Top Returning 2019 Scorers
We highlight the top returning scorers in the 2019 class from last year. These guys led the 2019 class in points per game and come back this year and look to push their scoring totals even higher. There are some missing players as some statistics from players were not uploaded to maxpreps.com.
Brandon Newman (Valparasio) – 6’4 SG – 25.0 PPG
Newman is the leading returning score in the state. With a final three schools of IU, Purdue, and Xavier, you can see that he is highly sought after. Newman is able to get to the rim and score but he hangs hit hat on his shooting ability. He is a guy who could go off this year for Valparaiso as he is going to want to lead his team to state and contend for Mr. Basketball.
Isaiah Thompson (Zionsville) – 6′ PG – 23.1 PPG
Thompson, a Purdue commit, wowed fans last year with some high scoring outputs. He is wiry thin so last year he had some nights where he struggled to get anything going inside at the rim. He can make a shot from anywhere on the floor which is what really scares opponents. Thompson is starting to get to the point wirer he can attack the basket and when he does he can finish pretty well.
Mawich Kachjaani (International) – 6’10 C – 23.0 PPG
Being close to seven feet tall certainly has its perks. One of which is being able to score inside of five feet almost automatically. Kachjaani is a nightmare to defend for anyone as no one can match up with him. He’s got a little bit of touch but does most of his damage off of rebounds. He’s a guy that is a little under-the-radar because of where he plays but he has the ability to drop 40 whenever he wants.
Armaan Franklin (Cathedral) – 6’5 SG – 23.0 PPG
Fresh off a commitment to Indiana, Franklin is ready for his senior year and with that comes a chance to lead the senior class in scoring. With the graduation of Jarron Coleman, a lot of the scoring will fall on the shoulders of Franklin. He is a guy who really took off in the last year and if you watch him you can really see that. He’s long and rangy which allows him to finish through tons of contact. He is also working with a jumper that can get hot at times and fall all night long.
Tyler Kramer [Southwestern (Hanover)] – 6′ PG – 22.0 PPG
One of the few players on this list that most people probably won’t recognize is Kramer. He came onto the scene last year after scoring 28 points in a season-opening win. Kramer is a guy who can beat you in a multitude of ways since he can take the ball in transition and is really good at changing pace with the ball. He is a small town guy who could easily surge his scoring total over 30 points a game due to competition.
Jalen Johnson (Manual) – 6’8 PF – 22.0 PPG
Johnson is the lone inside presence on this list. He is a guy who can really score at a torrid pace on the inside and he can stretch it out a bit to the three point line. Last year, he kind of jumped onto the scene scoring wise as he started the season off with a couple of high scoring outputs. With a year under his belt and some key scorers gone we can expect that Johnson’s scoring takes off this year.
Colin Kenney (Marquette Catholic) – 6’1 PG – 21.7 PPG
Kenney is a guy who is able to shift his way into the lane to score but can also hit the jumper. He can maneuver his way into the lane and take tons of contact while finishing. He is aggressive with the ball but still probably could play with the ball in his hands even more this year to be effective. Look for his scoring output to grow since he will be handling the ball even more.
Mason Gillis (New Castle) – 6’7 PF – 21.6 PPG
Gillis is committed to Purdue and he comes into this year looking to cause havoc. He is nursing a knee injury that he suffered in AAU right now but should be good to go for the season opener. He’s a very versatile post player who has the ability to stretch it out. Has the handles to be able take the ball down the floor from time to time. He is overpower guys this year on his way to another 20+ PPG year.
Landon Newnum (Parke Heritage) – 6’1 SG – 21.6 PPG
Newnum is a high scorer for Parke Heritage, formerly Rockville. The school consolidation between Rockville and Turkey Run will give him a little more talent on his side, but that just opens up the scoring for him. He has a really good mid-range jumper and will use that after he creates space. He’s a shooter who will rack of tons of points this year quickly.
Will Penny (Logansport) – 6’3 SG – 21.5 PPG
Penny is a guy who is going to lead Logansport this year as he is the leading returning scorer from last year. His scoring total may be diminished a little by fellow high scorer Sam Skaggs but Penny really knows how to shoot the ball. Very efficient from deep and will be able to create more going at the rim this year with added aggressiveness.