Prep Ball Stars EPO Takeaways

Prep Ball Stars EPO “Elite Players Only” showcase was buzzing with talent and energy! 🏀 Held on August 28, the event spotlighted some of Indiana’s top high school basketball prospects, giving fans and scouts a preview of what’s to come this season. Jacob Pfeifer got a front-row seat to the action, and from what’s been shared, several players made a strong impression.

We will break down the players who stood out from the showcase and are excited to watch this upcoming season. With multiple games happening at the same time, we were not able to watch everyone who played. If someone didn't make the list, we apologize.

Landon Lampley | F | Pike High School | 2028

Landon was on a tear at the EPO showcase—explosive, efficient, and constantly in motion. That dunk off the cut from the top of the key? Pure highlight reel material. His ability to separate himself with speed and athleticism, especially in a setting packed with elite talent, says a lot about his ceiling.

What really sets him apart, though, is his off-ball movement. That’s the kind of detail that often gets overlooked but makes a huge impact. Cutting with purpose, reading defenders, and timing his moves to perfection—those instincts are rare at the high school level and show a maturity in his game.

Kenneth Lampley | F | Pike High School | 2027

That duo of Kenneth and Landon sounds like a cheat code—two completely different styles, but equally dominant. Landon brings the high-flying athleticism and off-ball wizardry, while Kenneth counters with pure shooting touch and gritty rebounding. It’s the kind of balance that makes a team nearly impossible to guard.

Kenneth’s ability to knock down shots from deep with consistency is a rare trait at the high school level. Combine that with his jump-stop control in the lane and relentless effort on the offensive glass, and you’ve got a player who impacts the game in multiple dimensions. That kind of versatility is what separates good players from great ones. Pike High School has a lot of talent and is a team to watch this upcoming season.

Jarrett Harris | F | Lutheran High School | 2028

Jarrett absolutely lived up to the hype—and then some. It’s easy to get caught up in the viral dunks and jaw-dropping athleticism but seeing him in person reveals the full scope of his game. That smooth jumper is a game-changer. When a player with his vertical explosiveness can also stretch the floor and hit shots from deep, it forces defenses into impossible decisions.

Jason Gardner Jr | G | Fishers High School | 2027

Gardner has clearly taken his game to another level—and it shows. His burst is not just a summer fluke. His increased explosiveness and ability to finish above the rim with ease are signs of serious offseason work. What’s even more impressive is how he’s pairing that athleticism with sharp decision-making and playmaking.

Elijah Wilson | G | Shortridge High School | 2026

Elijah absolutely lit it up at the showcase—sounds like he was in full sniper mode. When a guard can consistently hit NBA-range threes with a hand in his face, that’s not just confidence—it’s elite shot-making. And the fact that he’s quick enough to blow by defenders when they overplay the jumper? That’s a nightmare for any defense.

Nick Strewsberry | G | South Bend St.Joseph | 2026

Nick Strewsberry clearly brought the fireworks to the EPO showcase—those 360 and windmill dunks weren’t just athletic feats, they were statements. Attempting a 360 in-game, let alone converting it on the second try, shows not only confidence but elite body control and vertical pop. That kind of athleticism is rare, especially from a senior guard, and it’s no wonder the crowd was buzzing.

But what is even more impressive is the attention to his passing. While Nick’s above-the-rim game grabs headlines, that jump pass off the offensive rebound to a cutter hints at a deeper layer to his skill set. It shows court awareness, timing, and a willingness to create for others—traits that could elevate him from highlight machine to complete floor general.

Tyson Woods | G\F | Cardinal Ritter High School | 2026

Woods clearly made his mark at the showcase with a dynamic and aggressive style of play. His handle and ability to beat defenders off the dribble created constant downhill pressure, and those finishes in traffic speak to both his body control and toughness. The fact that he mixed in pull-up midrange jumpers shows he’s not just a straight-line driver—he’s got layers to his offensive game.

This kind of guard play—where dribbling isn’t just flashy but functional—is exactly what separates standout players from the pack. Woods’ ability to shift gears, break down defenders, and make smart reads in tight spaces is a trait that translates well to higher levels of competition.

Torey Breland | G | Fishers High School | 2026

Torey is the kind of player every coach wants on the floor—scrappy, selfless, and disruptive. That defensive grit you noticed, especially with his active hands forcing turnovers, speaks volumes about his motor and instincts. Players who can generate stops and immediately turn them into transition opportunities are game changers, even if they don’t always fill up the stat sheet.

His decision-making in transition—making the extra pass rather than forcing a finish—shows maturity and team-first mentality. That kind of awareness is rare and incredibly valuable, especially in high-paced showcase environments where players often try to stand out individually.

Tristan Breland | G | Fishers High School | 2029

Tristan clearly made his presence felt on the defensive end—and that kind of intensity at the point of attack is a rare and valuable trait. Picking up ball handlers at half-court and disrupting their rhythm takes not just effort, but confidence, anticipation, and lateral quickness. It’s the kind of defense that doesn’t always show up in the box score but completely alters the flow of a game.

Tristan’s ability to pressure, contain, and frustrate opposing guards—is exactly what separates elite defenders from the rest. It’s not just about steals or blocks; it’s about making the offense uncomfortable from the moment they cross half-court.