For the fifth season in a row, Bounce and Outside the Huddle are counting down who they feel are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2023-2024 season.
Today, we get continue on the boys hoops side with positions No. 45-41.
No. 45 – Corbin Beeman, Fremont
You won’t find many guards who can draw charges the way that Beeman does and almost all of the time, they are on the perimeter. A true point guard for the Eagles, Beeman’s biggest strength lays there on the defensive end where he is as good as anyone at where to put his body to hedge defenders. Beeman averaged 6.6 points with 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BEEMAN:
“Corbin is our spark plug. He can instantly energize our team by taking a charge or making a slick pass. He has matured over the summer and is working hard at being a good leader for us this year. So, he’s doing a great job.” – Fremont coach Josh Stuckey
No. 44 – Dane Lantz, Angola
Lantz has the chance to take Angola to the next level with another consistent scoring season that can elevate his teammates. Coming off averaging 14 points per game and two steals last season, Lantz has shown untapped potential as facilitator and playmaker with good passing and vision and the ability to play on and off ball to make things happen.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LANTZ:
“Dane is a talented scorer who is arguably the best scoring guard in the conference this year.” – Angola coach Brandon Appleton
No. 43 – Kord Fuelling, Bellmont
One of the better breakout players in the area last season, Fuelling is a long guard who is able to play inside and out and create matchup issues with his length. His release is solid as he has developed his outside game, but he can also battle at the rim too especially on the defensive end. Fuelling averaged 13.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON FUELLING:
“Kord took a lot of people by surprise last year. As a first year varsity starter, Kord averaged nearly 14 points per game which led him to an all NE8 selection last season. His length makes him hard to guard on the perimeter and in the paint. Kord has worked hard this off season on his strength and ability to finish in the paint. We are looking forward to another great year from Kord.” – Bellmont coach Payton Selking
No. 42 – Isaac Zay, Bishop Luers
Just a freak athlete, Zay has had a stellar senior season on the football field and will look to finish off a four year varsity career on the right foot this season. Just like between his sophomore and junior years, Zay has again added bulk and strength to his body, which should translate to being able to outman a lot of the SAC when he wants. He averaged 9.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON ZAY
“Isaac will be a 4 year starter on Varsity this year. He can guard 1-5 and welcomes the challenge. Isaac is a 3-sport athlete and somehow figures out a way to improve in all 3 with such a busy schedule. We will be looking at Isaac for his senior leadership and guidance with so many new faces and young players on our roster. Isaac is a joy to coach and brings his competitive edge every day to practice.” – Bishop Luers coach Seth Coffing
No. 41 – Isaiah Gard, Central Noble
The constant improvement from Gard since he was called upon as a major varsity contributor has been most impressive. He has become tenacious inside while also airing on the side of caution enough that he isn’t making a lot of traditional big man mistakes. That said, he is far from one dimensional and the fact he has also been a guard has made him a value both inside and out for the Cougars. Last season, Gard averaged 10.5 points and six rebounds per contest.
COACH’S QUOTE ON GARD:
“Isaiah has had a big off-season working on both his strength and his game. Isaiah has great footwork and post-presence, but can also really shoot the ball from three-point range. Isaiah is a fierce competitor that just wants to win.” – Central Noble coach Ben Lemmon
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