While we continue to countdown the top 50 area players, we have to give some attention to those who may not qualify for that list this season.
While the Top 50 focuses on players with tangible varsity experience. That means this column is about freshmen, those up from a primary JV role and an influx of move ins (many from the homeschool circuit) who could help raise the stock of their perspective programs this season.
MCNIECE BROTHERS, HOMESTEAD
So I am going to cheat a little here right out of the gate by going two for one. Brogan McNiece is a junior up from the junior varsity and Braylon McNiece is a freshman. Both come in around 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-6, both use their size very well to their advantage at the rim and both are probably what you’d consider underrated shooters. They are both talented at attacking the defense but can also give you extra as catch and shoot guys. Braylon is one of the very best freshmen in the area this season and any time as a freshman on the Homestead varsity should show that as its a rare thing. Both of the McNiece brothers can give Homestead a boost.
MARSHAWN WARFIELD, NORTHROP
The 6-foot-4 combo comes to Northrop for his senior year after a transfer from Homestead. He moves well without the ball and can be an added guy to set up for a jumper, but he also can thrive really well as a hard line downhill driver with the ball in his hands. As Northrop tries to gain a foothold, his talent of being able to break down a lot of his defenders is a key in spreading out the Bruin offense.
ZEKE PENROD, DEKALB
Like a lot of guys on this list, Penrod has big size and a guard’s shot. Up from a primary JV role last season for the Barons, Penrod has a high motor when things are clicking and his ability to spread the floor makes him an instant asset. He shoots the ball well in the corners, something he has showcased in the past to be a major threat as he kind of quietly sneaks away off ball. That said, he has shown hints of being a tenacious rebounder as well.
ALEX SCOTT, EAST NOBLE
Scott was already lined up for a critical role at East Noble and the offseason injury to a senior guard makes him immediately more valuable as a kid to do the intangible things. Look for Scott to take on that open starting spot for the Knights early. Scott is a three sport guy, also running track and playing football and he is just a pure type of athlete that excels because of his work ethic and a strong natural skill set. He is a moldable mind and presence for the Knights and his athleticism could go a long way in Kendallville this season.
MARCUS BOLENBACHER, ADAMS CENTRAL
As the Flying Jets move some guys up to fill critical roles, Bolenbacher could be a really nice and steady piece for AC. Primarily a junior varsity player last year, he will likely be a day one starter for Adams Central on the varsity level. He plays really well as a garbage man type of guy that will clean up missed shots on both end of the floor and works extremely hard to understand and succeed at his role.
JAYDEN MOORE, BISHOP LUERS
Quite possibly the area’s top freshman, Moore has the luxury in the fact he will be able to grow at a solid rate because of how high level and deep the Knights are. Moore has shown how good he can be on the perimeter and his work over the summer and into the fall has showcased that what he did in middle school will translate to the higher level. He gets into his shot well on or off ball and has shown a really good energy on both ends of the floor.
SEAN DAVENPORT, NORTH SIDE
Davenport has toiled with some success in the past while playing on lower levels at Snider and also during the summer and in fall leagues. His speed and work ethic are two things that North Side will really lean on as they go through a bit of a rebuild after graduating their top players. The kid works best when he is loose and is an underrated defender who is willing to meet opposing players at the rim or pick up on the perimeter to try and cause chaos.
CAIDYN BERNA, COLUMBIA CITY
Berna is the first of three guys moving over from home school who could have an impact on their teams. Berna will join Columbia City from Noble-Whitley Homeschool as a senior with quality length that really could impact the Eagles in a not so big conference as a post that they can play off of well. He averaged 15.3 points, 7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game on the homeschool circuit last season with 11 games of 20-or-more points and had seven double doubles.
COLT KIRKPATRICK, CENTRAL NOBLE
Kirkpatrick, a former Noble-Whitley Homeschool teammate of Berna’s, is a senior for Central Noble and played well for the Cougars during the month of June after joining the school. He works the baseline very well, is a hard driver and can finish above the rim. Kirkpatrick averaged 17.4 points and 6.3 rebounds last season for the Warriors, scoring over 30 three times including a 35 point game on 15-of-21 shooting in December.
ISAIAH KING, GARRETT
King joins the Garrett sophomore class from the Fort Wayne Hawks home school team. King broke out a bit during the Summit Summer League games this fall but had a really solid season last year with the Hawks, where he averaged 8.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from two-point range. King also had three double doubles last season.
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