The talent at Prep Ball Stars EPO had 4-5 star players, plenty of D1 talent and young players under the radar. The play and competition was HIGH for 3 weeks, and we got a chance to get a good luck at all of the players between our staff and coaches. Here is a brief recap of the boys and girls players by team:
SPURS
The Spurs were coached by Jerry Cox (Anderson Assistant Coach, former player at Florida State), and they won the championship the final week. All the team were 2-2 heading into the last week but the Spurs finished 4-2.
Cooper Zachary, 2027 Fishers
What can you say about Zachary that hasn’t aleady been said? There are plenty of players shooting for him and wanting to measure themselves against him. After making 8 threes in the final game for 34 points, Zachary stood at the top again. Elite shooting and playmaker. The only thing holding him back from high major offers won’t in the end (height). Florida Gulf Coast has themselves a player. And I am sure they know it.
Jason Gardner, Jr., 2027 Fishers
Elite explosiveness and the running mate with Zachary at HS. He also flashed an improved jump shot. Averaged 18 points over his 3 games. Someone is going to regret not recruiting him harder once they see him in college.
Don Bowling, III, 2028 Anderson
Bowling is a 6’6” wing and can do it all. He doesn’t have any offers yet, which even in this environment for young players is unbelievable. He is a Top 5 junior in Indiana. But they are coming. Alongside a very talented team, Bowling, III still stood out enough to be game MVP in game 1 the last night and was an all-star each night of the event. He’s most dangerous at the rim and in transition but also knocked down several 3s.
Will Davison, 2028 New Palestine
Here is another junior on the verge of some offers. Davison can really shoot it and also plays and moves well without the ball. He gained the confidence of his group and was getting open for several clean looks that he was cashing in.
Vanden Garner, 2027 Pike
This 6’9” prospect is a wing with one of the smoothest strokes at the event. He went off in week 2 with seven made 3s in the championship game so we know the shooting can be elite. Very vocal also and a leader on the floor.
Luke Vandegriff, 2027 Westfield
The big fella is really nice around the basket and moves well with his 6’8”, 250 pound frame. A force inside and can step out some also. Very coachable and know his strengths.
Grissom Golitko, 2028 University
Shooter extraordinaire. The University product is ready to have a big junior year after making a statement playing for UNRANKED in the spring/summer.
Gavin Collins, 2028 Warren Central
Collins only played the last week, but the 6’2” product was able to show that he belonged. He’s got a quick burst to the basket and finishes well in the paint and helped his team to the championship the last night. He’s going to give the Warriors a real burst this year as junior.
Ray Bowling, 2028 Anderson
This is Bowling’s 3rd year at EPO. Each year, his game has expanded and shown improvement. This year, he flashed an improved 3-point shot that pares well with his playmaking ability. Look for Anderson to again be tough this season and this Bowling will be a big reason why, along with his brother Don.
PACERS
Andy Weaver got the most out of this group as coach and led them to a championship in Week 2.
Isaiah Hill, 2027 Pike
Hill missed the first week but came in the second week terrorizing the whole event. He did it all – blocked shots at the rim, which is his main skill, scored anywhere and ran the floor very well. I was impressed at his ability to get rebounds, start the break, give it up and keep moving towards the basket for finishes. He was rewarded time and time again with several dunks.
Devin Colbert, 2027 Decatur Central
Cobert’s stock definitely rose at the event. It was like old times for him going against former AAU teammates and friends. And he held his own. He is one of the most skilled PGs in the state. Great bump and pull up game, crafty at the rim and can really run the show. I would not hesitate in the NAIA to even D2 level. MVP of Game 2 the second night.
Nash Signmund, 2027 Decatur Central
Sigmund can really shoot it. He showed that plenty at EPO. He is one of the best shooters in the state and makes and great combo with Colbert at Decatur Central.
AJ Jones, 2027 Lawrence Central
Jones played the first two weeks, including the championship week 2 where he had 16 points to help lead the Pacers to the win. Really crafty shot creator and a clutch 3-point shot maker. His underappreciated talent is as a defender. He is a REALLY good defender. He is at the top of the line of small PGs who have a chance to be factors at the college level.
Levi Walker, 2027 Fishers
I love Walker’s game and his approach to play. If he comes off the bench, he’s a factor. If he starts, he’s a factor. Very coachable, sneaky athletic and a very talented shooter. His clutch 3 in week 2 sent the championship game into OT and lead to his team’s victory.
Connor Weaver, 2029 Scecina
Weaver is a high IQ, efficient scorer. One of the few sophomore at EPO, he made the most of his time knocking down shots and even creating for his teammates some. Ready to take a nice leap this year playing for what should be a great Scecina team.
Brennan Johnson, 2028 North Central
Johnson is a creative scorer and finishes well at the rim. Speedy PG that definitely has deep shooting range.
David Smith, 2028 North Central
Waaaaay underrated 6’6” junior guard. Capable of playing 1 through 3. Has deep range and is really long. He is yet another junior that is to this point under-recruited. But not for long.
Jaylin Foster, 2028 Scecina
Scecina is gonna have a really good season this year and Foster is going to be a big reason why. He has some Kawhi Leonard type ability in him to me with his build. He’s long, a great defender and can be a really good 2-way player. It will be interesting to see how he develops and what he is allowed to do on the floor. Certainly more than an inside player.
KNICKS
Week 1 belonged to the Knicks and their coach (Greg McIntosh) was our coach of the week. McIntosh is also a trainer and was coaching the guys up all 3 weeks.
Devin Bolden, 2027 RockTop Academy
Work horse, explosive big man that is a team player. Devin rebounds as good as anyone in the state of Indiana and does all the little things with a positive attitude. Extremely coachable kid with a high-level motor, who is capable of disrupting and impacting plays at both ends of the floor. Will only get better with time. He also knocked down a couple 3s, which is something he’s not known for.
Varschon Clark, 2028 Hamilton Southeastern
Very talented, explosive two-way player but the ultimate competitor no matter the level or type of competition setting. One of the best athletes on the court at all times. Sees the game at high level in traffic and can play-make out of them for himself and others. Physical first step/launch and has the ability to play out the mid-post as well.
KJ Buckley, 2029 Hamilton Southeastern
Poised guard that wants to do all lead guard things. Picks up 94 feet, communicates, and stretches the defense from deep. Great off the bounce in the middy game and has ability to score over taller defenders. Physical guard who disrupts often and competes every time.
Chandon Gilbert, 2028 Lawrence North
Can score it. Shoot, pass, drive player. Talented 3 level scorer who can make shots from all over. Probably has one of the best handles for anyone 6’6 or taller in the state of Indiana. Coachable player that applies concepts well and has high long term potential plus a motor starting to show in large moments of games
Antonio Baymon, 2027 Liberty Christian
Talented scorer that can make shots from anywhere but also brings the enthusiasm & energy that every team needs. Great frame and one of the most athletic guards in any gym. Has a voice that coaches hear on the floor and can get hot and score in bunches, ultimate competitor.
Tim Smith, 2028 Pike
Extremely likeable young man who’s best basketball is ahead of him. Gifted athlete who excels in the open floor, rebounds well, and is a capable shooter. Not only coachable, but wants to be apart of the action on both ends of the floor. Ready for a big jump this year at Pike and will only get more physical as time goes on
Jalen McIntosh, 2028 Franklin
Left handed lead guard that has good shooting touch from all levels on the floor, always makes the right play offensively and extra outlet pass early, and is a very active on ball team defender. Someone who often finds himself around the ball defensively and offensively is becoming more shot hungry against matchups and is showing athletic upside
Skylar Rogers, 2027 Cathedral
State champion spirit, who has an advantage compared to a lot of peers because do the strength of his competitive spirit. Strong lefty guard who is tough on both ends of the floor. Hunts down shooting spots in transition and can get hot and put pressure on guards to defend off the bounce. Should have a big year for the defending state champion Cathedral Irish.
Eli Wilson, 2029 Tindley
Unique blend of size, skill, and fluidity at his age. Coachable kid that loves the game and will continue to get better as he matures physically. Active hands off the ball, gets a lot of second chances opportunities for his team.
Jackson Bennett, 2028 University
Combo guard with the ability to get others open and facilitate offense in transition or the half court. Team player and a leader on the floor with actions and words. Very coachable and has great range on his jumper and moves well off the ball in any action to catch and shoot. Has the speed to compete at both ends with the ball or defending it.
LAKERS
The Lakers were coached by Reynardo Bluiett, who knows a bit about coaching talent. His Speice Indy Heat team featured two future Mr. Basketballs in Trey Lyles and Caleb Swanigan along with James Blackmon, Jr., his son Trevon Bluiett (top 5 all time in Indiana scoring) and more.
Jarrett Harris, 2028 Purdue Poly Broad Ripple
Harris may have had the most physical talent in the gym. Incredible leaper but also has worked on his 3-point shooting. He has a couple D1 offers more but could be looking at many more with adding more to his game. Terrific and scary in transition.
Max Hopkins, 2029 Fishers
Hopkins was one of only 4 sophomores at the event and the 6’8” prospect stood out. Big young Skilled player who plays well around the bucket, and steps into the 3 point shot with confidence.
Harper Baker Lands, 2027 Plainfield
Seasoned, confident player; shot the 3 off the dribble at a high rate and sought out tough defensive assignments. Future Mr. Basketball finalist.
Eron McDuffey, 2028 Ben Davis
Big strong guard with a high skill set, knows how to play basketball. He should be an elite scorer this season for the Giants.
Jasir Rogers, 2028 Ben Davis
McDuffey’s running mate, these two should cause havoc in the MIC this year. Rogers is a creative scorer from anywhere and is a solid finisher.
Ishmael Kiteka, 2028 Cloverdale
Kiteka is one of the best men in the state in any class at 6’9”/6’10”. He is skilled inside and out and was an all-star performer at the event.
Brody Bluiett, 2028 Park Tudor
Bluiett has great size and a high motor. He is a very capable scorer and will have plenty of opportunities at Park Tudor this year.
Boomer Mindh, 2028 Scecina
Minch is a full 6’2” now and has deep range. He is a high IQ player who seems to always right make the right play. This is another player for Scecina who should have an impact for them this year.
King McLauren, 2027 Washington
McLauren will have opportunity to score this year in the city for the Continentals and showed that he is ready to do at the event. He I also a very willing defender.
