Area's Most Underrated

The Indianapolis area has long been a talent-rich vicinity which college coaches gleefully pick and choose from top talent to add to their respective squads. This year is no different in Indy and it's metropolitan area. Top players such as Patrick Bade, Terone Johnson, Kelsey Barlow, Andrew Smith, and many others have been seen and esteemed as the very best, garnering D1 offers to big time programs. But there are other players, players who, for whatever reason, have not gotten the limelight of these big name recruits. Players, who if given the opportunity, could impress onlookers and analyzers and play themselves into a scholarship offer. There are many players of this sort, many deserving candidates for the title of Area's Most Underrated. So fans and coaches take note: these are ten kids to look at if you are looking for that "missing piece" to add to your college team's recruiting class, or to just appreciate as a great, unheralded player.



Aaron Evans - PG - Roncalli HS - The point man leads a ranked Roncalli squad with heady play and athleticism. Evans is adept at splitting defenders with his ability to penetrate, and he is a superior finisher. He also gives opponents headaches with his ability to lock down the opposing teams' point guard. Through three games, Evans is averaging 20 points and contributes with his all-around, aggressive game.

Ryan Nowicki - SG - Guerin Catholic - The senior sharpshooter has had some huge games so far this year, going for as many as 32 in a single game. He plays for a surging Guerin squad that is flying under the radar in 2A, ranked number nine before losing to Lapel this past weekend. Nowicki is putting up a stellar 22.2 points per game and is deadly from deep.

Andre Hampton - SG - Howe - Hampton is the definition of a streak-shooter. He has had games this season in which he put up ten and five three pointers. Through seven games, he is averaging nearly twenty points per game for the 3A number four ranked Hornets. His proficiency from deep stretches opposing defenses and opens up lanes for teammates like PJ Boutte and newly-eligible Jordan Manuel.

Damon Ellison - SF - North Central - The senior wing is a consummate leader and competitor for the Panthers, a top team in 4A. He is flying under the radar in part because of a knee injury that sidelined him this summer, forcing him to miss the entire high profile AAU circuit, keeping him out of the sight of college recruiters. He will be a steal for someone. Through seven games, he is averaging 16.8 points per game for North Central, which is especially impressive when you consider his teammates: Purdue-bound Terone Johnson, freshman standout D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera, and another under-the-radar type player in 6'9" center Justin Reid.

Blake Beasley - SF - Decatur Central - Beasley is a little-known player who provides a big-time life for his Decatur squad. He is a kid that gets it done on offense and defense, scoring and rebounding effectively. At nearly 6'6", he can be a matchup problem for most opposing guards, but is also quicker than most opposing bigs. Through five games, he is putting up 18.4 points per game and around double-digits in rebounds.

Errick Peck - PF - Cathedral - On many evenings, Peck is a beast, a man-child, and man amongst boys. His 6'6" frame is filled out solid muscle, and with his strength and supreme athleticism, he often simply overpowers and outleaps opposing big men. He does seem to coast on occasion, however, but if he ever brings it consistently, there is no doubt he is D1. He could be compared to other great undersized, high motor power forwards like Jason Maxiell or Leon Powe. He has has monster games this year, including his most recent outing, a 28 point and 16 rebound performance against Howe. Through five games, he is averaging around 18 points and well over ten boards a game.

Logan Ingle - C - Lapel - Ingle is an undersized junior center who gets it done every night thanks to great post moves, strength, and huge heart and hustle. Standing a 6'5", Ingle is a main cog in a Lapel team that is pushing to the top of 2A. He is putting up 16.5 points per game and gobbles up any rebound in his vicinity. He and sophomore Chandler Guion form a deadly inside-outside duo that give opposing teams headaches.

Tommy Eggleston - SG - Heritage Christian - Eggleston is a versatile player who should have college coaches drooling over his potential. He is a silky smooth wing who moves like a gazelle, covering large chunks of ground with his length and long stride. He is a lanky 6'5" that can defend multiple position with his length and athleticism, despite his slight frame. He leads the undefeated 2A number six Eagles in most statistical categories through five games. He is posting 15.6 points, four boards, 2.4 assists, two steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He is also shooting about 40% fro threes. Eggleston could play himself into a D1 scholarship if he continues his stellar early season play, realizing his great potential.

Nate Rigdon - G/F - Danville - With Purdue-bound center Travis Carroll getting most of the headlines in Hendricks County, it would be easy, almost expected, to overlook a player like Rigdon. But he has been a integral to the success of the Warriors as the 6'9" big man. With defenses keying on Carroll, Rigdon takes advantage of his opportunities, scoring 15.6 points per game through seven games. He is also a deep threat, scoring on 44% of his three point attempts.

Ed Hazelett -C - Warren Central - Big Ed, a Western Kentucky football recruit, is also an adept player on the hardwood for the Warriors of Warren Central. A burly 6'9" center, Hazelett is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, eating up space wherever he roams. Through five games, Hazelett is scoring 14.8 points per game and has had multiple games with over ten boards. He may be able to help the Hilltoppers down in Bowling Green with more than just pass blocking should the basketball coaches get a look at him.

These are just ten of the best, lesser-known stars around the Indy area, but there are several more deserving candidates. Who are your choices for best underrated player in the area or state? Post a comment and let me know!

Also, sorry for the lack of posts lately. Been on the road for my step-sister's wedding in Michigan and had a family Christmas here in town.