INDIANAPOLIS — Xavier Booker saw the play developing. Coming off a down screen from a teammate, the 6-foot-11, 210-pound center darted to the right wing and caught the basketball in rhythm for a catch-and-release 3-pointer.
Nothing but net.
It was a simple play, but it showed a glimpse of Booker’s unique skill set. The long range basket came midway through the fourth quarter Saturday on the state’s biggest stage for an Indiana high school player — the IHSAA State Finals.
Several high-major college coaches, including Indiana’s Kenya Hunter, Purdue’s Matt Painter and Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, were at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to see Booker, who helped Indianapolis Cathedral run away with the Class 4A state title in dominating fashion.