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. 25-21.
No. 25 – Bradyn Barth, West Noble
Barth played a critical role in West Noble’s NECC dominant team last year, seeing his role expand as teams keyed in on the Chargers’ star. Austin Cripe. Barth showed how well he could succeed with added pressure, becoming a force inside that was able to end opposing possessions quickly with his high end rebounding prowess, finishing with 6.3 rebounds and a clock per game. Offensively, he broke out big time while shooting 61.3 percent and scoring 16.1 points per contest.
COACH’S QUOTE ON BARTH:
“Bradyn is returning with the most experience on our roster. He had a great Junior year and we believe he is in store for a great Senior season. He has a great motor and will be able to showcase more of his versatility this year after spending most of his time in the post for us last year. We are going to ask a lot of him and have great confidence he will be able to handle it. We still believe his best basketball is ahead of him.” – West Noble coach Ethan Marsh
No. 24 – Tucker Day, Canterbury
When Tucker Day is on, he is a complete monster on the interior and very difficult for most posts in the area to defend. Something to watch will be how he may be utilized differently now that he is at Canterbury after an offseason transfer from Homestead. Day averaged 7.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game for Homestead a season ago. Since then, we have seen him become a better all around offensive player who plays with a more methodical mind.
COACH’S QUOTE ON DAY:
“Simply put, Tucker can be a force for us this season. I’ve watched Tucker through the years and he has continued to develop his overall skill level each year. He has the opportunity to really leave his mark this season. He is going to be asked to do some things that he hasn’t had to do in the past, and I think he has taken on the challenge with enthusiasm, and has begun to realize that he is only scratching the surface.” – Canterbury coach Deric Adams
No. 23 – Trey Yoder, Woodlan
When Woodlan needed a new high output scorer who could attack in a variety of ways, Yoder stepped into a huge role last season as a sophomore. He averaged 13 points and 8.2 rebounds for the Warriors, keeping them in the heart of the ACAC battle in part with his ability to get downhill so well. He finished the season scoring in double figures in eight of the last nine Woodlan games and had six double doubles during the season.
COACH’S QUOTE ON YODER:
“Trey had an excellent Sophomore season, but has taken his game to another level this offseason. He will be able to impact the game through more than just scoring the basketball. His improvements in strength and skill have made Trey one of the better players in our area.” – Woodlan coach John Baker
No. 22 – Drelyn Truesdale, Bishop Luers
A more than competent ball handler with a high level rebounding prowess is a great thing to have. Truesdale is the kind of kid who excels at crashing the boards, then getting the ball and going to set up the offense or score in transition. He skates up the court with such ease and is one of those guys that can’t help but be enthralled at his progress; even in the course of a game he just appears to get better.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TRUESDALE:
“Drelyn is a dynamic guard in all aspects. He’s long, athletic, gets to his spot with ease and is an absolute joy to be around. Drelyn is just sniffing his potential and D1 coach’s are beginning to see.”
No. 21 – Dereon Truesdale, Bishop Luers
This Truesdale gets the slight edge over his brother – for now – with his terrific ability to get downhill to the rim from multiple angles on the court. He is a great baseline threat and heads to the rim from the corner with the same force; his maneuverability against stingy defenses is a great trait that he possesses. He has shown that he can be a willing and educated facilitator.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TRUESDALE:
“Dereon is an elite finisher at the rim and causes fits for both offenses and defenses with his athleticism. He is getting better in all aspects of his game and it’s scary how good he can become. Dereon has opened up a lot of D1 coach’s eyes this fall and will continue to do so this winter.”
Be the first to comment