The boys basketball high school season (we all hope) is about to kick off. There are names we all know like Mr. Basketball candidates Trey Kaufman (Silver Creek), Caleb First (FW Blackhawk) and others, but who is going to wake them up this season? Here are a list of players to watch and to get to know for this upcoming season:
- Omari Ferguson, 6’2″ Combo Guard, Pike 2022
Ferguson looks to me like a player ready for a breakout. His athletic ability is off the charts, and he had the highest vertical at Prep Ball Stars Combine with a 39 inch vertical. He should fit nicely right alongside JJ Louden at the other guard spot for Pike, along with sharpshooter Ryan Conwell.
- Matt Spears, 6’7″ Small Forward, Indianapolis Tech 2022
Spears has really good size at 6”7″ with a 6’9″ wing span measured at Prep Ball Stars Combine. He has also shown some ability to protect the rim and has a really nice outside shot. He needs to continue to develop, but he should get a lot of opportunities and minutes at Tech this year and next.
- Kamari Jones, 6’2″ Point Guard, Lawrence Central 2023
Jones is definitely a player to watch this year. He averaged 17 points last year playing for Irvington Prep as a freshman. The MIC is a whole different smoke competition wise, but I think Jones will be ready and game for it. His grandfather (also Kevin Jones) played at Eastern Illinois and also was head coach at Chicago State.
- Chandler Jackson, 6’5″ Forward, Warren Central 2022
There are more heralded players over a Warren Central this year, but I believe there will be several games where Jackson will be their best player. He is a really good 3-point shooter, especially from the corner, and as teams key on senior Malik Stanley and Top 100 junior D’Ante Davis, this will open it up for Jackson to flourish.
- Connor Essegian, 6’4″ Shooting Guard, Central Noble 2022
Essegian is underrated to me, but not for long. He can really shoot it and can create his own shot. He also has some real toughness to him. He has an IPFW offer but he is deserving of more.
- Brian Waddell, 6’7″ Forward, Carmel 2021
Here is another example of a player being less heralded than teammates, but Waddell is a player. He was not on the AAU scene this summer but had some nice games for Carmel last year as a junior. At 6’7″ with range, I think he has an opportunity even at the D1 level, although he does not have any offers right now. The Greyhounds have a lot of talent this year so it will be interesting to see how much Waddell can stand out in that team environment.
- Jashawn Bates, 6’5″ Guard, Tindley 2021
Bates is an intriguing prospect. He has great size and a nice mid range game. If he can demonstrate that he can knock it down from deep range, his recruitment should pick up. He has NAIA/D2 interest right now. He should plenty of opportunities at Tindley.
- Mike Elliott, 6’3″ Guard, North Central 2021
Elliott plays much bigger than his height. He is a load in transition and can score in traffic. He is also a good defender. He has interest at the NAIA level but could improve on that interest with solid play his senior year.
