Havoc in the Heartland: Best 17U Performers
As the host state, several Indiana based AAU programs made their way to Fishers High School for action at the Havoc in the Heartland. Several 17U prospects impressed me throughout the weekend as they made their name’s known against other…
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Continue ReadingAs the host state, several Indiana based AAU programs made their way to Fishers High School for action at the Havoc in the Heartland. Several 17U prospects impressed me throughout the weekend as they made their name’s known against other quality competition across the Midwest. Here were my top performers from the Indiana based AAU programs over the weekend.
Jordan Gadis (2020) Indiana Elite ALL IN- Noblesville
On a guard-oriented Indiana Elite team, Gadis was the most impressive backcourt player on display. On the defensive end, Gadis moved his feet extremely well and possessed great lateral quickness. I especially liked how Jordan watched his opponent’s hips instead of watching the ball or their head. This allowed him to contain anybody he was tasked with defending. He has a nice offensive game and nice job of transferring his quickness to the offensive game as he was able to get points in the paint off the dribble drive.
Jake Johnson (2020) Indiana Legends- Oldenburgh Academy
Jake showed off his impressive offensive arsenal in Indiana Legends matchup with MBA. A taller 2 guard, Jake scores from all 3 levels. Having a size advantage against other guards at 6’5, he picked up several buckets in the paint. Not only can he score inside, but Johnson has the shooting touch from 3PT extended which causes mismatches for small forwards that are forced to guard Johnson on the perimeter. Not only can he score the basketball, but Jake did a nice job of distributing the ball to open teammates. He has a high basketball IQ and moves well without the basketball.
Israel Barnett (2020) Indy EBC- Lighthouse CPA South
When you first see Israel play, one may not know right away how talented of a player he is. Standing only 5’10 he’s one of the fastest players at the 17U level and one of the better non scorers as well. A true facilitator with the basketball, Barnett can make plays happen and finds ways to get teammates involved as well. Although he showed his ability to attack off the dribble, his ability to share the ball is what caught my attention. D3’s should keep his name on their radars.
Elkin Ramirez (2020) Team Orkmon- Providence Cristo Rey
During a weekend where fast break and up-tempo styles of play were the main themes, the few guards that were able to slow the game down were the names that caught my attention. Enter Ramirez. One of the most patient guards I saw on display, Elkin has a high basketball IQ and knows how to slow the game down. A very patient guard, he makes most of his plays at the rim off the dribble drive. Ramirez doesn’t force poor shots and knows when to attack the rim and when to reset the offense.
Michael Baughman (2020) Tipping Point/IE 2020- Marian
Michael has great court awareness and knows how to spread the floor on the offensive end in the halfcourt. Possessing a very nice jump shot and 3PT shot, he is one of the better shooters during the weekend and one of the better role players as well. He has great fundamentals and great shooting form which impressed me during Tipping Point’s games. He will be a name to watch as Spring AAU wears down.