Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Best of the Midwest-Day 1

The first 10 day evaluation period of July is coming to a close. I heard many coaches telling each other "two more days! two more days!" The Best of the Midwest tournament is a great way to finish off the period as a majority of the teams are from Indiana. Here is a recap of the 6 games that I attended today.

Indiana Select 2012 vs. MBC Stars-Maroon
Final: 88-76 Indiana Select
Select jumped out to a big lead early in the game and held onto a 20 point advantage into the second half. However, they seemed to be trying their best to give it away late. Once MBC picked up with a full-court defense Indiana Select seemed flustered and committed many turnover. I believe the lead may have been cut to 5 at one point, but in the end some solid play by J.T. Yoho and Ben Gardner secured a victory for Select. Yoho, who was playing in front of coaches from Gardner-Webb and Evansville, put on an offensive show. He showcased an all-around game, stoking some 3's as well as scoring in the paint. He finished with a game high 30. Carmel's Ben Gardner has a great outside shot as well, and seemed to be the only ball handler who wanted to bring the ball up the court late in the game. He could be a starting point guard right away for a DIII program.

Team Southern Indiana 2012 Red vs. Camp Darryl Baker Royal 2012
Final: 59-54 TSI
This is my third or fourth time watching TSI Red this month, so I will not bore you with breakdowns of the same players once again. Today I saw a different TSI squad as they were without star player Darryl Baker. Once again I was impressed with the overall play of the guards, especially Keegan Kincaid (Switzerland County) and Grant Meyer (Silver Creek).

Spiece Indy Heat vs. Omaha OSA Crusaders
Final: 92-83 OSA in overtime
This is the type of game that would eat away at you as both a player and a coach. Holding on to a 3 point lead with less than 5 seconds to play in the game, Spiece fouled OSA so as to keep them from tying the game on a 3-pointer. The OSA player stepped up to the line and nailed the first free throw before missing the second. That is when things got crazy, with .01 seconds remaining, Spiece guard Trevon Bluiett committed a foul while going after a rebound. Two more free throws later and the game was in overtime, where Omaha OSA came away with the win. The loss cannot be blamed on star 2014 prospect Bluiett though, he lead the team with 19 points. Guards Trey Patterson and Jalen Norwood also had very good games.

Eric Gordon All Stars (2013) vs. Team Illinois
Final: 80-41 EG10
I love the collection of talent on this squad. Zak Irvin continued to make his case to be the #1 player in the Class of 2013 in Indiana by scoring 16 points in limited minutes. Indiana recruit Collin Hartman showcased great range on his 3-point shooting, draining three of them on his way to 13 points. Purdue recruit Basil Smotherman also had a good game, displayed a very good mid-range jump shot.

Spiece Higher Level vs. Camp Darryl Gray 2012
Final: 83-81 Camp Darryl
I was excited for a chance to 2013 guard Markese McGuire from Elkhart Central after he put on a show at the Top 100 event yesterday. In the first half he continued his sharp play, scoring 11 of his 16 points in the half. However, he cooled off in the 2nd as his team dropped a close game. He has a very good first step and a nice pull-up jumper. Definite low-major type guy. Also impressive were Eric Miller, a 6'7'' forward from Carroll-Flora and South Bend Riley guard Brock Cosey.

Eric Gordon All Stars (2014) vs. Omaha OSA Crusaders
Final: 70-65 EG10
I am just going to say it, Sean Sellers is a stud. The 6'5'' Greensburg wing poured in 28 points, draining 6 3-pointers, some from NBA range. He also showcased good ball-handling and rebounding skills. He is just a solid all around player. 6'0'' Kokomo Point Guard, Taylor Persons was also impressive, scoring 16 points. He is very strong and finishes well inside through contact. Very good driving along the baseline. Bryant McIntosh, a 6'2'' guard showed off a very pretty floater when attacking the basket on his way to 13 points. There is quite a collection of Division I talent on this team.

Sorry if tonights recap seems a little shorter than usual, I will admit that I am tired and ready to go to bed. I will be back in the gym all day tomorrow though!

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