down 9 rebounds and using offensive rebounds to score second chance points. Zollo ran the floor very well and was the recipient of some good passes into the paint. He also buried a mid-range jumper and a 3-pointe. The one weakness to his game was that he struggled to finish some plays after contact, but still maintained aggressiveness. Zollo is a player I will be continually watching as the summer rolls on.

2011 Center Cheir Ajou- Ajou is a project in the true sense of the word, but is making strides as a player. A legitimate 7 footer, Ajou blocked multiple shots each game, and pulled down most rebounds in his vicinity. He hit a nice 15-16 foot jumper and a hook shot in his first game. When he got to the line Ajou knocked down both free throws, showing a nice stroke for a big man. Ajou needs to time his jumps a little better when rebounding and blocking, but certainly has the potential to be a difference maker on both ends of the floor.

Q&A Interview with 2012 Standout Ron Patterson

On Saturday I caught up with Broad Ripple sophomore Ron Patterson. The 6'3 guard is playing AAU basketball with Indiana Elite this summer, winning their first two games this Saturday. Patterson had 10 points and 10 rebounds in his first game, and 17 points and 4 rebounds in the second game. He showed off a versatile game shooting the 3, pulling down rebounds, blocking shots, and breaking opponents down off the dribble. Patterson had perhaps the highlight of the day with a 2-handed put-back dunk in his second game. I did a brief interview with Patterson, and here is what he had to say.

Indy Hoops: Describe yourself as a player and tell me a little bit about your game?

Patterson: "I can shoot it at times, get to the lane, pull down rebounds, and be a good defender."

Indy Hoops: What would you say you need to work on this summer to improve your game?

RP: "Ball-handling."

Indy Hoops: Do you want to play a certain position in college?

RP: "It really doesn't matter to me, I just want to play."

Indy Hoops: What schools are you looking at?

RP: "Indiana, Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Tennessee, Ohio State, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan"

Indy Hoops: Are all of the schools on an even level or are any sticking out?

RP: "Not really they're all even."

Indy Hoops: Do you have a timeline to make a college decision?

RP: "I'm just playing it as it goes."

Indy Hoops: Have you visited a lot of schools?

RP: "Not anywhere recently, but I may do that this summer or in the fall."

Quick scouting report on Patterson:

When you talk about Ron Patterson's game the first thing that comes to mind is athleticism. He has incredible leaping ability that allows 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.

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.

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.