Marion Classic: 2019 Evaluations
Last week, the Marion Holiday Classic was a great event to see a lot of different teams from the northern part of the state with multiple teams from Fort Wayne and the Region, it gave us a look at a new crop of teams. Here are our breakdowns of the 2019 prospects at the event.
Wesley Jordan – 6’7 PF 2019 – Lawrence Central (IN)
This was a bit of a big game for Jordan as he played a lot more like he used to. He looked healthier and a lot more mobile. He still isn’t really stepping out to shoot a ton yet but in the post he was more fluid and had his touch on the release. Lighthouse struggled to defend him with strength and any advantage they had in length didn’t slow him down. He made a bigger jump in his recover than I though and if this continues to get better, he could be back to himself pretty quickly. Finished with 17 points on 5/8 shooting with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Hayden Smithey – 6’5 SF 2019 – Bishop Dwenger (IN)
Like most in this game, it wasn’t a great offensive game but where Hayden establishes his value is as an all-around player. He’s really good as a mismatch on the wing, where he can run inside and rebound the ball, play defense, and slash to score. He had 5 boards and 3 assists in this game. It is uncommon for him to have an unbalanced stat sheet. Again, not his best offensive day as the jumper wasn’t falling but was much better in the second half. Finished with 7 points on 3/12 shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Brandon Newman – 6’3 SG 2019 – Valparaiso (IN)
This was a great game for Newman whose jumper looked a little off early in the game but then he started draining it from the 15-22’ range. He’s a really tough guard with wide shoulders and a ton of strength. When his jumper is on, he is really difficult to stop. He’s a really good rebounder because of his ability to get into players down low. He’s a great all-around guard who has shown some inconsistencies at times but lately he’s been improving his production. Finished with 33 points on 11/24 shooting, 4/8 from three and 13 rebounds.
Nate Aerts – 6’4 SF 2019 – Valparaiso (IN)
Aerts is a solid wing that has some mobility and could provide a few options on the offensive end. Showed the ability to stretch the floor, although his jumper wasn’t crisp today, and could drive the ball as well. Showed some mid-range ability and long term could be a scorer at all three levels. Capable as ball handler but will need to improve a bit and give it some development to help him take that next step. Finished with 6 points on 3/7 shooting.
Keion Brooks Jr. – 6’7 SF 2019 – Fort Wayne North (IN)
This was a good bounce-back game for Brooks as he was able to knock down a lot more jumpers and his touch looked considerably better. He was good around the rim as well, impacting as a rim protector and rebounder. Was much more aggressive in the post than the past few games. Didn’t take but two threes and concentrated on better opportunities showed a change in game to change a streak. Great to see from him. Finished with 32 points on 12/20 shooting with 13 rebounds and 3 assists.
Lucas Kroft – 6’5 SF 2019 – Fort Wayne North (IN)
Kroft is a big wing with some athleticism and skill. He didn’t have his best game as his perimeter jumper wasn’t working for him. However, he did well as a slash and cut guy that worked his way into the pair for some athletic finishes. He’s forcing his jumper a little bit and part of that is due to the lack of ball movement. North has been running iso. Bit too much the last few games and making it more difficult for it’s shooters. His ball handling is still on the upside as he’s been driving the ball very well. Finished with 6 points on 3/7 shooting with 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Colton Randolph – 6’4 PF 2019 – Marion (IN)
Randolph is an undersized forward with a lot of length and some skill. He was really good in the post, mobile enough to get his shot off against Wayne’s length. He has some strength but not yet filled out. If he can get a little bit of a growth spurt, he has a ton of upside. He can play a bit faced up but does enough without the ball on both ends to add value as a rebounder and defender. Finished with 7 points on 3/3 shooting with 9 rebounds.
Craig Young – 6’6 SF 2019 – Fort Wayne Wayne (IN)
Young is an outstanding athlete and likely football prospect who holds Big Ten level offers already. He was really good as an interior forward who can outmuscle and out-jump everyone to get to the ball. He has some aggressiveness and at times he would make a show stopping play whether it was finishing above the rim or skying for a rebound. He had multiple tip-in opportunities where he can just get to balls when he really shouldn’t. His touch on his jumper looks a bit raw right now but if he was going to play basketball he could clean that up. Finished with 15 points on 3/10 shooting with 12 rebounds and 5 assists.