(Braeden Shrewsberry took over the game early for Indiana Elite 2023)

 

The 2021 Bill Hensley Memorial Run ‘N Slam tipped off on Friday night, and it provided many strong performances.

 

2023 guard Braeden Shrewsberry cut to the basket for Indiana Elite’s first bucket of the night. He did not slow down the rest of the half. Shrewsberry scored nine of the first 13 points for IE 2023. By halftime, he had 17 points. Shrewsberry was doing it off the dribble, in transition, and from deep. He showcased his complete game.

 

In the second half, Bloomington North’s JQ Roberts gave Shrewsberry a helping hand. Roberts used his length to get to the basket and free throw line. He finished with 18 points. Indiana Elite cruised to the win over Wisconsin Playground Club.

 

Although Indiana Elite opened things up in the second half, Colin Hardrick was fantastic for Wisconsin Playground Club. The left matched Shrewsberry and more. Hardrick kept PGC competitive most of the way as he was splashing shots from all over the court and getting to the rim in transition. He played like a potential high-major prospect.

 

Cal Klesmit (2023) gave Hardrick help, especially in the second half. Klesmit is a lefty shooter. He drilled two triples early in the second half to give Wisconsin Playground Club a boost. One of the threes was a transition pull-up. He displayed the ability to put the ball on the floor too.

 

Grand Park Premier-UA Rise had a great showing against a tough Beyond Ball team. Carmel’s Sam Orme and Linton-Stockton’s Joey Hart had big first halves to give GPP a 19-point lead. Both are shooters but showed they could score at the rim as well. In the second half, Floyd Central’s Caleb Washington asserted himself. He was productive slashing to the paint and scoring/drawing fouls. Beyond Ball made a second-half comeback, but GPP kept it in double figures.

 

Noblesville’s Cooper Bean pushed George Hill All-Indy to an early lead against Indiana GAME. He made a triple, then a few scores off the dribble. Bean’s confidence in his shot never wavers, and he showed why tonight. On incredibly tight rims, Bean shot it at a high level.

 

Cathedral’s Xavier Booker inserted himself into the mix with a massive bang-out after rolling down the lane. The defender also fouled Booker on the play. Then Booker popped for two three-pointers and a couple more scores in the lane. It was an impressive first half. In the second half, Booker had a tip dunk that made the gym go crazy. The 6’10” center splashed another triple as GHAI dominated.

 

Despite being down big most of the game, 21st Century’s Quintin Floyd played as hard as anyone. The athletic wing rebounded at a high level. Against GHAI’s size, he did not have many easy looks, but Floyd continued to battle. His toughness is a significant strength.

 

In 16U play, 94 Feet Elite beat a solid Illinois Wolves team thanks to Portage’s Kamari Slaughter and 21 Century’s DJ Moss. Slaughter made huge shots all game, but he was clutch down the stretch. It was back and forth until Slaughter and Moss pushed 94 Feet to a double-digit lead late in the game. Slaughter finished with 22 points. Moss was right behind him with 18.

 

In the loss, Asa Thomas put together a big performance. He is a tall shooter, and Thomas made many shots against a strong and athletic 94 Feet squad. He could not make enough to push the Wolves to a win, but Thomas was great.

 

North Central’s Leland Walker turned in one of the biggest performances of the night. The Team Teague guard poured in 34 points in a win over C2K Elite. Walker is always dynamic off the dribble, and he did that consistently against C2K. The high-flying guard also thrived in transition. He is putting together a great spring.

 

Illinois-bound guard Reggie Bass was a solid second fiddle, if it can be called that, to Walker. Bass also drove to the paint whenever he wanted. Additionally, he threw a few dimes. Without Pete Suder tonight, Walker and Bass carried the offensive load even more than usual.