Friday night at Avon High School we got the chance to see several prospects play. Pendleton Heights, Avon, Terre Haute North, and Lawrence Central faced off in summer games. There were some pretty good players at this event, and below is who stood out. Below each blurb there is a highlight video of the players from the event.

Justin Gant (2011) Terre Haute North- Justin had a good showing last night. He scored with his back to the basket, hit several jump shots, and took opponents off the dribble to score at the rim. He had strong hands in the post and used a nifty spin move to create separation and score. Justin looked comfortable handling the ball, occasionally taking his man off the dribble and scoring tough baskets at the rim. He hit several deep jump shots including a three, showing the ability to knock down the jumper when given the opportunity. He showed good athleticism when he got the open space to throw down some dunks, even slamming down a nice put back dunk off of a teammates miss. On the defensive end Gant rebounded the ball well and blocked multiple shots in the paint. Since he projects as a power forward in college he needs to improve his quickness some to defend the “4” at that level.

[tubepress video="UbGnZ302QpY"]

Kellen Dunham (2012) Pendleton Heights- Kellen did a great job scoring the ball last night in both games he played. He knocked down several 3-pointers, used the bounce to score in the mid-range and at the rim, and drew fouls to get to the line. In the second game we watched, Dunham was 8-8 from the free throw line. He is becoming more and more comfortable handling the ball, and last night he showed the ability to take opponents to the rim and draw contact. His most impressive plays last night were when he broke down his opponent off the dribble and pulled up to knock down the mid-range jump shot. He has a pretty thin frame, but absorbs contact well despite it. He played tough defense all game long, denying them any easy paths to the lane. Kellen’s not afraid to mix it up down low, as he fought for several offensive rebounds and rebounded the ball well for his position. He’s not the greatest athlete, but he makes up for it with his smart play and tough demeanor. He needs to add some strength to his frame, which will help him become a better defender in college.

Kendall Griffin (2011) Avon- Kendall didn’t have the best night shooting the ball, but he did convert a four-point play when fouled on a 3-pointer. What impressed me most about Griffin was his ability to get to the line and convert his free throws. Kendall did a nice job of attacking off the dribble, and that was what got him to the foul line. In his first game he shot 7-7 from the free throw line and was embracing the contact his opponents gave him. He mixed it up down low and pulled down some rebounds for his team on both ends of the floor. He played tough defense, and if he can shoot the ball well he is poised for a very productive summer.

Austin Burgett (2012) Avon- Austin showed off his athleticism last night with several highlight reel dunks and some nice blocks. On two possessions he was able to beat his man on the baseline and finish above the rim. He had a couple nice drives with the ball, but at times looks a little uncomfortable handling the ball. Austin hit some jump shots last night, showing off nice versatility and the ability to score from all over the floor. I’d like to see him improve his ball handling since he’ll almost certainly play the “4” in college. I like his athleticism and shooting touch, but he does need to add strength to his thin frame.

Jared Drew (2012) Lawrence Central- Drew was probably the most athletic player I saw last night. He did a nice job of attacking the rim off the dribble and scoring at the basket. He may have had the play of the night with a nice drive and dunk over a defender. Jared also got to the line several times and was able to knock down his free throws. His shot is inconsistent, but he knocked down several 3’s last night including a deep shot late in the game to bring his team within two. At 6’5 his length and athleticism give him good potential on the defensive side of the ball.