We have a special report of the adidas Invitational by Jeff Schoenle. Schoenle was a 4-year manager for Purdue University before coaching the last two seasons at the prep school Maine Central Institute. He had great success recruiting Indiana players to the Maine prep school including a 2010 recruiting class that featured three Indiana All-Stars in Khristian Smith (Pike), Neal Beshears (Winchester), and Michael Harris (East Chicago Central). Here is Jeff's breakdown of the senior-to-be age group.
As the first July recruiting period opened Wednesday, coaches from all over the nation arrived in Indianapolis for the first major event, the adidas Invitational, centered at North Central High School and played at other sites on the north side of Indy. Several Indiana teams had great showings, while others did not fare as well in tournament play. We will recap how these teams did as well as highlight several players who had excellent showings this past week.
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Eric Gordon 17’s
After finishing second in their super pool behind DC Assault, Gordon was defeated in their first round tournament game by MBA Select from northern Indiana. In their bracket game, Patrick Ingram struggled to continue his impressive performances from the previous days and D.J. Balentine was not able to find his touch. Perimeter shooting took a hit as Dylan Langkabel of Morristown is out with what appears to be a right wrist injury.
Indiana Elite-Team Indiana
Team Indiana made it to the semifinals of the platinum bracket on the backs of their perimeter players before losing in dramatic fashion to eventual runner-up New Heights NYC. Eron Harris missed desperation three at the buzzer that would have won the game for Elite. In pool play, IE defeated Connecticut Basketball Club and the Atlanta Celtics while losing to Dream Vision and 2012 #1 Shabazz Muhammad, but won their pool based on point differential.
Team D Rose Uptempo
Solid guard play led Team D Rose to a second place pool finish before bowing out in the opening round of bracket play to Colorado Chaos Elite. Petey Balls and Kendall Waters showcased good floor games and Harry Wills continues to impact the game at both ends.
Indiana Elite One
IE One was not included in a super pool, but went 3-0 in pool play before losing to super pool representative Double Pump Elite from California and Findlay Prep standout Nigel Williams Goss.
D3 Pride
Playing without stud Gary Harris this week who was at the Lebron James Skills Academy hurt D3 Pride, as they finished third in their pool before making it to the quarterfinals of the silver bracket. They are also playing without Georgia State commit R.J. Hunter, who could be able to go during the second evaluation period.
MBA Select 2012
The relative unknowns from northern Indiana definitely made their mark at the Adidas Invitational, winning their pool before upending both Eric Gordon 17s and Connecticut Basketball Club with 2012 #2 Andre Drummond and top 40 guard Kris Dunn in bracket play. They were eliminated in the round of 16 by Double Pump Elite. Players who made their mark include Bo Calhoun, Jeff Laidig, and Todd Johnson.
Player Evaluations
Jeremy Hollowell 6’7” SF Lawrence Central
Hollowell exploded this week with several 20+ point outings. His touch from behind the arc was particularly impressive, especially off the dribble. He was able to do damage off the dribble as well, but sometimes was prone to picking up offensive fouls. Often times the best player on the floor for either side, Hollowell showed his full arsenal this week.
Yogi Ferrell 5’11” PG Park Tudor
The floor general of Team Indiana was able to do a good job of picking his spots when creating for himself and others. His pullup jumper was on full display this week, but still needs to improve his ability to run a team in a halfcourt setting, as poor offense is what led to the demise of Team Indiana against New Heights.
Eron Harris 6’3” SG Lawrence North
It was a coming out party of sorts for Harris, who showcased his range behind the arc as well as an ability to attack closeouts effectively. He was also impressive on the defensive end, doing well against several tough matchups. Strength is an issue as well as decision making in traffic, but all in all it was a very good week for Eron.
Hanner Perea 6’8” PF La Lumiere
The highlight reel will be full of Hanner Perea dunks from this week, but one thing that was apparent is his tendency to be in constant foul trouble. He often picked up needless fouls on the defensive end, limiting his minutes and effectiveness. He did display some nice post moves, including a couple of difficult jump hooks over defenders.
Patrick Ingram 6’2” SG North Central
Ingram was a force leading Eric Gordon in pool play, including a dominating outing on Wednesday. His free throw stroke has improved, but he is still searching for a consistent jump shot. High level athleticism, toughness, and a competitive streak second to none as the trademarks of his game.
Joe Reed 6’7” PF Center Grove
The southside big keeps getting better every time we see him. His ability to change ends, finish with either hand, and willingness to do the dirty work does not go unnoticed by college coaches. He is also able to play on the perimeter a bit, but we did not see him attempt any jump shots this week.
D.J. Balentine 6’2” CG Kokomo
Before his cold stretch in a bracket play loss to MBA Select, Ballentine was impressive with shots behind the arc both off the catch and bounce. He also displayed a nice mid range game. Still more of a SG than a point, but that does not limit his effectiveness.
DaVeon “Petey” Balls 6’1” PG Lawrence North
The tough point from LN was able to run the show for Team D Rose and impress in tough matchups. A creative ballhandler who is good in both the transition game as well as halfcourt, “Petey” was able to distribute while still keeping defenses honest with him own scoring.
Harry Wills 6’2” SG Ben Davis
A favorite for his inspired play on each end, Wills is a high level defender and athlete but still lacks a reliable jump shot. This could hold him back from being recruited by larger schools. Also a bit short for a shooting guard.
Ron Patterson 6’3” SG Broad Ripple
The Buss was rolling this week, showcasing a good midrange game as well as consistency from behind the arc. Shot selection may be questionable at times, but his ability to put up points with his jumper is undeniable. Still needs to improve his ballhandling.
Todd Johnson 5’9” PG Elkhart Memorial
The small lefty was a catalyst for upsets of Eric Gordon and CBC in tournament play with his ability to shoot off both the catch and bounce. More of a scoring point at this time, his height, decision making in traffic and shot selection could hold him back a bit. Still, look for low majors to get involved.
Jeff Laidig 6’4” SG Penn
Laidig possess a sweet looking stroke to 23 feet and a college ready body, but will need to be able to do more off the dribble. Still, he had several mid major coaches propping up in their seats during his second half performance against Connecticut Basketball Club where he went to 22 points. Definitely one to keep an eye on the rest of the month.
Bo Calhoun 6’6” PF South Bend Washington
More of a face up 4 man than anything, Calhoun is a perimeter oriented big who tends to float on the arc looking for shot opportunities. His ability to stretch defenses and hit shots from almost anywhere will earn him looks from D1 schools. He also has extremely long arms and is a deceptive shot blocker for being only 6’6.
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