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Additional boys' basketball postseason awards
Defensive Player of the Year
Jameson Brewer, Senior, North Putnam
In the Cougars' man-to-man defense, Brewers' athleticism and agility was put on a display as a help-side stopper. Individually he had more blocks this season (30) than the rosters of both Greencastle and South Putnam.
At 6-3, Brewer's quickness was an advantage against nearly every power forward he matched up against.
The anchor of the Cougars' aggressive defense, Brewer also had 17 steals in 20 games.
Runner-Up
Justin Bumgardner, Senior, South Putnam
Bumgardner's stats don't jump off the page (8.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg), but defensively he jumped around the gym. Bumgardner was the key to the Eagles having the best scoring-defense in the county (52.9 points allowed per game).
He guarded multiple positions and led the Eagles with 26 steals and 10 blocks.
Sixth-man of the Year
Zach Green, Senior, North Putnam
Green began the year as a starter at shooting guard, then adjusted to become a versatile backcourt threat off the bench. His energy on both ends of the court contributed to positive plays for the team. Green had the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the county (+11, trailing teammate Shane Beaman's +20).
When Beaman was lost to an injury late in the season, Green stepped back into the starting lineup, this time as point guard, and helped the team continue a winning-streak.
Green finished the season averaging 6.2 points and 2.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He also had 25 steals.
Runner-Up
Brody Bollman, Sophomore, Greencastle
Possibly cheating because Bollman spent half the season as a starter, but virtually everyone on Greencastle qualifies for this award.
The sophomore gave GHS energy and offensive rebounding when in the lineup and averaged 5.9 point and 5.6 rebounds per game and was second in the county in free throw percentage (85.4 percent, behind NPHS junior Jordan Nauert, 88.9 percent).
Most-Improved
Jake Haste, Senior, North Putnam
Haste returned to the hardwood after several years away. He immediately became in impact-player for the Cougars and an indispensible component.
Haste averaged 10.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and was a double-double threat every game. His biggest impact, however, was his ability to frustrate opponents, keep a cool head and get to the free throw line.
Haste attempted 72 free throws, the most on his team, and increased his accuracy as the season went along.
Runner-Up
Ryan Chestnut, Senior, South Putnam
Another impact-center, Chestnut increased his playing time throughout the year as he adjusted to stay away from foul trouble.
With improved footwork to go along with his incredible athletic ability, Chestnut averaged 6.8 point and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field.
Senior of the Year
Jameson Brewer, North Putnam
See Player of the Year story.
Runner-Up
Nick Gilliam, Greencastle
Entering the season with very little varsity basketball playing time, Gilliam's speed, quickness and aggressiveness set the tone for the young Tiger Cubs.
Gilliam made more free throws (83) than nearly anyone else in the county attempted (only Zach Dorman's 86 attempts was greater).
He attacked the basket relentlessly and saved his best for last, averaging more than 25 points per game in the Tiger Cubs' final two contests.
Gilliam's play in the GHS sectional game was inspired and thrust him into postseason contention.
Junior of the Year
Zach Dorman, Cloverdale
Dorman's play in the final two months of the season, along with the addition of senior Brody Pfaff, changed everything the Clovers did on both ends of the court.
He led the county in points (17.5) and rebounds (10.0) per game, nearly leading in total points despite missing the first eight contests. He shot a county-best 63 percent from the field.
Dorman used his height (he's 6'6") to his advantage, but he is also an explosive athlete.
He averaged 3.3 offensive rebounds per game, cleaning up for himself and his teammates. Dorman is the favorite to win next season's Player of the Year award.
Runner-Up
Trey Moore, South Putnam
Most 6'3" high school players are confined to post positions, but Moore is an exception. A smooth ball-handler and fluid athlete, Moore is most comfortable and successful on the perimeters.
Taking turns as both a scorer and facilitator (and both a guard and a forward), Moore tied for the team-lead with 13.4 points per game and tacked-on 44 assists and 23 steals.
Most impressive, though, Moore played with maturity and an awareness of his strengths and weaknesses.
Despite spending most of his time on perimeter, he attempted just one three-pointer (it was late in the clock) and shot an incredible 57.1 percent from the floor.
Sophomore of the Year
Brantson Scott, Cloverdale
At 6'4", Scott is far more than just a post player. His midrange jump-shooting was among the best in the county and he has a lot of room to grow.
Scott began the year in the pivot, then moved away from the basket when Zach Dorman entered the lineup.
He still finished the season averaging 9.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 53 percent.
Scott also contributed defensively. While he's not an upper-tier athlete, he had 19 steals and played consistent off-the-ball defense.
Runner-Up
Brody Bollman, Greencastle
Another award the Tiger Cubs have numerous eligible players for, Bollman was the team's best from the class of 2015 this year.
Using Greencastle's grading system, Bollman finished as the team's top overall performer, finishing ahead of even Gilliam.
Freshman of the Year
Ryan Coble, Greencastle
The clearest choice of all the awards, Coble was exceptional this season.
While he played limited varsity minutes, Coble made solid contributions every time he was in the game.
He finished the season with more assists (20) than turnovers (17), a sign that he was taking care of the ball and making smart decisions.
Coble also made 71.4 percent of this free throws and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Runner-Up
Trevor Long, South Putnam
Long's statistics -- 1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds per game -- aren't eye-popping, but his value can't be measured by numbers.
He played in every game and gave the Eagles valuable minutes when Chestnut and Bumgardner were on the bench, attempted intelligent shots and took care of the ball.
Long will be counted on more next year because the two starting bigs are both seniors.