By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

With his strong play recently, interest around New Palestine’s Michael Morris has started to pick up a little bit.  The 6’6” Power Forward has good strength and is pretty athletic for his size.  Michael can really score the ball; he uses his quick feet and strength to be effective on the low block, and is also a very good 3-point shooter.  In fact, he may project better as a “3″ at the next level.  He is a good rebounder on both ends of the court too, does a good job of getting positioning around the rim.  Overall, Michael has a college ready body with an offensive game that will translate very well at the next level.

Courtesy of Greenfield Daily Reporter

Morris is currently averaging 20.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for 13-4 New Palestine.   He is shooting an impressive 50% from 3-point range too (48/96).

He has been getting the most interest from Indianapolis (DII), Goshen (NAIA), Wabash (DIII), and DePauw (DIII).  However, recently he has been in contact with a number of schools about potential walk-on opportunities including Ball State, Indiana State, and Wright State.  

In my opinion, Michael is one of the best “under-the-radar” prospects in the state.  I think he is a definite Division II prospect, but he has not been getting a ton of interest.  With his perimeter shooting ability paired with his size, strength, and skills on the interior, I think his game will transition well to the next level.  I highly recommend Michael to any Division II or NAIA coach who needs a skilled guy with size.  Also, he is interested in DI walk-on opportunities; he would be a heck of a practice player and could potentially earn some minutes down the road.

Please contact me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581 for more information on Michael.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Milos is your classic European big man.  At 6’7” he has the size to play on the low block, but he also is very skilled from the perimeter.  He can shoot out to the 3-point line and handles the ball well enough to beat slower defenders off the dribble.  In the post he has very good footwork and is a good passer.

In the few games that I have watched, Milos has been very effective for Trader’s Point.  I believe he is averaging around 15 points per game and probably 7 or 8 rebounds.

Milos had been committed to Northwestern, but his recruitment is open at this point.  According to Rivals, he has an offer from Fordham.  Recently he has been getting a lot of interest from Northern Illinois, Kennesaw State, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

I highly recommend Milos Kostic to any low-major coach who wants a “stretch-4″ type of player.  Milos does a good job away from the basket, but also can score down low with some quick post moves.  He is very effective passing the ball with his back to the basket as well.  I think he will be a good pickup for somebody.

If you need more information on Milos or would like to contact him, please get in touch with me at ramseby14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 79 East Chicago Central 76

This game was back-and-forth most of the way, but East Chicago was able to build a little lead going into the 4th quarter.  However, James Blackmon Jr. poured in 14 of his game-high 42 points in the final period to lift Luers to the 3-point victory.  It was Vijay Blackmon who sealed the win for Luers though when get got a steal and took it coast-to-coast for a layup to put them ahead with 21 seconds left.  Hyron Edwards had a chance to tie it for East Chicago after he drew a foul and finished the layup with 6 seconds, but he could not connect on the free throw.  Edwards finished with 26 points including 5 3-pointers.

Along with James’ 42 points and 10 rebounds, younger brother Vijay scored 21 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Hyron led ECC with 26 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals.  He shot 11/22 from the field, including 5/14 from 3.  Anfernee Brown added 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals.  Jeremiah Ochoa chipped in 14 points.

Cathedral 72 Lake Central 45

By just looking at the final score you would never know it, but Lake Central actually led by 4 points at halftime.  The Irish outscored LC 26-7 in the 3rd period on the back of 8 points from Mo Evans and big shots from Garrett Hall and Collin Hartman.  

6’5” Senior Wing Mike Miklusak got off to a good start for the Indians scoring 7 points in the opening quarter.  Also, 6’7” big man Tyler Wideman was able to dominate the glass early on.  In the second half both players were essentially neutralized.  Overall, I was impressed with Wideman’s rebounding, passing ability, and footwork down low, but he spends too much time away from the basket for a guy of his size and strength.  I really like Miklusak, a good athlete than can shoot the ball well from the perimeter.

Cathedral put 4 players in double-figures, led by Jalen Coleman with 14 points and 5 rebounds.  Junior Point Guard Justin Baker added 13 points as well as some lockdown defense, and Mo Evans and Garrett Hall each chipped in 11 points.

Miklusak led Lake Central with 13 points, Matt Meneghetti hit 4 3′s for 12 points, and Tyler Wideman finished with 6 points and 10 rebounds.

Pike 72 Fort Wayne Northrop 68

This game was expected to be extremely high scoring, but some sloppy play early on kept it from getting into the 80s as many thought it might.  Between the 3 guards from Pike and the Scott twins for Northrop, nobody on the court could be said to lack aggressiveness.  Northrop actually led for a majority of the game until a 3 pointer from Taishaun Johnson with 2 minutes to go put the Red Devils ahead 66-65.  He followed it up with a nice floater in the lane to go up by 3 points, but Northrop was able to tie it at 68 with about 20 seconds to play.  Pike put the ball in the hands of Ball State signee Zavier Turner, and hit a 15 foot fall-away jumper to win it.  He then hit 2 free throws to seal the win.

Bryson and Brenton Scott are extremely fun to watch.  They may not play the prettiest brand of basketball, but their aggressiveness, strength, and ability to attack the rim make them nearly unstoppable.  Every time one of them gets a rebound they just push it up the court until they either make a layup or get fouled.  Also, they both can shoot the 3 pretty well too.  Obviously they may not be able to just bully their way to the rim the way they do now once they get into college, but their ability create their own shot off the dribble will make the transition fairly easy.

Zavier Turner led Pike with 18 points including the final 4 points to win the game.  Jordan Pickett (Loyola) scored 17 points, 15 of which came in the second half.  Taishaun Johnson was held to 6 points in the first 3 quarters, but he came up with 7 huge points down the stretch to help win the game.  He finished with 13.  Anthony Patterson chipped in 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Kendall Rollins had 8 points and 12 rebounds.

Northrop had 57 of their 68 points come from the Scott twins.  Purdue recruit Bryson Scott scored a game-high 30 points and 15 rebounds.  I had him going 10/18 from the field, and 8/10 from the free throw line.  Brenton added 27 points.

Arsenal Tech 65 Warren Central 59 OT

Tech led pretty much the entire game until late in the 4th quarter after two Jaraan Lands buckets put Warren on top by 4 with just over 3 minutes to play.  A questionable call down the stretched helped Tech get the ball back with a chance to tie the game, and they made the most of it.  With just a few seconds on the clock Junior Jeremie Tyler came off of a double-screen at the top of the key and nailed a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime at 59 all.

In the extra period, Warren Central’s Devin Davis fouled out after just 30 seconds, and then Tech’s Trey Lyles fouled out a couple of minutes later.  With both stars on the bench, the Titans scored all 6 points to win 65-59.

After a quiet 1st half, Trey Lyles dominated the 2nd half.  He grabbed nearly every rebound on both ends of the court, made a couple of key blocks, and didn’t miss a shot after the mid-way point of the 3rd period.  However, Devin Davis matched him nearly play-for-play.  In the end, Tech had a few more weapons on the floor and were able to secure the overtime victory.

The 6’10” Lyles finished with 22 points and 20 rebounds, plus 6 assists and 4 blocks (including a game saver at the end of regulation.)  Jeremie Tyler and Leo Williams each added 15 points.

Warren Central was led by Indiana signee Devin Davis with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  Sophomore C.J. Hardaway finished with 10 points.

Both teams have Senior Point Guards that need a place to play in college. Sam Thompson of Warren and Leo Williams of Tech are both really solid.  Leo is the better outside shooter, while Sam can penetrate, is very strong with the ball, and is a great defender.  I have Sam rated higher, but both can be very good NAIA players.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Through the 4 games today at Arsenal Tech you will get to see no fewer than 20 future Division I players.  Also, there are many good “sub-headings” to each game.  Game 1 features a battle of two of the state’s top freshman, as well as one of the state’s leading scorers.  Game 2 features a pair of electric point guards as well as a very talented low-post player.  The 3rd game may be one of the highest scoring games this season as both teams put up well over 70 points per game.  The nightcap features one of the most highly sought after Juniors in the country as well as one of the state’s best front lines.  In all, the Indiana Recruiting Guide’s #1 and #2 2015 prospects will be in action, 3 of the Top 10 2014 prospects, and 8 of the Top 25 2013 prospects.  This event will be well worth the price of admission.

East Chicago Central (8-6) vs. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (8-6)

ECC features one of the top sophomore’s in the country in Hyron Edwards; he holds offers from Indiana, Purdue, and Illinois.  The 5’11” Point Guard has been putting up some big numbers this season.  The Cardinals also feature a very talented freshman in Damien Jefferson, and Senior Guard Anfernee Brown provides some experience on the perimeter.

Luers is obviously led by Junior Indiana commit James Blackmon Jr. and his state-leading 35+ points per game.  The team has lost a few players in the past couple of weeks, but star Freshman Vijay Blackmon offers some support for his older brother.  Besides the Edwards vs. Blackmon Jr. matchup, I am anxious to see the 2016 battle between Jefferson and Vijay Blackmon.

Lake Central (10-5) vs. Cathedral (13-5)

I am looking forward to seeing Lake Central for the first time this season.  They are led by 6’7” Junior Power Forward Tyler Wideman.  Wideman has garnered a lot of Division I interest, including offers from Purdue and Xavier.  Senior Mike Miklusak and Junior Point Guard Tye Wilburn also have Division I interest.  Lake Central has won 7 of their last 8 games.

Cathedral has won 7 straight games including the City tournament and an 18 point win over Bowman Academy last night.  They feature Indiana signee Collin Hartman, IPFW recruit Mo Evans and star Sophomore Guard Jalen Coleman.  

Fort Wayne Northrop (15-4) vs. Pike (15-2)

Bryson Scott, a Purdue signee and Brenton Scott a Indiana State recruit lead the fast-paced Bruins.  This game could easily get into the 70s and 80s for both teams; they both certainly like to get up-and-down the court.  Northrop will look to get back in the win column after a 1-point loss to Fort Wayne Concordia last night.

Pike has won 3 straight games since their mid-season slip ups to Park Tudor and Carmel.  The 3-headed Point Guard monster that is Zavier Turner (Ball State), Jordan Pickett (Loyola), and Taishaun Johnson will look to outscore the Scott twins.

Warren Central (9-6) vs. Arsenal Tech (15-3)

Warren has had a bit of a disappointing season thus far, but they are still one of the most dangerous teams in the state.  Leading the way will be Indiana bound Devin Davis and Juniors Jordan Garnett and Jaraan Lands.  

The host Titans feature top 2014 national recruit Trey Lyles along with classmates Jeremie Tyler and Mike Jones on the perimeter.  Freshman Point Guard C.J. Walker has had a tremendous season as well.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Antonio Penny is one of the best uncommitted players in Indiana.  The 6’0” Point Guard from Logansport H.S. (2013) has put together an illustrious career for the Berries; he currently is on his way to leading the North Central Conference in scoring for the 3rd consecutive season.  Along with being a big time scoring threat, Antonio is very quick and athletic which lets him be very effective in transition.  He makes good decisions when pushing the ball up the court and doesn’t get out-of-control too often.  He has the ability to push the ball to the rim, pull up for a jumper, or hit an open teammate with a pass.  Overall, Penny is a score-first point guard with a lot of good ball skills.

Antonio averages 21.7 points per game as well as nearly 7 rebounds and 5 assists.  He is comfortably over the 1000 point milestone too.  Like I said, he absolutely makes things happen on the offensive side of the floor.  Logansport is 9-6, 2-2 in the NCC.

As of now, he holds offers from Northwestern State and Ohio Dominican (DII).  He has gotten interest from a number of low and mid-majors including Middle Tennessee State, Gardner-Webb, Bucknell, and Division II Lincoln Memorial. 

I highly recommend Antonio to any Division II or low-major Division I coach in need of a good point guard and big-time scoring threat.  While he may not be the biggest guy on the floor, he makes up for it with quickness and athleticism.  He definitely can be a contributor as a freshman at the DII or low-major level.

If you would like more information on Antonio, or want to get in touch with him, please contact me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

In my opinion, Chris Lemon is one of the real sleepers in Indiana’s Class of 2013.  The 6’0 Guard from Anderson H.S. (2013) is a very good athlete that can play either the point guard or 2-guard spots offensively.  He is a very good 3-point shooter with a quick release, good elevation, and deep range.  Also, on the defensive end, there may not be a better on-ball defender than Chris Lemon; he absolutely locks you up.  I think he has a high basketball IQ too.

His stats are unavailable online, but he went for 17 points, including 4 3′s pointers when I watched him play against Kokomo.  Chris plays alongside 1000 point career scorer Trevion Boyd and another talented 2013 guard in Jalin Beard, so he has experience not always being the go-to option offensively.

I have not been able to get a recent update on his recruitment, but as far as I know things have remained fairly quiet.

Chris can absolutely play, and be effective, at the Division II level.  With his shooting ability and tenacity on the defensive end he will be able to make a smooth transition.  I highly recommend Chris Lemon to any and all coaches at the Division II level; he is a big-time sleeper in the state of Indiana.

To get more information on Chris, or if you would like to get in touch with him, please contact me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Every once in a while a prospect, for whatever reason, slips through the cracks and never really gets the college interest that he seems he deserves.  Charles Cooper of Gary Lew Wallace H.S. is that guy in the 2013 class.  The 6’3” Small Forward is a beast offensively.  He is very strong, a good athlete, and can score in a variety of ways.  Charles isn’t a big threat from the perimeter, but he handles the ball well and does a good job of attacking the rim off the dribble.  With his strength and athletic ability he is very hard to stop inside of 10-12 feet.  He is a also a very good rebounder; for being just 6’3” he dominates the glass.

His stats are unavailable online, but I know that Charles averaged about 18 points and 10 rebounds last season and is putting up similar numbers this year.  He is a double-double machine.

Currently he is receiving very little interest, just a few Division III’s schools have inquired about him.  At the Division III or NAIA level I think he can be very, very good.  At a small school, he will be able to play the 3 or 4 spot and continue to dominate the interior like he has done at the high school level.

If you need a hard worker that can make a very smooth transition to the college game, take a look at Charles Cooper.  I recommend him to Division III and NAIA coaches; he will be a scorer and rebounder for you from Day 1.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Jamie Rutherford is a very good basketball player.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to see him play the rest of this season.  About a week ago he parted ways with the team for undisclosed reasons.  The 6’5” Senior Small Forward from Pike has very good perimeter skills for his size; he can shoot the 3 well and handles the ball a little bit too.  A good rebounder on both ends of the court.  I like his upside.

Before leaving the team, Jamie was averaging over 9 points and 7 rebounds per game for 14-2 Pike.  He was also a key contributor last season for their state runner-up squad.

He has heard from a few Division I schools in the past, but his recruitment has been pretty quiet lately.  Coach Bill Zych said that he will most likely look at going to prep school.

Obviously there are questions surrounding why he is no longer playing basketball at Pike, but one way or another, he is still a very talented prospect.  In my opinion he is a solid Division II prospect with the ability to become low-major with another year of work.  Like I said, he shoots the ball well from the perimeter, has a good mid-range game, and he rebounds the ball very well.  Prep schools and junior colleges definitely need to inquire about Jamie.

If you would like more information on him, or need to get in touch with him, please contact me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Joe Fagan isn’t necessarily under-the-radar in terms of college interest, but I think many fans around the state don’t realize how good he really is.  The 6’4” Senior Shooting Guard from Bishop Chatard H.S. is a great all-around offensive player.  He can score from the perimeter where he is a very good 3-point shooter, or he can use his size and ball handling ability to score on the interior.  He also is a very good rebounder for a guard.  Fagan is a pure scorer that can bring you offensive production from Day 1.

Fagan has had to fight through a shoulder injury this season, but has still been very productive when able to play.  He is currently averaging 13.6 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Joe holds offers from Duquesne, Gardner-Webb, and Hillsdale (DII).  A number of other low-major programs have been in contact including SIU-Edwardsville, Eastern Kentucky, South Dakota State, Miami (OH), and Northern Kentucky.

I think that Joe’s game will transition very well to the next level.  He isn’t flashy and doesn’t put up gaudy numbers, but he can shoot the ball well and understands how to score.  He also can guard multiple positions defensively.  I highly recommend Fagan to low-major Division I coaches that want a solid all-around basketball player.

If you would like any more information on him, or want to get in contact with Joe, please email me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or text/call 765-914-2581.

By:  Brandon Ramsey

Owner/Head Scout

Coaches are always looking for that player who may have slipped through the cracks; a player that in a couple of years will make other coaches say “why didn’t we recruit this guy?”  That player could be Michael Brown.  The 6’2” Shooting Guard from Northwest H.S. in Indianapolis is a very athletic perimeter player who can really stroke the 3.  Also, with his ball handling ability, he could run the point in a pinch.  He can create his own shot fairly well and has a very nice pull-up mid-range jumper.  Defensively, while he isn’t great yet, he can effectively guard the 1 or 2 guard spots.  Michael is an all-around scoring threat that can bring your team some instant offense.

Michael’s stats are unavailable online, but he has played well in both games that I have watched this season.  He shares the offensive load with a host of talented teammates, so he is comfortable with not always being the go-to option.

As of now, he has yet to receive any scholarship offers, but he has been picking up quite a bit of interest recently.  A couple of low-majors have inquired about him, as have some DIII’s and NAIA schools here in Indiana.  Michael has also considered Junior College.  In my opinion, Michael is a solid Division II prospect that will continue to improve over the next couple of years.  His best basketball is still ahead of him.

I recommend him to Division II and NAIA coaches that want a kid with good upside and that can provide you with some offensive production from Day 1.

If you would like any additional information on him, or want to get in touch with him, please contact me at ramseyb14@hanover.edu or 765-914-2581.