Battle of the Brands: Indy Heat Red 2023
This past weekend, Indy Heat and Indiana Elite got together to play each other in one of the best scouting opportunities you could have in the climate we are currently in. This was extremely helpful and gave us a much…
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Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Indy Heat and Indiana Elite got together to play each other in one of the best scouting opportunities you could have in the climate we are currently in. This was extremely helpful and gave us a much better look at some of these top players in the state.
Today, we are taking a look at team-by-team with how they played and our overall thoughts on each player on their rosters.
Brashawn Bassett – 6’1 SG 2023 – Fort Wayne North (IN)
Brashawn is a big, strong guard that will have some development coming soon. He has a big frame and can utilize that really well especially when he looks to drive. He can know down a jumper showing a nice mid-range pull-up in the second game. But, he’s best when he can bully his way to the rim. Will need to speed up his game, plays a little slow right now but is well rounded enough with the frame that you can dream on the development over the next few years.
Nick Thompson Nick Thompson 6'2" | SG Bishop Luers | 2023 State IN – 6’2 SG 2023 – Bishop Luers (IN)
Nick is a big guard with a ways to go and a ton of upside. He’s 6’2 and strong with the handles to possibly play on the ball long term. Doesn’t make a ton of mistakes and seems to be able to handle pressure really well. The passing ability is solid but he’s not a playmaker right now and can phase in and out of offense. When he’s got it going, it’s drives and toughness around that stands out. Capable shooter but not a lock right now. Has a chance to be pretty special just still pretty early.
Grant Leeper Grant Leeper 6'7" | C Homestead | 2023 State IN – 6’5 SF 2023 – Homestead (IN)
Grant is a growing wing that has really looked solid all spring. His jumper is the first thing you notice pretty much every game. Capable as a deep shooter and does really well off the catch. Not a big time guy on the inside but could as his frame is going to add strength down the road. The mobility on the wing is pretty solid and he doesn’t look like he is going to get forced to be an interior guy but could possess a good mix later on. Want to see the handles and driving ability a little more in the next year, see if he’s going to be an all-around wing or more of a stretch forward type.
Luke Almodovar – 6’2 SG 2023 – Noblesville (IN)
Luke is a solid off-guard who has some game to him. Good size, good length and some athleticism mixed with a pretty solid jumper make him a guy that could really take steps forward very, very quickly. Did a lot of work in transition, taking advantage of his speed but also did show he can rip off shots quickly. He’s not the type of guy, yet, who is going to score a ton every single game, but you can see the demeanor and aggressiveness in him that will allow that jumper to become a big weapon. With more time, he’s only going to become more confident and let his shots fly.
Jackson Streander Jackson Streander 6'3" | SG New Albany | 2023 IN – 6’3 SG 2023 – New Albany (IN)
Jackson is a tough off-guard with a ton of scoring ability. He possesses a really nice pull-up game, able to hit jumpers all over the floor with just enough handles to get to his spots. Good as a shooter off the catch as well and can really rack up points in a hurry. Jumper does look a little flat at times and he has to correct it throughout the game but I like that he can see it and adjust quickly. He can drive the ball well, not super quick in the lane but he’s a pretty big and strong kid that he can protect the ball quite well. Could see him transitioning more to a true wing role down the line as he might end up matching up better defensively.
Jaxson Gould Jaxson Gould 6'3" | SG Warsaw | 2023 State IN – 6’3 SG 2023 – Warsaw (IN)
Jaxson is a big time scoring guard with size and athleticism. He’s really good hunting shots and he can be deadly with a really quick release. He put up a ton of points this weekend shooting the heck out of the ball from behind the arc. Really solid athlete who could take a big step forward as a defender later on in his career. Has the ball handling to play on the ball a bit but definitely more suited to scoring creation off the ball. Should be a guy that could grow into a more efficient scorer over the next couple years.
Josh Furst – 6’5 PF 2023 – Blackhawk Christian (IN)
Josh is a low post prospect with some rebounding ability and touch around the rim. He’s not a guy who is going to stretch the floor or really be a guy you can feed but he’s proven he knows how to get rebounds and he can kind produce based on his own energy. Big second-chance points player in the paint. Needs to be tougher through contact down low as he can leave some points on the floor right now. Mobile and can get up and down the floor well for a fast paced team. Developmental big that has some upside as he gets older.
Sefton Gage – 6’4 SF 2023 – Blackhawk Christian (IN)
Sefton is a tall wing with a good frame and some shooting ability. Really mobile and looks to have some athleticism. He’s best moving to the wing and looking to catch and shoot. Good, high release with range beyond the arc. Probably going to have the ability to create his shot on the arc sooner rather than later as his ability to handle the ball is there already. Not going to turn into a point guard but could be a 2/3 with a good amount of offense. Want to see how he adapts to his high school team and if he can fold into a role or fail or exceed. Just want to see more.