Havoc in the Heartland: Tony P’s Best Indiana 16U Players
Some of my favorite basketball is at the 16U level. Many of the prospects are only scratching the surface of their talent or potential. In addition, with some guys still growing, you can see a guy one summer and by…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSome of my favorite basketball is at the 16U level. Many of the prospects are only scratching the surface of their talent or potential. In addition, with some guys still growing, you can see a guy one summer and by the following AAU season he has grown 6 inches and playing in the post instead of the backcourt. These prospects already have great talent levels and showed off their skills during this weekend’s Havoc in the Heartland tournament as part of the Prep Hoops Circuit.
Silas Bauer (2021) HoopZone Elite- Loogootee
Bauer showed off a wide variety of offense during the weekend at the Havoc in the Heartland. He has near college range shooting which demands tight on-the-ball defense. When needed he also possesses a quick crossover move which allows him to get into the paint on a consistent basis. Silas is able to finish with either hands and can’t be forced to a weak side. When he’s not looking to score, Bauer has great court vision and does a nice job of seeing the floor in half court and full court settings.
Brycen Graber (2021) HoopZone Elite- Barr Reeve
One of 3 athletes on this HoopZone team hailing from Barr Reeve HS, Graber caught the most attention from me during Sunday’s action. A physical 6’3 low post player, Graber is strong with the basketball and does a nice job of keeping the ball near his chest when making post moves. He specifically has a very compelling pump fake which he utilized for easy buckets. Brycen plays well through contact not allowing defenses to push him around or off balance. He does a nice job of scoring the ball in the paint.
Cooper Jones (2021) Indiana Game- Valparaiso
Doubling as a football player as well, Jones brings intensity to his game and can be a lot to contain on the offensive end. Standing at 6’6, he does a nice job of squaring his shoulders in the paint and goes straight up through contact. He expects contact when attacking and does not allow his shots to be altered. On the defensive end, he battles with opposing bigs on the block. Using his size and strength, Jones pushes opponents off the block and did a nice job at times of fronting the post.
Jeremiah Lovett (2021) Indiana Game- Munster
Lovett was one of my favorite 16U players to watch over the weekend. Listed at 6’3, he can play the 2-guard but has the intensity and talent to be a small forward if he grows a little more. He has a strong upper body and uses this to get through traffic whether it be off the dribble drive or a put back on the block. He moves well without the ball and does a nice job of finding gaps in opposing defenses. I would like to see more of his jump shot as he did not use this as much during the weekend.
Jorden Murphy (2021) Indy EBC- TC Howe
Our last 16U Indiana prospect to make the list, Murphy was far from last when it comes to talent on display. A nice ball handler, he is more of a slashing guard, getting his points attacking from the perimeter with his dribble rather than depending on a jump shot. Possessing a nice build for a guard at 6’4, Murphy impressed me with the consistency in getting in the paint off the dribble. He has great size for a guard and could develop into an even more dangerous player with conti