Forum: Center Grove vs. Hamilton Southeastern Evaluations
We are finishing up some evaluations from last week’s Forum Tip-Off Classic. These are our player breakdowns from the Hamilton Southeastern win over Center Grove.
Chaz Birchfield | 6’5 | SF | 2018 | Hamilton Southeastern (IN) | This was a better game for Birchfield as he was more effective as a scorer in the lane. He drew contact and made his was to the line a bit but also was just aggressive in general. When he finished well at the rim, his game is so much better. He’s a capable shooter but is better at creating opportunities on his driving ability. Will need to show more consistency on his drives but if he can, he could be a late steal for a program. He finished with 7 points on 2/6 shooting with 3 rebounds and 2 steals. |
Aaron Etherington | 6’6 | SF | 2019 | Hamilton Southeastern (IN) | Etherington had a huge game, showing his scoring ability as a shooter at times but really with his athleticism and getting to the rim. When things are open for them, Aaron can really take advantage. In the half court, his shooting ability helps to give him other opportunities as a guy that can really fill it up. Thought this was the most aggressive we had see him combined with the most effective. When he looked to drive at the rim, he wasn’t going to be stopped. Was big on defense, creating 4 steals and getting 10 points off of turnovers. He finished with 23 points on 9/13 shooting with 6 rebounds. |
Noah Smith | 6’0 | PG | 2019 | Hamilton Southeastern (IN) | Smith is starting to take his game to another level. He’s much more aggressive going at the rim and is finishing well. Better today than he was a week ago. Had a pretty good game defending as well, created a few high-leverage turnovers. He’s contributing in a ton of different areas and really rounding out his game now that he is providing more offense. His stock is rising quickly. He finished with 16 points on 7/10 shooting with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. |
Chris Grubbs | 6’4 | SF | 2020 | Hamilton Southeastern (IN) | This wasn’t a big game for Grubbs but it showed his impact as a guy who is better on defense than you would think. His versatility came into play as he was moved on and off a few different players and while he was called for four fouls, he was key in slowing down Center Grove’s guards. Still, he was able to get some looks on offense and with more looks, he has the skill to put up big numbers as a good 15′ and in scorer. He finished with 4 points on 2/6 shooting with 2 rebounds. |
Mabor Majak | 7’1 | C | 2020 | Hamilton Southeastern (IN) | Majak was pretty good in this game seeing as how he was giving up a lot of skill and mobility against Trayce Jackson-Davis. He was still fairly effective as a rim protector. His touch around the rim looked good and scored a few but Jackson-Davis was able to block a couple. This was a building moment for him as competed against a more difficult player and matchup. He finished with 10 points on 3/6 shooting, 4/4 from the free throw line with 4 rebounds and a block. |
Nate McLain | 6’3 | SG | 2018 | Center Grove (IN) | Nate was about normal in this game. He provides some versatilty as a guy who can play off the ball, score, and setup teammates. He’s never really a guy that will drop a ton of points but his value lies in those things he does off the ball. Really solid rebounder and has the vision to get it and lead a break. In rhythm, he is a really solid jump shooter from deep. Has upside if he chooses to become more aggressive. He finished with 6 points on 2/6 shooting, 2/5 from distance with a pair of assists. |
Spencer Piercefield | 6’0 | PG | 2019 | Center Grove (IN) | COMMITTED: Indiana Wesleyan – Piercefield was a bit slow to start but in the second quarter he started to get heated up. A lot of his game begins with his shooting ability and once he hit a pair of threes that seemed to spark his play.. He’s playing the role of primary ball handler so some of his focus is on setting things up which he does well. He’s also improved as an on-ball defender over the last year. Wasn’t as potent as he can be but a solid game regardless finishing with 13 points on 4/12 shooting, 3/9 from distance along with 2 assists and 4 steals. |
Joey Klaasen | 6’4 | SF | 2018 | Center Grove (IN) | Klaasen was really effective in this game, showing his ability to drive into the middle of the lane and create offense. He drew a lot of contact and was able to get to the free throw line. His ball handling looks improved and he stepped up with his assertiveness, making his game shine through a bit more. Want to see a bit more scoring without drawing fouls but love the effectiveness. He finished with 8 points on 1/2 shooting going 6/6 from the free throw line along with a pair of rebounds. |
Trayce Jackson-Davis | 6’9 | PF | 2019 | Center Grove (IN) | This was a breakout game from Jackson-Davis as he showed off all the improvements. He athleticism looks much improved but really the biggest takeaway was his explosiveness which is through the roof when you consider the kind of shots he was blocking. Was an elite rim protector in this game and was dominant on the offensive end as well. Now able to step away from the rim, he is so difficult to defend with the ball in his hands. Very creative in the post and has that agility to get past everyone. He finished with 33 points on 14/22 shooting along with 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. |