Christmas Break Evaluations: Class of 2023
The holiday break is over and we are playing major catchup as we have been on the road for the last three weeks. There are a ton of evaluations to get to and we are breaking these up as we…
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Continue ReadingThe holiday break is over and we are playing major catchup as we have been on the road for the last three weeks. There are a ton of evaluations to get to and we are breaking these up as we have more than 150 from the break. Today, we are focusing on the class of 2023 we saw.
Anthony Ball – 6’6 PF 2023 – Southport (IN)
***12 points against Greensburg (IN)**
Ball is a big, bruising post player who found his game a little bit here. Still very young but was great Shen he got the ball on the low block. He made some plays using his size and rebounding as he had a pretty solid advantage, physically. Also showed he could be a really solid defender down the road. Had a big face-up block in the paint. He’s a little too out of place right now to have that big, breakout game as he is just learning the system and the level but if and when he gets it locked in, he could be a difference maker pretty quickly.
A.J. Dancler – 6’2 PG 2023 – Southport (IN)
**22 points against Greensburg (IN)***
Dancler is a solid lead guard who wasn’t shy about looking to shoot. He attacked the rim a ton and showed that he has a plenty good pull-up game. He hit a pull-up three, a step-back three, and one off the catch. He also mixed stuff up in the lane with a floater and an up-and-under. Liked his shot selection more in this environment where he was looking to take advantage but not overplaying things. Perfect with his aggressiveness in this one and showing that he could be a pretty solid scorer as a point guard.
JaQualon Roberts – 6’5 SF 2023 – Bloomington North (IN)
***9 points against Scottsburg (IN)***
Roberts is a big wing with a ton of length and athleticism. He’s the type of guy that has enough polish early on that he can shoot a bit and still mix in his athleticism in transition. He isn’t as active right now in the half court unless it is more at the rim but he does have the creation ability that should show up sooner rather than later. Did like how he was active and trying to make plays rather than just sitting back as a freshman.
Peyton Bledsoe – 6’3 SG 2023 – Loogootee (IN)
***3 points against North Daviess (IN)***
Peyton is a big guard with an advanced body and some really solid shooting ability. A lefty who has range already and the strength to battle against older players. He’s big but still really mobile and quick. Long term, will be interesting to seesaw his body develops because he could end up the same size or grow quite a bit and either would change his outcome. But, offensively, he has the perimeter wing skill set to be a shooter first and develop off the bounce in his later years.
Jaylen Mullen – 5’10 PG 2023 – North Daviess (IN)
***4 points against Loogootee (IN)***
Jaylen is a solid lead guard with good speed and handles to create in the half court and transition. He seemed confident in this game, handling the pressure and keeping the pace that North Daviess wanted tonight. Does really well in the open floor and can push the tempo when needed but also a guy that doesn’t seem like he is going to be a big time turnover guy. Handles it well under pressure and can get the ball to his shooters. Will need to see how he is going to score at this level as his only points came off of a drive and free throws.
Jackson Streander – 6’2 SG 2023 – New Albany (IN)
***13 points against Andrean (IN)***
Jackson is a big wing that can really shoot the ball. He was good on the bounce, looking to drive and create in the lane when he got the chance but for the most part he was set on the wing for shooting chances. He made the most of them and looks like the type of shooter that should put up solid efficiency numbers. He didn’t drive as much as we saw in our Freshman Showcase but he did show it a few times and that will be something to watch down the road.
Preston Roberts – 6’2 SG 2023 – Noblesville (IN)
***6 points against Northridge (IN)***
Preston is a big guard who can do a lot really early on for a freshman. He was stellar today with his rebounding as he at least had 5 or 6 offensive boards alone. He’s the type of guy that is going to give you max effort and it shows on nearly every play. Offensively, Roberts gives you a guy that can play inside the arc, create his own shot with his ball handling and has the size and length that makes him a nightmare to defend. He had a tough spin in the lane for a layup and multiple rebounds that resulted in extra points. He’s an energy guy that is also an impact player. Great combo.
Cooper Horn – 6’1 SG 2023 – Columbus North (IN)
***7 points against Blackhawk Christian (IN)**
Cooper is a tall guard who looks to have enough ball handling to play either guard spot. Has a good feel for finishing against traffic and showed a capable jumper. His patience seems pretty solid but also he has enough ability as a driver to see the upside down the road. His frame is pretty good already and could still grow a ton. Had a nice pull-up three and looks like he could develop into a scoring option pretty quickly.
Joey Hart – 6’3 SG 2023 – Linton-Stockton (IN)
***7 points against Terre Haute North (IN)***
Joey is a big guard who is still developing as a young player but has some pretty good ability already. Likely a 2/3 that might grow in height some more, Hart was great in this game as a role player on the wing. Had a couple drives with one going really well and finishing with his right hand at the rim. Had a solid three off the catch and showed that the jumper would be repeatable and good moving forward. Will need to gain more confidence as that was really his first big game with high-stakes. Team in general is young but needs to just have a little more comfort in those situations.
Bryson Carpenter – 6’0 PG 2023 – Terre Haute North (IN)
***5 points against Linton-Stockton (IN)***
Bryson is a tall lead guard with a great frame and some feel for the game early on. He’s got a ton of strength for a freshman and uses it well when he does look to drive. More of a role player right now but they feel really comfortable with him on the ball and creating in the lane. Should be able to stay on the ball and the scoring should develop well first as a driving threat. Will want to see if he has the shooting ability but the base for his development is there.
Jake Davis – 6’5 SF 2023 – Cathedral (IN)
***4 points on 2/4 shooting, 6 rebounds against Marion (IN)***
Jake is a big wing that found ways to impact the game early in his career. He is a wing that will look to shoot from the perimeter when he can but interestingly enough, he scored all four of his points on rebound putbacks. He grabbed a pair of offensive rebounds and finished quick to beat the defender. He grabbed four more rebounds on the defensive end, showing a willingness to go after them and the athletic ability to win them. For a freshman, finding those avenues and then impacting them, that isn’t easy and to this point he is finding those spots and executing.