Hoosier Hoops Report

It’s only June, but Hamilton Southeastern is laying the foundation for a strong 2010-2011 season. After winning their first sectional in school history in 2009, the loss of their best player Charlie Duffy didn’t dampen spirits heading into the 2010 season. Gary Harris was a big part of that, but winning the toughest sectional in the state, according to the Sagarin Ratings, isn’t an easy task.

Harris was impressive this past weekend, and it was more than just the display of his physical talents and scoring ability. It was about leadership and decision making. At 6’4” he has the skills to play the point, and while HSE also has Jacoby Bledsoe, there are many key possessions in a game where the offense doesn’t just end with Harris, it begins with him too.

It doesn’t hurt to have another wing who has earned high major offers from Indiana and Illinois, Zak Irvin. The 6’4” sophomore played all JV last year, and thus far has stepped into a bigger role on the varsity with flair. Finishing strong in transition, Irvin has also shown consistent 3pt range and a great mid range game. He doesn’t rebound with the tenacity that Harris does, but he make plays on both ends due to his length.

Bledsoe showed an improved jump shot this past weekend, and for the most part, he does initiate HSE’s offense. Quick with the ball, he’s usually keenly aware of where Harris and Irvin are. He had some tough possessions late in games on Sunday, which was bracket play, where he put himself in situations he just isn’t strong enough to succeed at yet, mostly handling double teams. Defensively he’s quick, and while he is undersized at 5’7”, he does play with toughness.

Oddly enough, aside from finding depth, an X-factor to their success next year could be the play of Randy Gregory. A tremendous athlete, the 6’5” power forward has committed to play football at Purdue as a defensive end. When he’s active, he’s a presence on the board, but this past weekend there were long stretches as he got tired where he watched. There isn’t much size on that roster, and what length they have is in the form of perimeter types like Harris and Irvin. Of course, in the final few minutes against Bloomington South in the championship game on Sunday, Gregory showed what he could do, affecting plays on both ends with his athleticism and energy.

USSFA: Hamilton Southeastern