Ramsey’s Week One Player Evaluations
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I was out of town for a family Thanksgiving trip, but that didn’t keep me from watching a bunch of Indiana High School Basketball via live streams across the state. Here are some of the players that I was able…
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Continue ReadingI was out of town for a family Thanksgiving trip, but that didn’t keep me from watching a bunch of Indiana High School Basketball via live streams across the state. Here are some of the players that I was able to see in the opening week of the season.
Cooper Bean Cooper Bean 6'4" | SG Noblesville | 2023 State IN (Noblesville H.S. 2023): The 6’3″ shooting guard had an excellent season-opener knocking down three three-pointers against Lawrence North on his way to 18 points off of the bench. He provided an instant offensive spark and remained a key piece all game long. Bean has good size on the perimeter and a sweet shooting stroke. Will be a primary contributor on a solid Millers squad this season.
Flory Bidunga (Kokomo H.S. 2024): Wow. The 6’10″ center was extremely impressive in my first ever chance to see him play. Bidunga lives up to the online hype coming out of Kokomo. He moves very well, has solid footwork, and played all 32 minutes showcasing impressive conditioning. The young big man had 11 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in his first ever IHSAA game. College coaches all the way to the very highest levels need to start tracking Bidunga.
Kobi Bowles Kobi Bowles 6'2" | PG Lawrence North | 2024 State IN (Lawrence North H.S. 2024): A super explosive point guard that appeared to be as quick as ever with the ball in his hands on Friday night against Noblesville. Elite quickness that gives him the ability to penetrate the defense at will. The sophomore point guard had 12 points in the Wildcats season opener.
Macoyion Brown (Lawrence North H.S. 2022): This senior guard stepped up in a big way in the absence of Mr. Basketball candidate Chris Gunn Chris Gunn 6'5" | SG Lawrence North | 2022 State #114 Nation IN to lift LN to victory in their season opener. Brown can flat out score the basketball showcasing the ability to score off of the dribble and fill it up from beyond the arc. The senior had a team-high 18 points against Noblesville. He will find his way onto the recruiting lists of several in-state colleges this season.
Patrick Hardimon (Kokomo H.S. 2023): Hardimon broke out in the second half scoring 23 of his game-high 28 points to lead a large Kokomo comeback. The Wildkats would eventually win 60-58 over rival Western in overtime. Haridmon, a 6’3″ wing, hit the game-winner in OT as well to secure the victory. He will be one to track this year as a versatile playmaker on the offensive end.
Sam Jacobs Sam Jacobs 6'4" | SF Hamilton Southeastern | 2022 State IN (Hamilton Southeastern H.S. 2022): The 6’4″ Jacobs was excellent in HSE’s overtime loss at Brebeuf Jesuit. Jacobs scored a game-high 22 points and collected 5 rebounds for the Royals. He is a versatile wing that can play and guard the 2-4 at the small college level.
Hunter Johnson Hunter Johnson 6'2" | SG South Decatur | 2022 State IN (South Decatur H.S. 2022): Johnson is a pure scorer and has proven as much so far this season with back-to-back 42 point performances. The 6’2″ guard is very aggressive but still has found a way to score with efficiency despite being the primary target of opposing scouting reports. He should be one of the state’s top scorers through this season.
Marial Puou Marial Puou 6'7" | PF Brebeuf Jesuit | 2022 State IN (Brebeuf Jesuit 2022): It has been an outstanding start to the season for the move-in from Sandwich, Illinois. The 6’7″ forward has helped the Braves to a 2-0 start with a pair of strong performances. He had 10 points and 16 rebounds in their win over Hamilton Southeastern Wednesday night.
E.J. Smith E.J. Smith 6'1" | PG Noblesville | 2022 State IN (Noblesville H.S. 2022): Smith was extremely impressive despite taking the loss against Lawrence North on Friday night. He started the game strong and never let up scoring a team-high 21 points including four three-pointers. The 6’2″ guard is explosive with the ball, extremely quick getting to the basket, and has the outside shooting touch to keep defenses honest. High level Division III prospect with NAIA interest as well.
Shayne Spear Shayne Spear 6'3" | SF Kokomo | 2023 IN (Kokomo H.S. 2023): The physical 6’2″ showed off his shooting ability to Kokomo’s win over Western going 4/9 from beyond the arc for 14 points. He has a quick release and good range well beyond the three-point arc. When attacking closeouts, he uses his size and strength to finish inside. Will be an important piece for a talented Wildkats squad.