Bounce has done some variation of this column several times over the years, but this year feels as important as any.
Football season is officially over, now almost two weeks since state champions were crowned on the field. And with a plethora of talent getting attention on the gridiron this season, it seemed only fair to transition some of those Blitz loving fans to Bounce admiring SUPER fans. How do we do that? Take some of those guys you loved in the fall and remind you that they can be pretty impactful on the court too.
So here are nine guys, handpicked by Bounce, that are transitioning to the hardwood this winter who you might want to keep an eye on. And yes, there are some other high profile names missing, but Bounce wanted to give you a fresh 9 that were NOT in OTH’s preseason Top 50 player countdown for hoops.
ALEX SCOTT, EAST NOBLE
Scott had another terrific season on the gridiron and will be a major contributor for East Noble as they undergo a lot of changes internally this season. Scott is a fiesty forward who is well versed in using his high end athleticism on the basketball court as well. For East Noble to contend in the NE8 this season, Scott will need to be a major disruptive presence. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game last season.
TYLER RUPLE, ANGOLA
Ruple’s length played a major role in helping Angola to a Sectional championship on the gridiron this fall. He had great hands and was able to make big plays for the Hornets, something he mimics on the basketball court. Ruple is a defensive energy guy for the Hornets, getting into passing lanes and really working the opposing offensive player. He can score in spurts too as he brings a certain level of fire to the court for Angola.
MAALIK MOORE, NORTH SIDE
Moore appeared in two games for the Legends basketball team as a freshman, but did not play last season. He has returned to By Hey Arena this season and scored 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting in North Side’s season opening loss to Blackhawk Christian. What Moore will be on the court for his junior season though is still to be determined, but after a stellar football season where his intelligence and quickness led his impact, it is exciting to have him in the gym again.
GRIFFIN MORGAN, BLUFFTON
Morgan is bull strong and that is what his carryover to the court is all about. He was a great leader for the Bluffton defense this football season, physical and vocal with his touch. On the court, Morgan is a tough matchup with he tenacious inside play and rebounding prowess.
AIDEN REED, GARRETT
Reed got some big varsity minutes a season ago and hit some big shots for the Railroaders, including a clutch three in the win over rival DeKalb. His physicality and versatility have made him one of the best defensive football players in the NECC (102 total tackles this fall) and if he can transfer that consistently to the hardwood, he could be another solid guy in Garrett’s more than solid junior class.
HUNTER SHIRE, EAST NOBLE
Shire is another player that we get to see on the basketball court this year after him not being part of the Knights lineup a season ago. Listed on his Hudl as 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, there is a lot of intrigue of how he can be a middle stopper for East Noble during basketball season. Thus far, we’ve gotten a small sample size during basketball season but when you have a player of Shire’s size but also his agility for that size, there are going to be a lot of eyes on him.
DEREK MCKEAN, SOUTH ADAMS
Just as McKean sees the field well on Friday nights, he is a leader in tempo and leadership for South Adams basketball. Through his first two games this season, McKean is averaging 15 points and 4.5 assists per game. His ability to read defenses is something that translates well between the two sports and will be the catalyst for how Starfire basketball season goes.
KC PIEPER, BISHOP DWENGER
Pieper hits hard on a football field and with the way that Bishop Dwenger plays basketball, his leadership is key. Coming off a state championship in football, Pieper could be a great liaison from the winning that the Saints did this fall into what they want to do this winter. Pieper played last season as a great intangible guy, making a lot of little things happen on the hardwood. This season, his impact could be much greater.
CADEN RICE, DEKALB
Rice is the opposite of others on this list, taking on football this season as a known basketball commodity. Rice had a solid senior season on the gridiron, highlighted by a game clinching INT against rival Garrett. On the hardwood, it is hard to find many others in the NE8 that are willing to try and outwork Rice on the glass and his shot is ever improving.
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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