All Ohio Nike Cup Recap: Northeast Ohio Prospects
There’s a few glaring takeaways from our weekend at the All Ohio Nike Cup.
First of all, Ohio is talented, but these grassroots teams still need time to gel. Naturally, with this being the first or second weekend that these talented groups have played together, this wasn’t any team’s best weekend.
Second, there’s a lot of All Ohio teams.
Third, each section of the state (Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest, and Southeast) brings a lot to the table. Therefore, we will break-up our Nike Cup recaps accordingly. For Southeast, we didn’t see enough players to compile a list. We expect that most of those players were involved in other tournaments across the Midwest.
Fourth and finally, on Sunday we watched exclusively 2020 players. Going into the weekend, it was the class we were most unfamiliar with. Probably still is, considering some of these players didn’t compete at the varsity level last season. There’s a lot still yet to be seen. But from what we gathered on Saturday and Sunday, this class has a ton of upside.
With that being said, these recaps will be heavy on 2020 prospects. In turn, there will be some oversights of upperclassmen who had good weekends.
Now, let’s explore some of those players who competed this weekend.
Garvin Clarke (2020), 6’0 PG, Rebels/Euclid
We had heard from a few respected people in the community that they were of the opinion that Clarke is the best freshman prospect in Ohio. Turns out, he’s really freaking good.
Clarke is physically superior to his counterparts at the point guard position. He appears to have elite leg strength. In general, Clarke uses his strength to explode to the basket for lay-ups. Once in the air, he controls his body and can finish with either hand equally well. Shooting wise, he’s more of a mid-range player, but the mechanics are fine. On defense, especially in an epic matchup with All Ohio Red, he separated himself. His lateral movement is not to be trifled with, as opposing Division I prospects usually just passed it off to someone else instead of attacking Clarke off the dribble. He has quick hands and forced turnovers by steal and by five-second calls. Watch out for Garvin Clarke, folks.
Devin Hightower (2020), 5’11 G, Rebels/Lakewood St. Edward
Hightower is one of many tough players for this high-pressure Rebels team. He brings energy by pumping up his teammates between plays, and is their motor in a lot of ways. Hightower is also very skilled. He clears space on his way to the basket with some broad shoulders. Even when the defense resisted, Hightower was able to convert from nearly impossible angles. He’s also a knock-down shooter when left open from beyond the arch. Big-time stock riser.
Anthony Maxie (2020), 6’4 F, Rebels/Cleveland Benedictine
Maxie is on his way to being a very effective face-up/stretch four. He’s a willing on-ball screener who can already roll or fade off of that action. Maxie surprised us with some dribble moves from the perimeter. He’s already a strong force on defense, as he goes straight up to block shots. Above average rebounder.
David Gulley (2018), 5’8 G, All Ohio Red (Johnson)/Solon
Although Gulley is clearly a short prospect, he’s shooting the ball from all over the gym. He’s best utilized off the ball, alongside someone who can create for the offense. Regardless, he can make up for a deficit quickly, as he seamlessly gets the ball into the basket from way deep. Communicates well on offense.
Devontae Blanton (2020), 6’5 W, All Ohio Red/Lakewood St. Edward
Talk about upside. Blanton was a mismatch for every team this weekend, given his size and skillset. The versatile wing player had a nice rapport with John Hugley in the high-low post action, as both shared the ball nicely. Blanton cut off the ball and found easy buckets. He can also take guys off the dribble and scoot around them with the crossover or spin move. Division I size.
John Hugley (2020), 6’9 C, All Ohio Red/Cleveland Brush
Hugley has improved tenfold from last summer. He’s a ginormous force around the basket, and makes the defense pay when he gets close to the rim. His off-ball positioning is crucial, as he’s best when he’s either at point-blank range or from the elbow. From the high-post, Hugley looks to find cutters or spot-up shooters on the opposite side. He also is a threat to shoot it from there, as he has nice touch. Hugley also surprised us with his jumping ability, as he just barely missed out on some put back dunks. Hugley is also an extraordinary communicator on both ends.
Conner Maciag (2020), 6’2 G, All Ohio Red/Massillon Jackson
Maciag is one of these players who is going to win every tie-up. He’s just mentally wired to fight for every inch on the court. Besides his tenacious presence, Maciag was also effective in full-court pressure. He finishes around the rim well and is full of energy.
Maciag could’ve been included in the Central Ohio recap, as he is transferring to Pickerington Central this coming summer.