Prep Hoops Ohio Top 250 Expo Preview: Class of 2017
With high school open gyms beginning last week, it’s beginning to feel a lot like basketball season here in Ohio. That feeling will be only be heightened tomorrow! Beginning at 10am, the Prep Hoops Ohio Top 250 Expo tips off…
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Continue ReadingWith high school open gyms beginning last week, it’s beginning to feel a lot like basketball season here in Ohio.
That feeling will be only be heightened tomorrow! Beginning at 10am, the Prep Hoops Ohio Top 250 Expo tips off at Pickerington North High School. It’s the #1 opportunity this fall for Ohio hoopers to showcase their skills in front of Prep Hoops staff and at least 11 college programs.
There will be over 170 players in attendance, representing every corner of the state. Prospects can expect to be put through a comprehensive regiment of skill-work from a premier coaching staff. Following, players will be divided into teams for 5-on-5 action.
The class of 2017 just might steal the show. Seniors without an offer have something to prove, and could come in with an added chip on their shoulder. Let’s begin our preview examining some of those intriguing seniors.
Point Guards
Christian Montague’s junior year was cut short with an ACL tear. Beforehand, he was turning heads by putting up huge numbers. Interested to see his agility and explosiveness after physical therapy. Expect him to come in tomorrow with high energy.
P’hariz Watkins is Montague’s backcourt partner at Chaminade Julienne. Watkins has been receiving D-III looks after playing well in the grassroots season. He can run an offense with a high IQ, but is also effective coming off-ball as a scorer. Sneaky rebounding ability.
Jason Ellis is going to get after it defensively. At 6’1”, he has a sturdy frame to body-up with other point guards — using it to get separation and pressure ball-handlers. Offensively, Ellis is as reliable a point guard you could ask for. Being recruited by Wittenberg, Marietta, Ohio Northern, Heidelberg, Alfred University (NY) and Albion College (MI).
Maurico Tate, a 6’0” lead guard from Cleveland Lutheran East is an athletic playmaker. Expect Tate to score at all three levels of the court and set up his teammates for easy buckets. He’s accustomed to running the show for All Ohio Platinum and Lutheran East.
Shooting Guards
Ryan Batte’ announced a commitment to Ashland in late July. A D-I/D-II prospect can score the ball at will. Don’t be surprised if the 6’5” guard takes over games for stretches tomorrow.
DJ Triplett is an underrated prospect from Toledo Central Catholic. Known mostly for his shooting ability, the 6’2” guard gets hot in a hurry.
DJ Haggins is really a combo guard. High character player who has been working on point guard skills in the summer. At 6’3”, Haggins passion for the game is reflected by his physical drives to the rim.
Small Forwards
Dawsin Tillman is regarded for his versatility. The 6’6” Bellefontaine prospect is effective from every spot on the court — driving or shooting from the outside and drawing a second defender inside. Highly skilled.
Devonte Ross will take a break from the gridiron on Sunday. Ross may be considered more of a stretch four because of his physicality near the rim. Interested to see where his basketball skills are during the fall.
Power Forwards
Dominick Volini bangs in the post for rebounds. Noticeably solid mid-range jump shot for Volini, including a turn-around. Expecting Volini to outwork opponents on the glass.
Isaiah Wheeler Jr. has been expanding his game towards the perimeter. The 6’4” forward could open up some driving lanes if he starts hitting the mid-range with consistency. Strong division III prospect with a leader’s mentality.
Kyle Matoszkia is an interior scorer from Johnstown-Monroe. The 6’6” player can put it in with either hand. Nothing too fancy about Matoszkia’s game, but you can dump it down for him for the high-percentage shot on any given possession.
Centers
Nick Muszynski, the 11th ranked player in Ohio, is a giant. The 6’10” center will force opponents to think twice about driving into the lane, and punish defenders on the other end. St. Charles Prep’s center has offers from Cleveland State, Stony Brook (NY), UNC Asheville, Niagara, and Air Force.
Shawn Parker is the only kid who can matchup with Muszynski from a height perspective. Coming from Bishop Watterson High School, Parker stands 7’0”. He ran with Hidden Gems this summer, and will clog the lane for a college program over the next four seasons. Interested to see his development.