Who Shined At Prep Ball Stars EPO?
- By Tony Leach
- Updated: November 19, 2018
Prep Ball Stars EPO concluded its second year in Indy at Mojo Up Sports Complex. And what a basketball time was had as 36 top girls and boys players participated from around mainly central Indiana. Here is a list of players that stood amongst the crowd:
The Names You Know:
Braylon Mullins (Greenfield Central) – Mullins has offers to most anywhere he would want to go (Indiana, UConn, Michigan, North Carolina, Arkansas, Duke, Purdue, etc.). His dazzling play and 19 point average stood out as he was named MVP of the Showcase game at the Indiana State Fair.
Azavier Robinson (Lawrence North) – the Butler commit didn't disappoint and averaged 25 points for his games with 31 points on the last night. Explosive athlete.
Jason Gardner II (Fishers) – Dare I say that Gardner was the best player at the event or very close to it. HIs explosiveness and quickness is second to none. If he knocks down 3s with the regularity he did during EPO, he will be a Top 20 player in the class of 2027. Already has Purdue, Cincinnati and Morehead State offers.
Cooper Zachary (Fishers) – Zachary has earned offers from Eastern Illinois and Kent State. No one is tougher on the floor and in big games.
DeZhon Hall (Pike) – Hall participated before he left for prep school and made an impact with a 20 point average. He also picked up a couple more offers playing alongside Steven Reynolds II over the summer with Phenom United.
Isaiah Hill (Pike) – the 6'10' sophomore, who holds a Purdue offer, looks ready to go to the next level with his play. Showed elite rim protection at EPO.
Justin Kirby (Fishers) – the senior guard was his high flying, active self during EPO. Holds 11 offers, including Belmont, Eastern Illinois, Valpo and more.
Justin Curry II (Noblesville) – no one has a smoother jumper than this 6'4" junior. He demonstrated his ability to shoot it on his way to a 26 point average to lead EPO in scoring for players playing all 6 games in the league.
The All Wake Em' Up Team
There were some players who really helped themselves with their play. Who ARE these guys?
Tommy Williams (Fishers) – the cupboard at Fishers is full. Williams, a reserve last year, heads into his junior year and looks like he should be in the rotation. He's got length at the guard spot, a nice stoke from outside and enough bounce to throw down lobs.
Blake Gray (University) – Gray played one week at EPO. That is all it took to show out as he averaged 23 points for his two games. He started out the gate knocking down five 3s in the first half of his first game. Things went uphill from there. Definitely one of the top shooters in the class of 2026.
Roosevelt Franklin (Washington) – the stout, 6'4" junior is a bruiser getting to the rim but he was also knocking down his jumper. Averaged 17 points in EPO and made his presence felt.
Ethan Roseman (Chatard) – Roseman, a junior, is another player that just has a knack for scoring. A First Team All-City performer, he can create his shot with the best of them, and there is no stopping him once he is in attack mode.
Ben McKinney (Brebeuf) – the 6'10", 2027 product is just coming into his own. He is skilled already but will get physically stronger. I see high major offers in the end for this prospect given his sheer size and early skill set.
TJ Williams (Purdue Poly) – Williams is what you call a bucket getter. Broke out for 24+ point games twice in the league and does it in a variety of ways. 2026 player.
Terrence Hayes II (Gary 21st Century – Hayes does not have any offers yet, which is just crazy. He is deserving of them. Played for Darius Garland Elite over the summer. Very athletic and active player. Went off for 30 and 26 point games at EPO.
Jashawn Ladd (Ben Davis) – whoo boy. No one had a better introduction during Week 2 of EPO than Ladd. The 6'5" junior was on the rim the whole night on his way to 35 points his first game and 18 the next. He was a reserve last year at talent rich Ben Davis but looks poised to have an impact this year.
Don Bowling/Ray Bowling (Anderson) – the Bowling twins are two promising freshman, and both should play minutes for Anderson this year as freshman. Don, who is 6'5", appears the most ready. Scored 33 and 27 points in two of his games at EPO. But Ray was also fearless running the PG position and going at older PGs.