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Independence 59, Whetstone 42 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Zach Fleer, 01/12/19, 6:30PM EST

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Independence junior Andre Trent is one of the best shooters in the City League

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In a cross division matchup in the City League, Independence battled the snow and came out victorious at home over Whetstone, 59-42.

With both teams coming in at 2-9, Independence (3-9) jumped out to a 20-7 first quarter lead behind a trio of threes from junior guard Andre Trent. Trent's hot start powered a 35-27 halftime lead where Independence senior forward Ben James was just getting started. 

Coming out of halftime with great energy, James and Independence broke the game open, as the 6-foot-5 forward scored 10 points in the third quarter alone to power a 15-6 period for the Sixers.

Leading 50-33 going into the final frame, Independence never looked back, limiting shot opportunities for the Braves in a 2-3 zone that Whetstone (2-10) really struggled with. Rolling to a much-needed 17-point win, Independence will look to keep winning on Monday against New Hope Christian before heading to first place South on Tuesday.

James led the Sixers with 23 points, scoring at a high level near the rim and snatching down rebounds. Trent pitched in 14 points on four three-point field goals, while senior forward Kamron Freeman came off the bench and knocked down three triples to finish with 11 points.

Sophomore guard Keshawn Harris was solid in the backcourt, finishing with three points and a game-high seven assists.

For Whetstone, junior forward Jaden Arledge had a strong outing, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Arledge was one of very few floor spacers for the Braves, knocking down three triples. Sophomore guard Caleb Brigle continued a breakout season with 10 points, while senior forward Antwan Allen added nine points and two steals.

Whetstone will look to get back in the win column on Tuesday at home against East. 


Ben James (6'5 WF / Independence / 2019): James continued what has been a strong senior season by dominating Whetstone with 23 points, nine rebounds and four steals. The 6-foot-5 senior is a big, powerful wing who showcased better ball-handling ability, especially in transition, than what we saw when he was an underclassman. James clears space in the paint, snatches down rebounds and can lead the break for the Sixers in transition. We were impressed with James' finishing ability on the interior, as he has good body control for his size and can score through contact. With a few junior college offers, James should continue to see his stock heat up among regional jucos, as he has the size, athleticism, strength and confidence to produce at the next level. 

Jaden Arledge (6'6 PF / Whetstone / 2020): Finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, Arledge was the only consistent scoring option on the Whetstone roster on Saturday. The 6-foot-6 junior is a knockdown shooter who does not lack for confidence, as he knocked down three triples and one mid-range jumper. Rebounding at a high level on both ends, Arledge showed off some of the tools that should help him receive some Division II and III interest this summer. The junior forward has a high IQ, does not get sped up and makes good decisions with the ball. With the floor spacing ability that so many programs covet at his position, Arledge could be in high demand with a productive AAU summer for Hidden Gems Black. 

Andre Trent (5'9 G / Independence / 2020): We've seen 15 of the 16 teams in the City League this season and there may not be a more pure shooter than Trent. The 5-foot-9 junior has a quick release and can space the floor well beyond the three-point line, as he knocked down three triples in the first four minutes of the game, finishing with 14 points on four three-point makes. In the midst of a breakout season, Trent is averaging just over 10 points per game, as he can get hot in a hurry with his outside shooting ability. 

Caleb Brigle (6'0 G / Whetstone / 2021): The best guard on Whetstone's roster, Brigle had a solid outing on Saturday, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds and three assists. The 6-foot sophomore knocked down two threes and finished at the rim twice. Brigle can handle the ball, stretch the floor and finish at the basket. Brigle has been a standout for the Braves this season, averaging 10.1 points per game including a career-high 23 points against Beechcroft earlier in the year. Look for the sophomore to be one of the top scorers in the City League North a year from now. 

Kamron Freeman (6'1 F / Independence / 2019): Freeman was instant offense for the Sixers, coming off the bench and finishing with 11 points on three triples. The strong senior does not lack for confidence on the perimeter, as he and Trent combined for five threes alone in the first half. With a slasher like James on the roster, floor spacers like Freeman and Trent are critical for the Sixers' offense. 

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