Champions of Character Classic Preview: Players to Watch
In this article:
The 2021 Champions of Character Classic hosted by Grace College tips off on Saturday with two great sessions of basketball. In the first session, Columbia City takes on Fort Wayne Wayne at noon, with Fort Wayne Snider vs. Merrillville and…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2021 Champions of Character Classic hosted by Grace College tips off on Saturday with two great sessions of basketball. In the first session, Columbia City takes on Fort Wayne Wayne at noon, with Fort Wayne Snider vs. Merrillville and Central Noble vs. Woodlan to follow. Beginning around 4:45 p.m. in session two, Blackhawk Christian plays Chelsea (MI), Chesterton takes on Homestead, and Fort Wayne North faces off with Warsaw. Let’s dive right in to some of the top players to watch on Saturday.
Joey Cabana Joey Cabana 6'2" | CG Chelsea | 2024 State MI (Chelsea (MI) H.S. 2024)
One of the top sophomores in Michigan, Cabana scored 21 points in Chelsea’s first game of the season heading into Saturday’s matchup with Blackhawk Christian. He has the ability to create his own shot off of the dribble and is a great all-around shot maker. Already holds an offer from Lake Superior State.
A.J. Dixon A.J. Dixon 6'5" | SF Merrillville | 2022 State IN (Merrillville H.S. 2022)
Dixon is a big reason why the Pirates are 3-0 heading into Friday night’s matchup Crispus Attucks. Then, the 6’5″ wing will turn around and take on a dynamic Fort Wayne Snider team on their way back home Saturday. His size and physicality will be nice contrast to the high-scoring guards of Snider.
Connor Essegian Connor Essegian 6'4" | SG Central Noble | 2022 State #170 Nation IN (Central Noble H.S. 2022)
The Wisconsin recruit hasn’t disappointed to start his senior campaign leading the Cougars to a Class 2A #2 ranking per the Prep Hoops Indiana Class Rankings. Essegian, alongside Purdue signee Fletcher Loyer Fletcher Loyer 6'4" | SG Homestead | 2022 State #108 Nation IN , is the highest profile prospect at the Champions of Character Classic.
Travis Grayson Travis Grayson 5'10" | PG Chesterton | 2022 State IN (Chesterton H.S. 2022)
Chesterton is off to an undefeated start to their season and a lot of that has to do with this dynamic lead guard. Grayson is an excellent playmaker and will have his toughest test of the season on Saturday going against Class 4A #2 Homestead.
Jaxson Gould Jaxson Gould 6'3" | SG Warsaw | 2023 State IN (Warsaw H.S. 2023)
Fresh off of a 32-point performance in a loss to Crown Point, Gould has a double weekend against Wawasee and then Fort Wayne North in the Champions of Character Classic. Gould can score the basketball in a hurry and should have a chance for another big game on Saturday.
Andrew Hedrick (Columbia City H.S. 2023)
This dynamic point guard has helped lead the Eagles to a 4-1 start to their season. They will face East Noble Friday night before a matchup against Fort Wayne Wayne at Grace on Saturday. Hedrick is an efficient scorer, creates plays for his teammates, and is an above-average defender as well.
Brauntae Johnson Brauntae Johnson 6'2" | PG Fort Wayne North Side | 2024 IN (Fort Wayne North H.S. 2024)
Johnson is the number one ranked player in the Class of 2024 here at Prep Hoops Indiana and has lived up to the honor so far this season. Despite being just 1-5 as a team, Johnson is averaging 19.2 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists for the Legends.
Aidan Lambert Aidan Lambert 6'3" | SG Snider | 2022 State IN (Fort Wayne Snider H.S. 2022)
It may be just one game, but Lambert began the season with a 40-point performance in a big win over East Noble. He is one of the most dynamic guards still available in Indiana’s senior class. This will be an excellent stage for college coaches to evaluate him.
Fletcher Loyer Fletcher Loyer 6'4" | SG Homestead | 2022 State #108 Nation IN (Homestead H.S. 2022)
This Mr. Basketball front-runner needs no introduction. Loyer is averaging 26.5 points per game so far this season and will have another high profile game here on Saturday taking on undefeated Chesterton. The future Purdue Boilermaker will bring plenty of fans out to Grace at 6:15 p.m.
Joe Reidy Joe Reidy 6'7" | SF Woodlan | 2022 State IN (Woodlan H.S. 2022)
In terms of raw counting stats, Reidy has had as impressive of a season as anyone coming into Saturday’s event. The 6’6″ senior forward is averaging 21.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game while leading Woodlan to a 4-2 start to the season. Watching him matchup with Essegian and Central Noble will be a premier matchup Saturday.