2016 Tipoff Classic: Saturday
INDIANAPOLIS, IN | The first event of the 2016 AAU schedule got underway earlier today at North Central High School with the start of the 2016 Tipoff Classic. Things are obviously still getting worked out but teams were out on…
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Continue ReadingINDIANAPOLIS, IN | The first event of the 2016 AAU schedule got underway earlier today at North Central High School with the start of the 2016 Tipoff Classic. Things are obviously still getting worked out but teams were out on Saturday wanting to get a little run in before the bigger events come later this month.
Nike Starts Off Strong
After a really stellar high school season, Crispus Attucks wing Nike Sibande looked to show why he was so successful. He’s running this spring with George Hill Rising Stars 2017 and had a pair of big games going for 19 points in the first game and 18 points in the second. He’s an athletic wing with a really good jump shot and the fast-paced style of AAU suits him well. He’s built in the mold of Arsenal Tech/Ball State wing Jeremie Tyler, although Tyler might be a little more athletic. His recruitment should really take off this spring but he already has interest from Earlham, College of Central Florida, Illinois State, IU-South Bend, and Parkland C.C.
Hemenway Gaining Confidence
You saw it a little bit down the stretch of the high school season if you were paying attention. Castle guard Alex Hemenway, a 6’2 freshman, put up some big numbers. During the two games today at North Central playing for Pocket City Basketball 2019, he looked like he was ready to take a bigger step forward this summer. Alex starred at our PHI Freshman Showcase this past fall and was one of the better players on the day but when we watched him in the high school season he was still trying to get his feet under him. Today he looked a lot more confident and aggressive, much like we saw him this past fall.
Alex is a tall wing who handles the ball very well and to this point he can still run the point for a team. Ultimately, we will have to see how he stays on the ball as he could continue to grow. That ball handling, however, is what allows him to everything that makes him special. He can go off the bounce to pull-up into a three or take and beat his man to the basket. He’s shown a little creativity to be able to dish out some assists. Right now, Hemenway sits just outside of the Top 5 but could
New Faces
There were a few new players I had yet to see but a pair of 2017’s from Indiana Legends were the one’s I like the most. Hunter Hayes, a 6’6 power forward from Switzerland County, looked solid. Long, mobile forward with a soft touch around the rim. I also got my second look at Ben Klinker, a 6’7 post from Oldenburg Academy. Ben participated in our 2016 PHI Combine this past fall and I finally got a look at him again today. He’s thin but strong and is able to get up and down the floor. Showed some nice post moves but also the ability to face up on a defender. Has some growing to do but one to watch in the southern part of the state.
Another name that stood out today on a second look was Jeremiah Bradley, a 6’3 wing from Evansville Central. Bradley is a guy I watched down at the Pocket City X-League this past fall and liked. He’s a bruising guard who likes to attack the defender. His handles showed a little more polish and with his 20-point performance today, you can see that he scores the ball well. I say that to emphasize his ability as a scorer, not a shooter. He’ll have to improve in that area but overall a solid prospect.
Another name from the southern part of the state to watch is Wood Memorial wing Paxton Bartley. The 6’2 wing is on Pocket City Basketball 2019 and looked the part of one of the better scorers in the state for his grade. He’s a little thin but has a nice frame that will fill out and is pretty solid at handling the ball on the perimeter. With that, he can create to get an open look or cut to the rim.
Top Performers
Prospect | Team | Stat Line |
Isiah Moore | George Hill Rising Stars 2019 | 24 points |
Garrett Silcott | Indiana Elite East 2018 | 20 points |
Courvosier McCauley | George Hill Rising Stars 2017 | 24 points |
Jordan Harris | Indiana Legends 2017 | 16 points |
P.J. Baron | Indiana Legends 2017 | 16 points |
Nike Sibande | George Hill Rising Stars 2017 | 19 points / 18 points |
Justin Carpenter | Pocket City Basketball 2017 | 20 points |
Wes Obermeier | Pocket City Basketball 2018 | 16 points, 9 rebounds |
Niah Williamson | Indiana Elite East 2018 | 23 points |
Jeremiah Bradley | Pocket City 2K17 | 20 points |
Luke Smith | Men of the Family | 24 points |
Alex Hemenway | Pocket City Basketball 2019 | 20 points |
Brandon Duncan | Pocket City 2K17 | 17 points |
Jerod May | Indiana Elite Green 2018 | 32 points, 16 points |
Donyell Merideth | Indy DI Grey 2018 | 19 points |