2021 Franklin Central point guard Javon Small led the Flashes to an upset win over Perry Meridian in the first round of the Marion County Tournament on Tuesday. Small displayed excellent potential in the process. Here’s a first look at Small’s game and projection.

Even for a young team, it is not easy for a team to remain cohesive during a 10-game losing streak to begin the year. Franklin Central showed no signs of a downtrodden team as it beat Perry Meridian.

“Coach (John Rockey) was telling us to stay together as a team and we’ll come out with a win,” said Javon Small after the first win. “Things weren’t going our way this year but as long as we stick together, we’ll come out with a win.”

As a sophomore, Small is leading Franklin Central in points, rebounds, steals, and assists. He is getting 4.7 rebounds per game despite being under six-feet tall. His production is already impressive, but Small is only scratching the surface of what he should be in a few years.

At 5-foot-10, Small has extremely long arms and wide shoulders. His extra long wingspan and athleticism allow him to play bigger than his height. It looks like he could grow a bit more as well. The physical tools are there to be a D1 player.

On the skill side, Small’s ability to create space is top-notch. He has pace to his dribble moves which allow him to juke defenders at an alarming rate. Small needs to develop a floater since he won’t be finishing over many defenders at the highest levels.

This season, Small is shooting 37% from three-point range. It looks like he uses his left thumb in his shot, but otherwise, it is a relatively quick shot with a high release. He’ll need to refine it going forward, but it makes him a consistent shooting threat right now.

Like any player, Javon Small has plenty of things to improve.

“Defense. Better on the ball defense and leadership,” Small said of areas that he is trying to develop.

Those things will be key for Small’s game in the future. A point guard that defends and leads is highly desirable for coaches at every level.

Last year, Small played on the junior varsity of South Bend Riley. The Wildcats were a senior-laden team that was undefeated until losing in the semi-state to Carmel. Now, he is playing a major role for Franklin Central as a sophomore.

“Working on my game all summer definitely got me ready, the weight room, and becoming an all-around basketball player,” Small said of his transformation in the last year.

He played with the travel team Five Star Life based in the South Bend area over the spring and summer.

Javon Small has the potential to be a D1 player. He needs to continue to refine his shooting and playmaking skills while progressing as an athlete. Indiana Basketball Source will be following his development.