All-Indy Freshman Team

There's no denying that there is a ton of young talent in the Indianapolis area this year. It is often a giant achievement in and of itself for a ninth grader to make a reserve roster, let alone find his way onto the varsity team. This year, however, there are several freshman who are making a big impact in their first season of high school hoops. These fourteen and fifteen year-old kids are major contributors for some of the top teams in the area and are already making a name for themselves in the city and around the state, some even on the national level. Here is the All-Indy Freshman Starting Five, a team that would give even the most experienced varsity teams a lot of trouble.

Kellon Thomas - Guard - Southport - Thomas has been a well-known name on a statewide level since he was in middle school, and he has not disappointed through his first seven games. He has struggled a bit with inconsistency, as all freshman tend to do. He has had a high game of 17 points, but has also wrestled through games of two and three points as well. So far this year, Thomas is averaging just under ten points per game and has shot well from deep, going six for thirteen. He is also a pesky defender, swiping the ball 2.3 times a game. He will have to gain strength and fill out, but he is a likely D1 player.

D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera - Guard - North Central - The most well-known and hyped member of the 2012 class in Indiana is more then worthy of the praise he receives. Starting for the number two ranked 4A Panthers is an accomplishment by itself, but the numbers he is putting up are staggering for a ninth grader. The 6'3" bullish guard is putting up nearly 15 points per game, while ripping down just under seven boards each contest. Running the point, he dishes out about five assists as well, while shooting well from the field (50%) and the stripe (82%). DSR is a surefire five star recruit who will be courted nationally for his services. He has an early offer from IU, but is said to favor Ohio State early on.

Ronald Patterson - Forward - Broad Ripple - The 6'3" springy athlete is a big part of the resurgence of Broad Ripple hoops. He and sophomore Steven Jamison are playing beyond their years for the Rockets. Patterson is averaging right around ten points a game. In the highly anticipated matchup between Patterson and Smith-Rivera, many onlookers claimed Patterson had the better game, going for sixteen in a losing effort. Patterson is another D1 type player who is said to have early interest from local schools, especially Purdue.

Joel Smith - Forward - Heritage Christian - Smith, a 6'6" guard/forward, has started every game for the 5-1 Eagles, the number six-ranked team in 2A. Smith is a tireless worker with a tremendous attitude and leadership traits beyond his age. Smith is not depended on to score, since Heritage has three seniors who average double-digits, but Smith contributes nonetheless. In six games, he is averaging 6.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and one steal per game. He has also shot well from the line, making 75% of his charity shots. Smith has interest from many mid-majors already, having the most contact so far with Butler and Xavier.

AJ Hammons - Center - Carmel - Hammons is characterized by his size ans his potential. Alrady standing 6'10", Hammons will be a force to be reckoned with in Indy for years to come, should he develop his skills and a nasty streak that he lacks as of now. He is playing and contributing well for the Greyhounds. Early on, he is putting up 7.5 points along with 4.8 boards and 2.2 blocks per game. Solid numbers for any ninth grader. If he continues to develop and add strength, there's no doubt Hammons will play D1 basketball. After all, you can't teach 6'10".

These are my picks for the All-Indy Freshman Starting Five. All five of these ninth graders have a bright future in high school hoops, and likely in college basketball as well. These youngsters and their strong early play should make Indiana high school hoops fans feel great about the future of basketball in the state. Feel free to leave a comment, especially if you feel I left anyone off the starting five who was deserving of recognition.