Indyball: 2019 Standouts
The first AAU event for Prep Hoops Indiana is complete and we got to see some really solid teams for the opening week. Having teams like EG10, UA Grind, Team Teague, and Indiana Elite gave us a glimpse at what to expect from some of the top programs this year. Today, we finish our breakdown by class of those prospects that stuck out to us starting with the 2019 class.
Nelson Mbongo – 6’5 | SF | 2019 | West Lafayette (IN) | Indiana Elite Ice 2019
I liked Mbongo during the school season, but in the game I saw him play against Gametime Thomas, his game was elevated to another level. He still struggles with his shot, something I don’t think will ever come around, but his ability to drive the ball to the basket is on another level. He showed that his handles have tightened up a little bit and he finishes at the rim really well once he gets into the paint. A really solid game for Mbongo and I look for him to become more aggressive as the year progresses.
Will Penny – 6’3 | SG | 2019 | Logansport (IN) | Indiana Elite Ice 2019
Penny is much more aggressive on both ends this year than last year and in the game I saw of his, he excelled. Penny knocked down shot after shot from deep helping his team stay in the game. He was solid on defense grabbing a few steals and then pushing it in transition. I would love to see more of a driving element to Penny’s game this summer as gets defended by these more athletic guards.
Mason Gillis – 6’7 | PF | 2019 | New Castle (IN) | Indiana Elite 2019
Gillis was really impressive in the lone game I saw of Indiana Elite 2019. He racked up 13 points in a variety of different ways; shooting from deep, slashing to the rim, and on cutbacks. He is proving that his game is really good and is a high major player. He is stretching it out to beyond the three-point line and he is able to either shoot or drive the ball from there. A guy who will be a key cog for Indiana Elite this summer.
Jared Hankins – 6’4 | SG | 2019 | Lawrence North (IN) | Indiana Elite Fastbreak 2019
Hankins broke out last summer and is still doing what he does really well. He can shoot the lights out of the ball and in the game against Indiana Faith White he made five three-pointers. Hankins is a guy with a really solid body who is able to get his shot off over taller defenders due to his high release. He has a funky shot but it works for him. Hankins is starting to get to the point where he can get to the rim consistently and when he does, he could be unstoppable.
Zack Johnson – 6’3 | SG | 2019 | Noblesville (IN) | Indiana Faith White 2019
Johnson was a guy who I didn’t really know coming in but he really impressed me. He was able to get to the rim and make some jumpers but didn’t look to shoot it much from deep. He’s a guy that is worth watching this summer as he is full of energy and toughness. A fun guy to watch play the game.