Mr. Basketball Nominee Profiles

Per the request of a new reader of P-Hoops, I've decided to include a comprehensive write-up on each of the seven candidates listed on the poll, citing their statistics, team accomplishments, and other information. Check out these write-ups to further educate yourselves before making your pick on the 2009 Indiana Mr. Basketball!

Patrick Bade - F - Franklin Central - Bade was a relative newcomer to the Indiana basketball scene last season, reportedly focusing of football until it became apparent that his future was in hoops. He is a versatile left-handed 6'8 combo forward who is very productive for the Flashes (16-5), who were long ranked in the top ten of 4A. Recent struggles by the team have dropped them out of the polls, as they have lost three of their last six games, including a 77-45 blowout loss to Bloomington South and another Mr. Basketball candidate, Jordan Hulls. On the season, this future-Boilermaker is averaging 16.8 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and just a shade under two blocks per game. He shoots 56% from the field overall, but has struggled from deep, going eight for forty (20%). He is consistent from the charity stripe, shooting right at seventy percent.

DJ Byrd - G - North Montgomery - Byrd is a 6'4, strong-built scoring machine, oftentimes the only player on this Chargers squad (14-4) who is in double digits. Behind Byrd's exploits, North Mont has climbed in the polls, winning eight of their last nine, on their way to the number eleven ranking in 3A. Another future-Boiler, Byrd is averaging 25.3 points per game this year to go along with 9.1 rebounds per contest and 3.2 assists. He shoots 49% from the field, including 37% from deep, and is a high-volume shooter. He is also shooting 72% from the free throw line for the Chargers, a contender for the 3A crown.

Derek Elston - F - Tipton - Elston is a 6'9 bouncy forward who stuffs the stat sheet for coach Travis Daugherty's Blue Devils (18-2), the number one ranked team in 2A. They are a favorite to win the State Championship in their class, thanks in great measure to Elston, an Indiana Hoosier signee. As a team, Tipton has rattled off eight consecutive wins since a loss to Kokomo. The big man is putting up a double-double on average, notching 20.1 points and 11.1 rebounds each game. Throw in 2.7 assists and a pair of blocks and steals per game, and it's easy to see how much he affects a game. His size, strength, and supreme athleticism is something IU coach Tom Crean has to be looking forward to next season in Bloomington.

Jordan Hulls - G - Bloomington South - Hulls doesn't put up the most gaudy numbers, but he is the best player on the best team in the best class in the state. His squad is also a top-five nationally ranked team. He is the glue that holds South together, the engine that makes the Panthers (19-0) go. They meet Decatur Central later this week to try to finish a perfect regular season, an accomplishment of enormous proportions. On the year, Hulls, who is another IU signee, is averaging 16.6 points per game on 51% shooting (41-80) from deep. Hulls contributes much more than points, averaging 5.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Many consider Hulls the odds on favorite, and with a solid run in the postseason, it might be hard to give the award to anyone else.

Colt Ryan - G - Batesville - Ryan, an Evansville recruit, is a true scorer, who has filled up the bucket all through his high school career. He is the clear leader for Batesville (16-2), the number three ranked team in 3A. The Bulldogs have won ten in a row since starting the year 4-2, and Ryan's numbers are the main reason. He is scoring 24.3 points per game to go along with 7.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists. He shoots at a 56% clip, including 39% from three point range. He is less consistent than expected from the line, shooting only 69%, but there is little doubt that he deserves to be mentioned in this discussion.

Stephan Van Treese - F - Lawrence North - Van Treese has been on the Indiana and national radar for so long, it's hard to believe he's still in high school. Playing on varsity since his freshman year with Greg Oden and Mike Conley, SVT has a wealth of experience to go along with his great talent, which he is taking to Louisville in the fall. Van Treese's stats are not as high as they could be, since he plays every night alongside six or so other high major D1 talent, so spreading the wealth is inevitable. He is averaging 14.4 points and 9.2 rebounds to go along with 2.2 blocks and 1.8 steals a game. He is also very effective with his shot, shooting nearly sixty percent from the field, and about the same percentage from the free throw line. LN will be a 4A title favorite along with Bloomington South, as they are currently ranked number three in the largest class.

Scott Wood - G/F - Marion - Wood is one of the top scorers in the state and the high man on this list, pouring in 26 points a game. He is one of two outstanding seniors on the Giants (17-2), with the other being JaRob McCallum, a Wisconsin Milwaukee recruit. Marion is currently the number seven ranked team in 4A, winning four in a row and fourteen of their last fifteen. Their only losses have come to Lawrence North and Warsaw, both highly ranked 4A teams. Wood, a 6'6 NC State recruit, also averages 3.9 rebounds, one assist, and one block a game. He shoots 57% from the field and 38% from deep, and is one of the most prolific free throw shooters in state history, knocking down 92% from the stripe.

So these are the choices, each one worth in their own way. Make your choice and vote on the P-Hoops Poll of the Week!