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 continue on the boys hoops side with positions No. 30-26.
No. 30 – Devon Lewis, Canterbury
Lewis has been a constant for Canterbury and has continued to carry the heavy weight for the Cavaliers offensively, where he averaged 16.9 points per game last season. As a score first guard, Lewis has become very good at getting downhill as defenses key in and collapse on him. He is very difficult to guard when he gets a head of steam and that gets everything going for Canterbury. That has also allowed him to expand his shooting game consistently where he knocked down 37 threes last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LEWIS:
“Devon is as solid a player as we have in the city. He contributes in so many areas and is a true leader for our program. His true value to our team cannot be measured. Everyone looks to Devon. He is a great mentor to our younger players and will certainly provide “Senior Leadership” this season. I look for him to have a big, big season which will include many seminal moments.” – Canterbury coach Deric Adams
No. 29 – Ke’ron Billingsley, Snider
As Snider has taken on a rebuild, they have relied heavily on Billingsley’s leadership to take hold. That will be something that will continue this year with the point guard heading into basketball season fresh off a deep football postseason run as the quarterback fo the Panthers. He pushes a frantic pace on both sides of the ball for Snider and he can turn defense into offense in an instant. Last season, he averaged 11.9 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Panthers.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BILLINGSLEY:
“Ke’Ron is a everything a coach wants in a point guard. He is a tremendous competitor, elite defender, and values winning over individual accolades. Ke’Ron is going to be a huge part of Snider Basketball being successful this season and we expect him to have a tremendous senior year.” – Snider coach Josh Riikonen
No. 28 – Conner Slee, Fremont
One of the area’s very best pure shooters, Slee broke out during his junior season including a poignant 18 point game in a stellar win over eventual Class 4A regional champion Wayne. Slee shot 51 percent from three point range last season while averaging 12.8 points per game. He is a constant workhouse for the Eagles and has tremendous off ball movement that not only sets up his shot but also lets him be impactful in the rebounding game, with three per game last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON SLEE:
“Conner is a kid who lives in the gym. His leadership is unquestioned. I believe you will see his game take the next step this year. He is a kid who can do a lot of different things for us beyond just shoot it.” – Fremont coach Josh Stuckey
No. 27 – Micah McClure, Adams Central
McClure had a breakthrough junior season and became one of the area’s best pure point guards as he worked alongside Adams Central’s then-twin towers. The range that McClure developed in his game just last season was impressive. He is very good at setting tempo, which is easier said that done when you play a diverse schedule like the Flying Jets do. McClure averaged 11 points, six assists and two steals per game last season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON MCCLURE:
“Micah is a very skilled player in regard to shooting, ballhandling, and passing. He has that rare ability to make everyone around him better with his passing and leadership skills. His game understanding is phenomenal and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone with a higher basketball IQ than he has. He is the guy that helps keep everything together for us on both ends of the floor when games are on the line.” – Adams Central coach Aaron McClure
No. 26 – Caleb Lehrman, Bishop Dwenger
Lehrman’s presence in the post is something that the Saints will continue to rely on heavily. He is good at getting deep post position to the point that unless you can match his height, it is tough to defend him right at the rim; and few can match his height in the area. Lehrman’s footwork and game speed has been constantly improving as he adds more unique finishes to his repertoire. Last season, he averaged 11 points and seven rebounds per game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON LEHRMAN:
“Caleb had a solid junior season for us last year. He now needs to take his game to the next level both offensively and defensively. He is one of the top post players in the area. He will be #1 on our opponents scouting report this year so he will need to read how he’s being played each game and adapt his game accordingly. He needs to be our foundation and leader this year.” – Bishop Dwenger coach Matt Kostoff
Be the first to comment