The Forum Tipoff Classic: Teams and Players to Watch
In late June, the lineup for The Forum Tipoff Classic was announced for December 14th, taking place at the Southport Fieldhouse. This event will host twelve of Indiana’s top high school teams and its players. Games will range all day…
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Continue ReadingIn late June, the lineup for The Forum Tipoff Classic was announced for December 14th, taking place at the Southport Fieldhouse. This event will host twelve of Indiana’s top high school teams and its players. Games will range all day from the earliest tipoff being at noon, and the latest potentially being at around 8:30 p.m. With the high school basketball season quickly approaching, Prep Hoops Indiana wants to take look at six of the teams and some of its players that will be showcased at this event.
Andrew Welage of Greensberg
Greensberg: Greensberg is coming off an impressive record of 24-2 last season. Even though the Pirates came up short to Batesville in sectional, they return three of their top four scorers for this upcoming season. One of the those dynamic scorers being senior Andrew Welage, who averaged 16.7 ppg and 4.5 apg. With Welage and crew returning, The Pirates are on track to be one of the top Class 3A teams in the state of Indiana.
Heritage Hills: The Patriots are looking to make a big splash this upcoming season. The team returns their top four scorers: seniors Murray Becher (20.4 ppg), Simon Scherry (15.6 ppg), and Cole Sigler (7.6 ppg) and also junior Blake Sisley (12.8 ppg). With an extremely good crop of players returning, The Patriots will look to break their 3 year sectional losing streak.
Mabor Majak of Hamilton SoutheasternHamilton Southeastern: The Royals could potentially have a struggle duplicating their 16-9 record from a season ago. The reason being is because they lose a host of players from last season’s team and little that actually have varsity experience. On the bright side, they return their 7ft, junior Mabor Majak, who averaged 8.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg last season. Hamilton Southeastern is a team to watch this season because it will be interesting to see if the lack of varsity experience will cost them, or will Majak be able to lead them to success.
Carmel: Even though Carmel is the defending Class 4A State Champion, they almost went through a complete overhaul with the team they have this season compared to last. The single starter that will be returning for the Greyhounds is sophomore Pete Suder, who last year averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg. Suder will more-than-likey be ready for the challenge to lead Carmel on another state championship run this upcoming season.
Evansville Reitz: Moving onto Carmel’s opponent for the Tipoff Classic, Evansville Reitz is looking to have a much better year than their 12-12 campaign last season. The Panthers will be lead by stud point guard Khristian Lander (22.0 ppg), who is one the top prospects in the state. Lander will also have fellow teammate Owen Dease (11.8 ppg) to take some of the pressure off of him. Do not be surprised to see this team have a better turnaround than there subpar season a year ago.
Trey Galloway of Culver AcademyCulver Academy: The Eagles are in for an intriguing upcoming season. After making 2 straight state final appearances, Culver Academy will be moved up from Class 3A to Class 4A. They return a talented group lead by Mr. Indiana Basketball candidate Trey Galloway (16.2 ppg), along with fellow stud teammate Deontae Craig (University of Iowa Football commit). By the time they play their Tipoff Classic opponent Bloomington South, who is also lead by Mr. Indiana Basketball candidate Anthony Leal, it will be interesting to see just how well the Eagles have done in Class 4A high school ball before then. Will Culver Academy make another state final appearance? With the team they have returning, do not be shocked to see it.
*Forum Tipoff Classic Schedule: Southport vs. Greensburg at noon, Brownsburg vs. Heritage Hills at 1:40 p.m., Hamilton Southeastern vs. Gary West Side at 3:20 p.m., Carmel vs. Evansville Reitz at 5 p.m., Silver Creek vs. Fort Wayne Blackhawk at 6:40 p.m., and Bloomington South vs. Culver Academy at 8:30 p.m.*