NHIAA Midseason Report

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023

In this article, we will profile various NHIAA programs as the midway point is upon us.

Gilford: Jalen Reese is back for his senior season. The 2023 forward brings a nice blend of bounce, rebounding, and two-way playmaking. Jalen’s brother Isaiah also is a key piece. The 2024 forward’s strength and toughness from the gridiron have allowed him to contribute on both ends. 2023 big man Sam Cheek is another returner. His improvement offensively has made this squad more difficult to prepare for.  2023 forward Logan Grant makes his presence felt as a rebounder and defender. Just a 2025 prospect, Brandon Baldi has earned a starting role. He can stretch the floor from deep but also handle pressure defense. Also, keep an eye on Noah Sleeper who is only a 2026 prospect. 

Pinkerton Academy: Anthony Chinn has proven to be one of the better prospects in the NHIAA. The 2023 wing has athleticism, spaces the floor, and can defend multiple positions. Also a standout baseball player, 2024 big man Jackson Marshall is a constant mismatch problem. He has a smooth long-range stroke, can attack in straight lines, along with making his presence felt on the glass. 2023 guard Tyrone Chinn uses his quickness to make plays at both ends. He also needs to be accounted for from beyond the arc. Ethan Johnston is a 2023 prospect who provides more floor spacing and leadership ability at the wing spot. 2023 prospects Sean Jenkins and Tyler Herland have also been integral to this squad’s success so far. 

Bedford: Luke Soden has proven to be one of the NHIAA’s top scorers. The 2024 guard is a long-range sniper who can also hit mid-range shots when coming off pin-downs. Soden has had multiple 30 plus point outings. Also a standout on the diamond, 2024 prospect Aiden O’Connell has some basketball game too. The Northwestern baseball commit's toughness has allowed him to make an impact in the paint at 6’3. Aiden’s cousins Brady and Logan are a pair of intriguing underclassmen. A 2025 guard, O’Connell can score at multiple levels but also make plays for others. Logan, only a 2026 prospect, provides optimism for the future. 2023 guard Caden Brown gives this squad another option in the backcourt. He has mid-range/three-point shooting touch and finds others when opponents collapse on him. 

Trinity: Tyler Bike is one of the NHIAA’s better floor generals. The 2024 guard’s blend of poise, vision, and pull-up shooting allows him to impact games as a scorer or playmaker. Bike recently had a pair of games where he hit six three-pointers. 2024 prospect Devohn Ellis is back. The 6’2 guard has started since his freshman season and has the grit and tenacity to lock up on the defensive end. Ellis also is a talented football player. 2023 prospect Connor Hermann is back for his senior season. The wing is a player who does not need to score a lot of points to impact a game. 2025 prospects Jaiden Summers, Evan Dunker, and Shawn O’Neil all have earned minutes as well.