May is the month where the work and mental toughness shows. Not just for individual players but also for teams. Opportunities for high school players, given the climate for transferring in college, has changed. But there are still chances to show college coaches value. This was one of them. Here is a list of players who made a statement:
Cooper Zachary – Indiana Elite 3SSB (16U)/Fishers High School 2027
Yes, size matters, but give me the player with toughness and work ethic. Zachary is the poster child for that. His Indiana Elite team has been blazing a trail all spring helping to lead them to a 7-1 record. The numbers from 3SSB Sessions 1 &2, one of the best circuits in the country? 19.4 points, 3.4 assists. Shooting? 54% overall with 52% from the 3-point line. 85% from the FT line. Worried about his defense with his 5’10” height? Twenty-five (25!) steals in 8 games with seventy-four (74!) deflections. He can play at ANY LEVEL in college. I am convinced. I know the coaches who have already offered at the mid major level are hoping the higher levels do not agree. Zachary picked up a recent Nevada offer.
Jason Gardner, II – Indiana Elite 3SSB (16U)/Fishers High School 2027
These two playing together in high school and AAU is exciting to see. There is not a more explosive combo guard than Gardner, II. His ability to get to the rim lead to a 20.6 average at a 44% clip for 8 games. He already had offers from Indiana, Notre Dame, Purdue, Cincinnati, UNLV and Depaul.
Duke Karnes – Hoopmatics Basketball 3SGB (17U)/Lawrence North 2026
Karnes is sleeper and was known more as just a shooter in his role for Lawrence North but with Hoopmatics, he is also creating his own shot and getting the rim and leads a balanced attack with 14.6 points a game. He has helped lead Hoopmatics to a surprising 8-0 record on Adidas Gold with a shot at moving up to 3SSB for July. He has also shown his explosiveness with powerful dunks at 6’2″.
Isaiah Hill – Indy Heat EYBL (16U)/Pike High School 2027
Too much size and ability here to be ignored. And the toughness coming as well. Hill had about 10 blocks in one game over the weekend, and with his 6’11” size and 7’3″ wing span, he should be on everyone’s board this week. Purdue, Syracuse and TCU have already said the magic words.
Jashawn Ladd – Indiana Basketball Club 3SGB (17U)/Ben Davis High School 2026
Ladd is still a bit under the radar but his explosiveness is too good to stay there. HIs activity is high with ability to shoot it and explode at the rim. He helped lead IBC to 8-0 in two sessions at Adidas Gold, one of only 2 teams from Indiana to do that. He has an offer from Miami of Ohio, which paid him a visit in Omaha. Smart to do.
Don Bowling, Jr. – EG10 AAU 3SGB (15U)/Anderson High School 2028
Bowling is underrated. At 6’6″ (and growing) with a super long frame, he is using that length to slash and score for EG10 and has lead them to a spot on 3SSB for July. Look for him to continue to make a big impression in June for high school ball and in July. Top 5 prospect in the class of 2028 in Indiana.
Terrence Hayes, Jr. – Indiana Elite 3SSB (17U)/Gary 21st Century 2026
We say Hayes up close last Fall at Prep Ball Stars EPO and just knew it was a matter of time before college coaches took a greater interest. Playing alongside Luke Ertel has catapulted him into the spotlight. His all out play and assault on the rim has helped him land new offers from Nevada, St. Louis and Missouri State.
Baron Walker – Grand Park Premier Pro 16 (17U/Noblesville High School 2026
Walker has been a grinder for years and been a player that has just been productive. His production was good enough this weekend playing on the Puma Pro 16 circuit that he was offered by Indiana State, his first D1 offer. The 6″3″ guard is fundamentally sound and is very efficient (48% from the 3 this weekend) shooting the ball.
Luke Ertel – Indiana Elite 3SSB (17U)/Mount Vernon 2026
The smartest guy in the room this weekend was Matt Painter, who had the vision to offer Ertel early before he started blossoming into the player he is now. It really is surprising given that he had played up with an amazing team the last two years. He is killing everyone now and had a great junior year. He is the favorite to win the Mr. Basketball award.
Jamar Thomas – IE Team Indiana 3SGB (17U)/Lawrence North 2026
Thomas is definitely a sleeper. He is 6’7″ and does a variety of things well, including defend multiple positions. With his size, shooting range and ability to get to the rack, I see him nailing some offers in the next 45 days.
Ian Macon – Hoopmatics Basketball 3SGB (17U)/Pike High School 2026
Pike is going to be a talented team next year and Macon is going to be in the mix. He is one of the craftiest players in the class at getting to the rim and is a solid defender. One of the leading scorers for Hoopmatics,
Korbyn Hammel – Lvl Up (17U)/Kokomo High School 2026
Hammel, who already has one offer to Eastern Michigan, plays with great explosiveness and pace and is a combo guard. He has had several 20+ games playing for his Lvl Up and helped lead them to a couple tournament championships.
Davion Hampton – Hoopmatics Basketball 3SGB/Warren Central 2025 (UNSIGNED SENIOR)
Hampton is one of the most pr0ductive players on both sides of the ball. He is also a leader and leads Hoopmatics 3SGB in assists for the season and at Adidas Gold. Hampton was Honorable Mention All County with a 12 point average for Warren Central this year and was also 3rd All Hoop Group last summer playing for George Hill All Indy. I could see him winding up at the D1 level in time with more work and belief from the right staff. Half brother of Tony Perkins (Iowa/Missouri) and they have that same relentless mentality. Getting some interest from D2, NAIA and prep schools.
Javon Warfield – Indy EBS Recruit Look/Anderson High School 2025 (UNSIGNED SENIOR)
Warfield has done himself favor by continuing to play. He has had a productive spring and past weekend with Indy EBC. He is about 6’4″ and is a really active player and averaged 15 points with 2 steals over the weekend.
