Mr. Basketball Candidates

A nationally ranked point guard, a household name, and an undersized, yet electric scoring machine. This years Mr. Basketball race is up for grabs, maybe more so than any year in recent memory. My vote today would be for the point guard for the Warsaw Tigers, Nic Moore. He is surrounded by the least amount of talent of the top players, yet has lead the defending state runner-ups to a 11-1 record on the back of his 31 points per game. For a player of his size, 5'8'', I have never seen somebody dominate a game the way he does. Marquis Teague, a point guard from Pike High School is picking up steam heading into the 2nd half of the season. He lead Pike to a Marion County Tourney Championship, scoring 30 points in the final game. Cody Zeller is trying to becoming the 3rd in his family to win this prestigious award. Brothers, Luke in 2005, and Tyler in 2008 won the Mr. Basketball voting.

My list as of now...

1. Nic Moore 5'8'' Point Guard, Warsaw High School

Illinois State

To me he is the definition of an Indiana Mr. Basketball. His strength, shooting ability, quickness, and all-around domination of the game is just something you don't get to see very often. The fact that a mid-major school like Illinois State was able to land him is incredible, he will make many school wish they hadn't overlooked him. Averaging 31 points a game, while being the only true offensive weapon on your team and having defenses focus on you is a great accomplishment. The other players may have a higher profile and be going to more national schools, but Nic Moore is deserving of this award.

2. Marquis Teague 6'2'' Point Guard, Pike High School

University of Kentucky

On paper, Teague was the preseason favorite. He is ranked in the top 5-10 on most National Rankings, and is heading to play for Coach Calapari and the Kentucky Wildcats. He started the season a little slow, not putting up the numbers a top national player should be, but he is really hitting his stride and showing that he is in fact the most talented player in Indiana.

3. Cody Zeller 6'1'' Center, Washington High School

Indiana University

Usually not winning Mr. Basketball is not a disappointment. However, I am sure it would be for Cody since he would be the first Zeller kid to not win the award. I like his skill set for a big man, his shooting ability and the way he runs the floor does not fit his 6'11'' frame. That being said, a player of his size and talent needs to dominate more in order to win this award. Some blame it on his teammates not getting him the ball, but I think he does a poor job of working to get open on the offensive end and needs to DEMAND the ball. He is still the most talented big man in the state.

This Mr. Basketball race should be very close and I am anxious to see how it turns out. Please email me any comments you may have....ramseyb14@hanover.edu. Thanks!