Insider Exposure Hoosier Heat Recap
There was a lot of hype surrounding the Hoosier Heat event in Indianapolis, put on by Insider Exposure. Event director John McGraw promised big time exposure and competition and he kept his word with an outstanding showcase during the first part of the live period in July. With over 150 teams and hundreds of college scouts in attendance, the event proved to be one of the best in the entire country. The Hoosier Heat’s timing and location was prime with adidas and Under Armour holding their circuits on the second half of the live period. Half of the Nike EYBL was also playing in Indianapolis during the Hoosier Heat, so coaches could bounce back and forth easily. In some of the more anticipated match ups, 150 coaches bunched up along the baselines and sidelines at Pike High School to see some of the country’s best go to war.
“War” is exactly what some of the more competitive games happened to be. The refs let the kids play, as expected and some teams in particular took full advantage. While some parents and fans were displeased with the physicality, some people loved it. As I told some spectators in the gym, “May the tougher team win.” The tougher teams did win.
Toughest teams I saw:
Arkansas Banshees UAA
Example Sports 17u Wolfpack
New York Gauchos Black
Western PA Bruins 2020 Cash
Each of these teams finished 4-0 in their pool and every game was an intense battle. The trend for all of these teams was their blazing foot speed, relentless physicality and ability to make plays on both sides of the ball in uptempo situations. One other extremely physical team that suffered one loss was South Beach Elite UAA. Their full court pressure was as good as I saw all weekend. Despite their current 1-4 record in the UAA, they will look to continue to make noise in the next session starting tomorrow.
Vegas United 16u features two super athletes:
2021 5’10 PG Kalayla Buggs (Long Beach Poly/CA) – A strong and athletic guard that can really make plays on both sides of the ball. She can get into the paint with ease and she finishes around the basket well. Kalaya will have her choice of high major colleges when she is ready to make a decision.
2022 5’9 PG Aaliyah Gayles (Spring Valley/NV) – As quick and bouncy as they come in the basketball scene. Aaliyah is in a truly elite class when considering foot speed, reaction time, hand speed and jumping ability. She skied to intercept one pass in the air and raced the ball right down for a layup in a single dribble and stride from beyond the three point line. The 5-star prospect will continue to garner college attention due to her athleticism, motor and natural ability.
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