Best of the Midwest: Tony’s Favorites
Best of the Midwest: Tony’s Favorites
Saturday, July 22nd | Grand Rapids, MI
Lucas Lehrman – 6’9” | F | Indy Heat 2018 Red | Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger | Class of 2018
Lehrman has been quickly improving over the past few months. He continues to prove that he can stretch the floor consistently and finish down around the rim. His length is bothersome on the defensive end and he is one of the better rebounders in the Class of 2018. Lucas blocks shots at the rim and on the perimeter. He is great at rim running and started to show that he can early post and get easy baskets. Lucas has been creating some buzz in the recruiting scene and is poised for a great senior season.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/lucas-lehrman/
Ethan Brittain-Watts – 6’2” | G | Indy Heat 16U EYBL | Culver Academy | Class of 2019
Ethan has been proving himself over and over again. What made him one of the standout favorites from the weekend was his defense. He takes pride in his lock down defense while being one of the energy guys on the floor. Brittain-Watts has obviously been working on his footwork and it showed on Saturday. He beats guards to the spots they want to get to and causes turnovers with his quick hands. Ethan received an offer from Toledo following his play this weekend in Grand Rapids which was a replica of his elite play at the Nike Peach Jam in the first live period.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/ethan-brittain-watts/
Brandon Newman – 6’3” | SG | Indy Heat 16U EYBL | Valparaiso | Class of 2019
Newman has been impressing coaches at the Division I level all summer but he really dug in on the defensive end on Saturday. His length on the wing bothered opposing guards and allowed him to really play his game. He likes to get out in transition and look for early scoring opportunities while the defense is rotating back. He attacks the basket with strength and finesse while keeping his head up for easy passes. Brandon is still blossoming into the player that he can be and will be someone to keep on the radar as he looks to reach his potential.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/brandon-newman/
Arius Jones – 6’3” | G | Elite Nation Basketball | Carroll High School | Class of 2018
Arius is used to big time games, which he proved on Saturday. His pace and speed on the floor was up to snuff against the Indy Heat 17U EYBL group. He picks up and guards for the full eighty-four feet. He is extremely long at the point guard position which allows him to make passes over the defense. Jones is still a pass-first point guard but showed that he looks for his jump shot more consistently now. He is a lock-down, true-point guard who is continually working to expand his offensive game.
Prep Hoops Profile: https://prephoops.com/archived-player/arius-jones/
Weston Hamby – 5’9” | PG | Gym Rats Total Package Elite | Manchester | Class of 2021
On a list full of tenacious defenders, Hamby also stood out. The incoming freshman guard is a bit undersized but he will not back down from a challenge. He earned the respect of the opposing team with his hustle and love for competition. He finishes well around the basket with both hands and looks comfortable running the point position. One of the true-point guard prospects that still exist in today’s game. He can create opportunities off the bounce and has good court vision in the open floor.