Outside the Huddle and Bounce are counting down who it feels are the top 50 individual boys basketball players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2022-23 season.
Today, we unveil five of the best in the area at positions No. 20-16.
No. 20: Nick Thompson, Bishop Luers
Thompson has proven to be one of the area’s best all around athletes, indicated too by his role in the Knights football team’s deep run in the Class 2A state tournament. He competes hard on both ends and has long been an underrated rebounder, using his physicality his entire career to move people around near the rim. Stopping Thompson when he gets going downhill can be a real problem. Thompson averaged 11 points and team highs 5.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and two steals per game in 2021-22. The variety of things he does for the Knights is their biggest push from a leadership role.
COACH’S QUOTE ON NICK THOMPSON
“Nick is returning as a Senior having been a 3 year starter at the Varsity level. Nick is a phenomenal athlete and very important for us on both ends of the floor. He has a high basketball IQ and will be counted on for his leadership, his ability to guard 1-5, and sprint the floor playing above the rim at both ends.” – Bishop Luers coach Seth Coffing
No. 19: Kyron Kaopuiki, Homestead
Last season, Kaopuiki started to settle into a lead guard role so Fletcher Loyer could play some off ball. It translated quickly for him and he has shown a great ability to adapt to where the Spartans need him to succeed the most. Kaopuiki averaged 8.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for the Spartans last season. While he will have to shoulder a much larger load this season than he has in the past, Kaopuiki has shown that he can handle a lot because he plays the game with a savvy intelligence. His shooting is probably underrated as he hit 42 percent of his threes and 58 percent of his twos a season ago.
COACH’S QUOTE ON KYRON KAOPUIKI
“Excellent shooter and smart basketball player. Can finish around the basket and strong rebounder.” – Homestead coach Chris Johnson
No. 18: Josh Furst, Blackhawk Christian
Furst has proven to be a stout challenge in the post, creating an area around the basket that it is near impossible to score in for opponents. Furst is one of the area’s best interior defenders creating a wall before most people can even go up for a shot. When they do, Furst can alter that shot really easily. He also averaged 9.1 rebounds to his 15.5 points per game last season for the Braves. He knows how to use his body down low and he should have no trouble thriving in games as he always seems comfortable with the pace and physicality.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JOSH FURST
“Josh is the foundation we can build our basketball team. He embraces physical basketball and sets the tone for our whole program in this area. He is a leader in the weight room. He possesses a voice that is slow to speak, but always delivers a great message. I look for him to build off last season and be our leader on the boards and expand on his abilities in our transition offense. His consistent energy and work ethic play a huge role in who we are as a program.” – Blackhawk Christian coach Matt Roth
No. 17: Jevon Lewis, Wayne
Lewis is a heady guard on both ends of the court who should be lauded just as much for his defense as he is his offense. He doesn’t turn it up or down depending on a time in the game or a side of the court, Lewis is a just a consistent power punch for the Generals. He is extremely hard to defend because of the unpredictability of his shot. He is willing to shoot from different angles, depths and areas and you never know when he may pull up for a dagger. His 17.3 points per game led the Generals, also averaging 1.5 steals per game. He scored 20 plus points seven times, including 32 against North Side.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JEVON LEWIS
“Jevon has welcomed the big brother role this pre season. He holds EVERYONE accountable and he does a great job leading by example. We look for jevon to be one of defensive leaders this season as we all know he can score the basketball.” – Wayne coach Byron Pickens
No. 16: Jordan Green, North Side
Green is a pretty sound defender with excellent tools in long arms, quick feet, and good discipline that make him adept at getting in the passing lanes. He doesn’t take too many risks, but still forces quite a few turnovers and/or mistakes because of his activity. Displays good awareness when defending off the ball. Offensively, Green could use to be more consistent with how often he overpowers but once he does, it is incredibly tough to defend inside. Green averaged 13 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season, adding 2.1 blocks per game. He had four or more blocks five times last season and North Side was 4-1 in those games.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JORDAN GREEN
“Has really improved his outside shooting and ballhandling. I feel like he can have a great year. He is showing good leadership so far and has taking a big step forward in his game and work ethic.” – North Side coach Gary Andrews
These opinions represent those of Bounce and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Bounce on Twitter at Bounce_OTH
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