Mr. Basketball Candidate: Trayce Jackson-Davis
With he start of the high school season, it is a good time to being to think about one of the most prestigious awards there is in the state of Indiana for any sport, Mr. Basketball. The annual award is one that will resonate nationally as Indiana has always produced the type of talent to play at the highest levels. Today, we begin our look with Center Grove’s Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Junior Season Stats: 22.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.7 bpg, 2.8 apg
Senior Season Stats: 29 points, 8 rebounds against Franklin Community, 24 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks against Franklin Central
Overview: Of the guys that will be up for the award, the one that has yet to commit to a school is Center Grove’s Trayce Jackson-Davis. The 6’9 forward is not only one of the top guys in the state but nationally ranked in the Top40 of most services. With a game that should really translate well not only to college but the pros, Jackson-Davis has been developing at a quick pace for a couple years now. Starting out as merely a 6’3 or so freshman without a position into a shot-blocking, highlight reel of post moves and dunks. With handles that allow him to comfortably play out on the wing, Trayce still has plenty of room to grow as he’s not yet a great stretch forward. His interior play is what is excellent at this point and at the high school level, he dominates games and puts up big numbers each time out.
Why He Could Win: There are a lot of reasons why Trayce could win and is the most likely of anyone. I think him not having yet committed and having Indiana as an option, if not the top choice, will keep him in the news cycle every time he steps on the floor. He’s also the best returning player from a year ago of the three guys in the running and the highest rated nationally of them. He also plays for Center Grove in the MIC and will get to play some high level games all season long. They play at the Forum Tip-Off Classic, the Hall of Fame, and gets a chance to go head-to-head with Armaan Franklin this weekend as one of the other competitors for the award.
Why He Might Not: There aren’t a lot of reasons right now but some could develop over the year. Center Grove was supposed to be pretty good last year and they never really figured it out and like always, a deep run in the State Championship goes a long, long way. While they look solid now, their next game against Cathedral will be one to watch. I also could see his college choice having a little bit of an impact. Whether he makes it now or later, going somewhere other than the local school could hurt, not likely a lot but this could end up being a much closer race and little things will matter.
Early Season Thoughts: I think of all of those in the running, Trayce has the most going for him and the least going against him. He’s got the upper hand right now and things will have to change from where they are if he’s going to not win. Still early but so far so good.