Grassroots Team Preview: Ohio Elite 16U
The Ohio Elite Basketball Academy has decided to give Jarrin Taul, an Assistant Coach at T-N-G Prep Academy (TN), his own 16u team based in Cincinnati. It’s the first time that this Columbus-area grassroots program will venture away from Central Ohio. They’re in good hands with Taul, who stresses discipline, body language, and courage, all lessons that transcend the hardwood.
“I want to emphasize, simply this, do not back down from anyone. Play every game hard and bring it every night,” Taul said.
“I stress also, have good body language. Because coaches watch body language all the time … I think we’re going to bring it this summer, I really do. I like our team right now. If we gel well together, then I think we can really surprise some people.”
Program Director, Sean Stennett, originally crossed paths with Taul when he played alongside Stennett’s son at Wilmington College. Taul is just two years removed from his college playing days, making it easy for him to relate to the players.
Even so, Taul brings an old-school approach in the sense that he’s all about discipline.
“Every game brings a new opportunity. In life, on and off the court, you got to take advantage of opportunities. This Spring and Summer is huge for our guys. Every single weekend, at every tournament, they have to take advantage of every situation. Be disciplined. If you’re disciplined, you’re more recruitable,” Taul said.
Now, let’s get into the players under his tutelage this coming season. But before we do, it should be noted that they’re still looking for two players. Currently, they have guys from Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Kentucky.
Coach: Jarrin Taul
Roster: Juan Foster, 5’6”, Gahanna Lincoln
Brenden Bobaski, 5’10”, Dublin Scioto
Ryan Marchal, 5’10”, Centerville
Terrell West, 5’11”, Pickerington North
Anthony Bowman, 6’2”, Africentric Early College
Tyler Block, 6’1”, Hamilton Township
Damontay Everett, 6’5”, Purcell Marian
Kameron Moore, 6’4”, Cooper (KY)
Notes: This Ohio Elite 16U team could definitely be classified as “under the radar.” But while most of these players are not seeing recruitment currently, Coach Taul is excited about their potential.
“Ryan Marchal, he goes to Centerville. I’m telling you, he’s tough. He plays hard, he’s smart, makes good decision,” Taul said.
“Anthony Bowman from Columbus Africentric, he’s springy, he’s athletic. He plays defense, because he sits down. He’s a problem,” Taul said.
“He’s little, but his name is Juan Foster. He’s 5’6” but he’s shifty. He’s a little weak right now, but he’s shifty. He can just hoop.”
So while, these kids are being overlooked, this summer serves itself as an opportunity for a few of them to emerge. They’ll be competing amongst tough competition, giving them the players a chance to truly prove themselves.