PHI Freshman Showcase Notebook: Aggressiveness Not Lost On 2022
FISHERS, IN | The 4th annual Prep Hoops Indiana Freshman Showcase this past Sunday was another successful run for the state bringing together 100 of the top players in the 2022 class. Overall, the day ran smooth and provided a solid look at those top players in the state.
Now, it is time to figure out what this class has to offer. Here is our breakdown from the event and thoughts on the class on first viewing.
Aggressiveness Isn’t Lost On 2022
One of the biggest standout features of this group on Sunday was that there were a ton of guys who were as aggressive as we have seen in the four years we have held this event.
Gary West (IN) forward Jalen Washington was an obvious one but even on his team it was Will Loving-Watts of Jeffersonville (IN) who might have been the most aggressive on the day. Big wing with the ability to drive and finish above the rim.
The guards and wings held their own as well with guys like Reggie Bass (Muncie Central), Andrew Leeper (Homestead), Antonio Lisenbee Jr. (Cathedral), and Amhad Jarrad (Mt. Vernon-Fortville). Jarrad turned out to be one of the best players at the event using his athleticism and skill to dominate in every game on the day.
A lot of these guys seemed to feel really comfortable making plays. There was a little more ball skills overall and in turn I think that really paved the way for guys to be more aggressive than before. There weren’t as many guys looking to make plays on wing and shooting but so many trying to attack the rim.
With that being said, I think that aggressiveness could spur some highly productive players early on in their careers than maybe we haven’t seen as much of in the past few years. Looking at guys like Bass and Jarrad who are both at schools that need a talent infusion.
Even some small school guys could really stand out. I though Owen Linder of Lafayette Jeff (IN) might have been the best shooter on the day and that is a role that always seems to find playing time. As well as Jackson Falconberry. The 6’4 forward from Madison (IN) should be an early playing time contender with his size and ability to finish in the post. He was fairly aggressive around the rim on Sunday.