Summer Recap: Cincy Lakers 17U
The experience of AAU basketball is one of a kind. No matter how far up the basketball ladder one climbs, the summers are full of fond memories. This rings especially true for Kenny Thompson, Chase Loring, Ryan Batte’, and Jacob McElfresh,…
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Continue ReadingThe experience of AAU basketball is one of a kind. No matter how far up the basketball ladder one climbs, the summers are full of fond memories. This rings especially true for Kenny Thompson, Chase Loring, Ryan Batte’, and Jacob McElfresh, who have been playing on the same grassroots team since sixth grade.
But, it’s all a preparation to something even more challenging: college.
Cincy Lakers director Ricardo Hill understands the purpose. Over the past 15 years, Hill has played his part by building an AAU program around the goal of helping players get to the next level.
“We have over 50 kids in college right now … This group right here is just going to add to that list,” Hill said of the guys who saw their AAU careers come to a close in Fort Wayne last weekend at the GRBA National Championships.
This year’s 17U Cincy Lakers team may not have captured a championship in the final session, but attention from college scouts has been constant. Even guys who don’t play big minutes every game are likely to be college-bound student athletes.
Ryan Batte’ (2017), 6’5” G/W, Oak Hills
Committed to Ashland.
Proud to say that I am continuing my academic and athletic career at Ashland University! 🏀📚#EagleNation pic.twitter.com/HCSSINhisS
— Ryan Batté (@AverageRyRy) July 24, 2016
Ricardo Hill: “They got a steal. He’s a D-I talent. But he will have the chance to play for a highly competitive team at the D-II level.”
Rob Brown (2017), 6’7” F, Toledo Bowsher
Offer from Tiffin.
Ohio recruiting update: Cincy Lakers Rob Brown @robelite0 just got offered a full ride to Tiffin University per @cincylakers @PrepHoopsOH
— Nathan Rubinstein (@Nate_Rubinstein) July 28, 2016
Other interest from Otterbein, Urbana, and Davenport (MI).
The combination of Brown’s size and relentless pursuit of rebounds is exceptional.
Dustin Harder (2017), 6’9” F/C, The Wellington School
Offer from Tiffin.
Cincy Lakers 2017 Dustin Harder @dharder16 from Columbus has been offered by Tiffin University. @MikeDyer @Corey_Albertson @PrepHoopsOH
— Coach Ricardo Hill (@CoachRicardoHil) July 28, 2016
Other interest from Tiffin, Concord (WV), and University of Pikeville (KY).
Offensive-oriented programs will love him for the three point touch he possesses at his size.
Kenny Thompson (2017), 6’2” G, North College Hill
Interest from Otterbein and Fordham (NY).
There’s a possibility that Thompson will transfer over to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia for his senior year.
Chase Loring (2017), 6’2” G, Walnut Hills
Interest from Otterbein, and “small Ohio schools,” according to Hill.
A prospect who can absolutely stroke the jumper, a trait that is becoming increasingly valuable.
Abba Lawal (2019), 7’0” C, Walnut Hills
Interest from Xavier, West Virginia, Purdue, Ohio State, Arizona, Cincinnati, and Iowa.
Xavier’s pursuit has been stronger than the other listed colleges.
The sport of basketball is still rather new to Lawal, but “to see his maturation has been crazy,” Hill said.
Whether or not he stays with the Cincy Lakers program going forward is yet to be seen and will depend on who provides the best situation for him as a developing D-I prospect.
Jacob McElfresh (2017), 6’1” PG, Clark Motessori
Interest from Wheeling Jesuit (WV), Fairmont State (WV), and Concordia (MI).
McElfresh will visit Wheeling Jesuit in September.
The superb athlete is recovering from a sprained ankle, which he recently tweaked again.
Chandler Fointno (2017), 6’0” PG, Dayton Wayne
Interest from Central State, Mt. Vernon Nazarene, and Lake Erie.
Crafty scorer and trustworthy coach’s son. Will likely be given more opportunity at Wayne this season, due to the amount of graduated seniors in the class of 2016.
Isaiah Trice (2017), 6’3” G, Dayton Wayne
Interest from Ashland, Findlay, Mt. Vernon Nazarene, Saginaw Valley (MI), and Northwood (MI).
Trice has also received plenty of attention as a quarterback. Specifically, from Toledo, Bowling Green, and Miami (OH).
If the last name sounds familiar it’s probably because of his two highly successful brothers: D’Mitrik is playing basketball at Wisconsin next season, and Travis lead Michigan State to the Final Four in 2013.