Sneakers For Santa Player Evaluations

<p>Saturday’s 2021 Allstate Insurance Sneakers For Santa Shootout is officially in the books. After over 12 hours spent in the gym watching seven great games featuring outstanding prospects, it is time to put out some evaluations. Here is a look at some of the under-the-radar prospects that stood out during Saturday’s event.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1275779" first="Kanon" last="Catchings"] (Brownsburg H.S. 2024): </strong>You could certainly make a strong argument that Catching is Brownsburg’s best prospect. The 6’5" wing showed his ability to create his own shot off of the dribble on the way to nine points in Saturday’s win over Plainfield. Great length and body control. Definitely needs to be on college coach’s recruiting radar moving forward.</p> <p><strong>Elhadj Diallo (Brownsburg H.S. 2023): </strong>6’4" wing/forward that had it going from three and off of the dribble at different points of Saturday’s game. He has a good looking stroke and is definitely a jump-shooter in terms of what he does best. Good size on the wing. Capable three-level scorer. One to follow this season.</p> <p><strong>Carsen Melvin (Plainfield H.S. 2025): </strong>Impressive looking freshman with a lot of upside. 6’3" athlete with a good frame for his age. Melvin rebounded the ball well and certainly held his own physically against solid competition. As he becomes more and more skilled he will be a real problem on the floor.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1042493" first="D.J." last="Moss"] (Gary 21st Century 2023): </strong>Really good looking 6’5" wing that can shoot it at a high level. Moss is a very good left-handed shooter as he proved knocking down four three-pointers on Saturday. Smooth stroke. Strong, physical frame that makes him tough to stop in transition as well. Will continue to develop into a potential low-major Division I prospect.</p> <p><strong>Eric Price Jr. (Gary 21st Century 2022):</strong> I’ve said this before about Price, but if you are a DIII/NAIA/JUCO that is always looking for a big man late in the recruiting process, just start recruiting this 6’9" center right now. He is a left-handed finisher inside with the size and strength to battle against anyone. Nice tough around the basket.</p> <p><strong>Pharrell White (Hammond Central H.S. 2022): </strong>White led all scorers with 19 points in the Wolves win over Fort Wayne North Side. The 6’2" wing did a little bit of everything on the offensive end driving by closeouts to his right hand and showing off a smooth shooting stroke. Could be a nice late pick up for small college programs as a prospect flying under the radar.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1049163" first="Jordan" last="Green"] (Fort Wayne North Side H.S. 2023): </strong>Despite the loss, it was a very impressive performance for the 6’4" forward. Green is very athletic, active around the basket, and can drive it right from the perimeter. Excellent on the glass finishing with 14 points and 11 rebounds, many of which were offensive. Could be a small college 4-man that creates matchup issues.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="868270" first="Kyron" last="Kaopuiki"] (Homestead H.S. 2023): </strong>Kaopuiki needs more respect as one of the better wings in Indiana’s Class of 2023. He is really, really good. The 6’4" guard scored eight points in Homestead’s dominant win over Carmel and contributed in plenty of other ways as well. Good passer, rebounds, the ball, and can stroke it from beyond the arc. As the season goes on he will continue to garner more and more attention alongside [player_tooltip player_id="1063961" first="Fletcher" last="Loyer"].</p> <p><strong>Macoyion Brown (Lawrence North H.S. 2022): </strong>This guard is bursting onto the scene as a senior. A 6’0" guard, Brown is strong enough to play through contact and skilled enough to make plays off of the dribble. One of the better small college backcourt prospects available in the senior class.</p> <p><strong>Andrew Wiggins (Heritage Christian 2023): </strong>Wiggins was really impressive around the basket in Heritage Christian’s loss to Lawrence North. A 6’4" strong forward, Wiggins showcased excellent feet and hands inside. One of the top baseball prospects in Indiana, but otherwise would be an awesome small college post player.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1176168" first="Jaiden" last="Malichi"] (Cathedral H.S. 2022): </strong>6’8" center that plays with big time energy and a high motor at all times. Malachi has a nice right-hand baby hook in the post and can rim-run in transition. Excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor. Without a doubt one of the best small college big man prospects there is on the board.</p>