Summer Recap – Program Profile: 94 Feet Elite
When trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone…
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Continue ReadingWhen trying to figure out how to best recap the summer basketball scene there was, at first, some paralysis by analysis. With so many great programs featuring talented prospects it is quite the daunting task to try and give everyone the coverage they deserve. Especially with teams spread out across different circuits it can be hard to find a natural way to efficiently break down everything. I’ve decided that the easiest way to do this, and provided the most individual coverage, will be to simply go team-by-team across the state. This exercise will run through the end of August so be patient as we work through all of the teams. With a rankings update coming at the beginning of the month we will have a lot of other content being pushed out as well.
In these program spotlights we will feature a top prospect, a top stock-riser, and an under-the-radar name. Then, I will simply empty out the notebook with some other thoughts and takeaways that have been compiled over the last few months as it pertains to that team. Let’s dive on in.
Top Prospect: Kamari Slaughter Kamari Slaughter 6'2" | SG Cathedral | 2023 State IN (Portage H.S. 2023/94 Feet Elite 2023)
This physical guard was excellent playing on the NY2LA circuit throughout the spring and summer. College coaches from a variety of different levels followed him closely, but he is still surprisingly waiting on his first offer to come his way. Slaughter is very athletic and strong, attacks the basket with a ferocity off of the dribble, and has the tools to be a disruptive on ball defender. The 6’2″ guard is excellent in transition and is an underrated passer. It will be interesting to see where his recruitment ends up now that the summer has come to a close. Definitely has the physical tools to be a good guard at the next level.
Top Stock-Riser: Jerimya Sims (Gary 21st Century 2024/94 Feet Elite 2024)
Sims burst onto the scene down in Atlanta at Best of the South with a 25-point performance that I watched. The 5’10″ guard is a very athletic, creates his own shot well, and can really get going beyond the arc or in the mid-range. He also really gets after it on the defense. Playing with Gary 21st Century this season he will be a part of one of the more talented programs in northern Indiana with a chance to really make a name for himself across the state.
Under-the-Radar Name: Lukas Balling Lukas Balling 6'5" | PF Marquette Catholic | 2023 State IN (Marquette Catholic 2023/94 Feet Elite 2023)
I was really impressed with Balling the last time I saw him down in Atlanta at Best of the South. The versatile 6’5″ forward has a wide array of offensive skills and is a very good rebounder on both ends of the floor. Balling can stretch the floor out to three-point range, finishes well on the block, and has the length to be disruptive defensively. Definitely a prospect that small colleges should be evaluating.
Other Program Notes
- Michael Wellman Michael Wellman 6'6" | SF Portage | 2025 State IN (Portage H.S. 2025/94 Feet Elite 2025) is a rising sophomore that deserves to be mentioned among the best in Indiana’s Class of 2025. He has been highly ranked here at Prep Hoops Indiana since coming to our freshman showcase a year ago, but the 6’4″ wing probably isn’t as well known throughout the state as some of the other names in that class. Wellman handles the ball well, can create his own shot, and is a strong outside shooter. Had an instant impact for Portage as a freshman and should really breakout as a sophomore.
- D.J. Moss D.J. Moss 6'4" | SF Gary 21st Century | 2023 State IN (Gary 21st Century 2023/94 Feet Elite 2023) had to miss the last tournament due to an injury, but he had a great spring and summer when he was healthy. The 6’4″ left-handed wing can catch-and-shoot from beyond the arc, uses his athleticism and strength to finish around the basket, and is at his best in transition. Intriguing college prospect with a lot of tools.
- 6’5″ forward Jaelyn Johnson Jaelyn Johnson 6'5" | PF Portage | 2024 State IN (Portage H.S. 2024/94 Feet 2023) is a high-upside prospect that came into his own throughout the summer. He is very long, gets vertical defensively to rebound and protect the rim, and is mobile on the offensive ends. Runs the floor well and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket.
- Capped off the summer with a Gold Bracket 17u championship at the NY2LA Last Dance.