(Jaron Tibbs helped lead Indiana Elite 2023 to an easy win over Howard Pulley)

 

Saturday was a full day at the Bill Hensley Run ‘N Slam. Indiana Basketball Source spent most of the day watching younger players, but 17U brought many standouts.

 

Jalen Washington turned in a great performance against Team Teague. It was the best Indiana Basketball Source has seen him play this travel season. He was nailing shots from all over the court  – pick and pop threes, trailing threes, face-up jumpers in the mid-range, finishing at the basket. He was also a force on the boards with multiple effort and out of his area rebounds. Washington displayed why he is the top prospect in the state’s 2022 class as he pushed Meanstreets to the win over Team Teague.

 

On the other end of the floor, Team Teague fielded many strong performances. North Central’s Leland Walker lived in the lane. He is so quick off the dribble and has excellent handles. Walker made fast players look slow-footed. He finished once he reached the paint as well. Early on, Illinois-bound guard Reggie Bass could do no wrong. He hit shots from the outside and carved up the Meanstreets defense with his passing. He cooled off in the second half, but Bass had a strong performance. Speaking of strong, Caedmon Bontrager had three massive dunks in the second half for Teague. Two were in the half-court set where he finished over defenders. The other was a full-speed catch and dunk in one motion. His explosiveness can help him going forward.

 

In 16U play, Indy Heat saw a balanced attack in two games. Jamie Hodges, Jordan Woods, Ashton Williamson, and Jermaine Coleman all had their moments. Hodges is an absolute bucket-getter despite his size. He helped Indy Heat erase a 13-point deficit late in the game against Midwest Basketball Club. Hodges just never lets off the gas. He created turnovers, pushed the ball in transition for scores, and drilled outside shots. Hammond’s Jordan Woods made athletic plays throughout the day. He had multiple blocks way above the rim. He also produced slashing to the basket off the dribble. 21st Century’s Ashton Williamson changed both Indy Heat games with his defensive ability. He knocked down a three against Midwest Basketball Club, but he is best as a passer and overall playmaker off the dribble. Park Tudor’s Jermaine Coleman displayed his silky-smooth touch in each game. With his size and shooting ability, Coleman is an excellent prospect.

 

In a loss to Indy Heat 16U, Timaryon Shorts nearly stole the show for YGE Basketball. The Proviso East guard finished at the rim, drilled outside shots, and created off the dribble. He is another player that played all out for the entire game. Shorts is a player that produces now and looks like he could be a great player down the road.

 

Cathedral’s Tayshawn Comer produced in each area as Indy Heat 17U beat Kingdom Hoops. Early on, the point guard drove to the basket with ease. Once he was there, Comer finished with high arching shots and layups.  Comer’s outside shot continues to develop. He nailed a couple of contested shots in the victory. His overall game is progressing well.

 

In the 17U bracket play, Pike’s Ryan Conwell scored 13 points in the first half to help EG10 climb out of a massive hole against the Illinois Hoopstars. EG10 could not score for the first few minutes and dug themselves a double-figure deficit in a hurry. Conwell helped erase that. For Pike, Conwell is primarily a shooter, but he is doing a lot of slashing to the basket for EG10, but his shooting is still his primary strength. He finished with 19 points.

 

The reason why EG10 could not complete the comeback against the Illinois Hoopstars was Amar Augillard. He did a little bit of everything on the offensive end. Augillard was too big and strong going to the rim. He also made outside shots and thrived in transition. He was just too much for EG10 to handle.

 

Indiana Elite 2023 cruised to a blowout win over Howard Pulley thanks to the first-half production of Jaron Tibbs and Logan Imes. Tibbs scored 11 in the opening half, and Imes added nine. Tibbs is a powerfully built guard that makes hustle plays every game. He had his shot working against Howard Pulley and also found some easy ones in the lane. He finished with 20 points. Imes is ultra-quick off the dribble while possessing good size. The Zionsville guard is also an excellent outside shooter. With his athleticism, feel for the game, and skill set, Imes has a bright future.

 

In a loss to All-Ohio Red, Carroll’s Jalen Jackson had a big game for Indy Heat-Red. Jackson is a physical guard that likes to post-up, work 15 feet and in, and drive to the basket using his upper body strength to create separation. He was able to do all of those things against All-Ohio Red. He drew plenty of fouls on top of the times that he scored from the field. Jackson ran into problems finishing over bigger defenders, but overall, it was a gritty performance.

 

Brauntae Johnson had a great freshman year for Fort Wayne North Side. On Saturday, he solidified his spot as one of the top freshmen in the state with his performance against the Wisconsin Playmakers. Tae is an athlete six-foot-two guard, and Johnson is every bit of six-two. He has wiggle off the bounce and can finish above the rim. Johnson was inconsistent from three during the high school season, but he hit a triple in the double-overtime win, and his free-throw motion looked good. He finished with 15 points in the win. Johnson is one to remember in 2024.