2017 Indiana All-Stars

Category: 2016-2017 High School
Written by Trevor Andershock

The IndyStar announced the 2017 Indiana All-Stars Monday.

 

There was speculation that a few players were going to pull out of the event because they will be heading to college before the Indiana-Kentucky games. The Indiana All-Stars are trying to make sure all players are committed to playing in the series. It appears that all of the selected players have said they will play in the games.

 

Jaylen Butz – 6-8 – PF – Fort Wayne North Side – DePaul

Butz dominated the glass for North Side all season. He played his role to perfection as he controlled the paint, and didn’t try to play on the perimeter. That led to an incredibly efficient season which had North Side in the state championship game.

 

Jermaine Couisnard – 6-2 – SG – East Chicago Central – Undecided

As a pure scorer, there were not many better in the 2017 class. Couisnard averaged 27 points per game against a tough schedule. He also led ECC to a Sectional title.

 

Michael Ertel – 6-1 – PG – Mt. Vernon – Louisiana-Monroe

Ertel became more of a scorer as a senior. He’s a steady point guard that proved that he can create his own shot this year.

 

Zach Gunn – 6-6 – PF – Hamilton Southeastern – Ball State

Gunn had a strong four-year career at HSE. He leaves as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He saved his best for last as he dominated as a senior.

 

Kyle Mangas – 6-2 – PG – Warsaw – Indiana Wesleyan

Mangas was the best player that many fans didn’t see. He always performed well on the biggest stages as he led Warsaw to great seasons the last two years. Mangas put on a show during the Michigan City Regional. He scored 47 in the morning game against East Chicago.

 

Jaylen Minnett – 6-0 – G – Terre Haute South – IUPUI

Minnett tallied a ton of points over his high school career. His shooting/scoring could take over any game no matter the opponent.

 

Cooper Neese – 6-3 – SG – Cloverdale – Butler

Neese finished his high school career as the seventh leading scoring in the history of the state. He put up points at an insane rate his entire career.

 

Jack Nunge – 6-10 – PF – Castle – Iowa

Nunge had a great senior year as he averaged about 23 points, 12 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. He raised his game each of his years of high school career. He was dominant as a senior.

 

Grant Smith – 6-5 – SF – Connersville – Indiana Wesleyan

Smith did a little bit of everything as Connersville made it to the Regional final against Ben Davis. He put Connersville on his back, especially once Beau Isaacs was injured in the first game of the Sectional.

 

Mack Smith – 6-2 – SG – Warren Central – Eastern Illinois

Smith had an incredible senior year as he shot 44% from the three-point line. He was a major reason why Warren Central was so successful this season.

 

Sasha Stefanovic – 6-4 – SG – Crown Point – Purdue

Stefanovic won two Sectional titles and had Crown Point as one of the top teams in the state as a senior. He put up 20 points and seven rebounds per game as a senior.

 

Kris Wilkes – 6-7 – SF – North Central – UCLA

Wilkes was more consistent as a senior, and that led to the Panthers being one of the top teams in the state. He averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game in his final high school season. He was a McDonald’s All-American this year.

 

Malik Williams – 6-10 – PF – Fort Wayne Snider – Louisville

Williams took his game to a new level as a senior. He attacked the glass more than ever. It led to him averaging 22 points and 13 rebounds per game.

 

 

Each year there are snubs since there are a limited amount of spots on the All-Star team. With Jaren Jackson Jr., Paul Scruggs and Justin Roberts leaving IHSAA schools this season, it left a few more spots open than usual. The only major mistake that I see with the team is leaving off Crispus Attucks guard Nike Sibande. He was fantastic as a senior plus he had a really strong junior year. He led Attucks to the 3A title this year. Sibande should have made the team.