Without question, this was the most enjoyable and entertaining game the entire weekend. Both teams played at a high level and this was one instant where all the high level players played like high level players.
Howard Pulley had five players in double figures and connected on an impressive 12-24 three pointers while Indy Spiece had four players in double figures. Indy Spiece enjoyed a shooting exhibition as well as they connected on 10-24 three pointers.
Leading the way for Howard Pully was sophomore sensation PG Tyus Jones. Jones tallied 18 points and dished out 10 assists and clearly showcased why he is considered the best PG in the country regardless of class. Rounding out the scoring for Howard Pulley was Dion Bradley with 18, Quinton Hooker with 17, Anders Broman with 15 and Jamal Davis with 13. For Indy Spiece, their roster is filled with tremendous talent in the 2014 class and 6’10 230 pound center Trey Lyles tallied 16 points and 11 rebounds while Bryson Scott finished with 17 points and backcourt mate Trevon Blueitt ended up with 14 points.
This game went back and forth as each team made big runs throughout the game, but it was the final run late in the game that put Howard Pulley in the victory column. On paper, Indy Speice had more talent, size and athleticism but the play of Jones making his teammates better is intangibles that are hard to measure. Indy Speice is now 6-3 in league play while Howard Pulley is 5-4.
6’1 2014 PG Tyus Jones (Howard Pulley) the best word to describe Jones is special! What is really amazing about Jones is his overall skill package, basketball IQ and fundamentals. He is mentally advanced beyond his peers in his approach to the game. Jones will not overwhelm you with jet like speed or tremendous athleticism and his game clearly approaches that of NBA great Chris Paul. Jones enjoyed a game high 18 points going 7-15 from the floor (1-6 from the 3 point line) and 3-4 from the FT line. He dished out 10 assists and only turns the ball over one time during the course of the game. More importantly, he doesn’t demand the ball and allows his teammates to bring the ball up often and it is ability to make his teammates better that was so impressive! He is a master of reading the pick and roll where he is eager and ready to pull the trigger or make quick one hand push passes off the dribble. He changes speed extremely well, but it is his ability to utilize the left to right between the leg dribble that is his signature move. A lot has already been written about Jones and he is definitely one player that deserves all the accolades that comes his way. (And then some!)
6’10 2014 C Trey Lyles (Indy Spiece) what’s not to like about a 6’10 230 pound rising junior that has the complete big man package. Lyles is a monster on the low post. He uses his posterior well by sitting down on the defender and using his size and strength to push players underneath the basket. He has some of the best low post moves in the paint and he is only in the 2014 class. He has long arms and is active on the boards. Even when he cannot secure the rebound, he has a knack of getting his hands on the ball and keeping it alive. Lyles finished with 16 points going 6-11 from the field (1-1 from the 3 point line) and 3-4 from the FT line. He has range and good fundamentals and technique on his jumper and has advanced passing skills for his size/position/ and class. He collected 11 rebounds which is equally impressive especially since both teams shot a high percentage.
6’0 2013 PG Dion Bradley (Howard Pulley) Bradley and Jones tied for team scoring honors and the southpaw was clicking on all cylinders in the game against Indy Spiece. Bradley scored 18 points going 6-8 from the field (4-4 from the 3 point line) and 2-5 from the FT line. Bradley hit 3 consecutive 3 pointers in the 4th quarter to put his team back in the lead for good. While he is somewhat overshadowed by the presence and play of Jones, mid majors should really take a hard look at this young man. He had ice water running through his veins this game!
6’1 2013 PG Quinton Hooker (Howard Pulley) is a scrappy and determined player that maximizes his entire skill set which was on display Saturday. He enjoyed a solid overall game by scoring 17 points going 7-12 from the field and 3-5 from the free throw line. His midrange game was effective and didn’t attempt a 3 point shot during the game. That being said, he was able to dribble penetrate effectively throughout the course of the game. He plays hard and loved his on the court demeanor.
6’2 2013 PG/SG Anders Broman (Howard Pulley) Another solid guard for the Howard Pulley team. Broman enjoyed a stellar performance from the scoring and passing column. He tallied 17 points going 7-12 from the floor (3-7 from the 3 point line) and also dished out 4 assists. Coming into the contest, Broman has a lofty reputation for being one of the premier scorers in Minnesota high school history. He has the DNA of a scorer and a confidence level that states I can play at any level. He is a talkative teammate that shows positive emotion and energy during the game. We love his approach to the game and his overall fundamentals and basketball IQ. While many look at Broman as an undersized SG, we strongly feel he can transition to the lead guard position.
6’1 2013 PG Bryson Scott (Indy Speice) the 6’1 180 pound PG is physically mature and currently has a college ready body/frame. He showcased his skills by knocking in 17 points and 5 assists. Known as a big-time scorer, Scott didn’t disappoint in his performance against Howard Pulley. Scott went 6-13 from the (1-5 from the 3 point line) and went a perfect 4-4 from the FT line. Scott’s strongest attribute is his ability to score and make plays. He utilizes his strength to his advantage and has tremendous body control.
6’5 2014 WF Trevon Blueitt (Indy Speice) Blueitt is one of the top young players in the Indiana class of 2014. He is a strong and rugged WF has the combination of strength and finesse. In the game against Howard Pulley, Blueitt knocked in 14 points going 6-12 from the floor (2-6 from the 3 point line) we like the blue collar workmanlike approach to his game as he competes extremely hard on every trip down the court.
6’5 2014 PG/SG Jayquan Lyle (Indy Speice) Lyle is one of the premier players nationally in the 2014 class and few players this young has his size and skill set at the PG position. Widely considered a combo guard, Lyle has advanced ball handling and passing skills. He is excellent in transition and has superb court vision. In the game against Howard Pulley, he was more concerned getting his teammates open looks than manufacturing his own shot. He had 7 points going 3-6 from the floor (1-2 from the 3 point line) and also dished out 6 assists. While he didn’t take many shots in this game, we really like his shooting fundamentals and technique. Lyle seems more concerned of taking shots that were in the framework of the game and didn’t rush shots or passes. He was in complete control and ran his team effectively against the matchup zone by Howard Pulley. Unfortunately, Indy Speice caught a red hot team from the 3 point line and came up a little short in their efforts.