Bill Hensley Run n Slam: Central Ohio 2019 Prospects
Yesterday, we told you about the performances in the 2018 class. Today, we’re looking at the underclassmen who stood out at the Bill Hensley Run n Slam in Fort Wayne. Over these four articles, which will be presented to you today and tomorrow, we will go through the classes of 2019 and 2020, segmented by region.
There was so many Central Ohio-based teams at the Run n Slam that we’re splitting the region into two parts. Below, you’ll find players exclusively from the 2019 class. Come back tomorrow morning for the 2020 recap.
Josh Corbin (2019), 6’3” G, All Ohio Red EYBL / Gahanna Lincoln
Corbin is truly special. He’s regarded as one of the best three-point threats in Ohio’s 2019 class, but we’re continually impressed by his finishing ability. Corbin uses his speed to hurt opponents in transition. When defenders are able to actually keep up with his baseline-to-baseline speed, Corbin shows elusiveness by doing a euro-step. Furthermore, on these euro-step finishes, he’s able to finish through contact. Corbin also has a very good motor.
Unless something changes dramatically, Corbin may be top 10 in 2019 after the summer. On a team with extremely talented teammates, the sophomore from Gahanna is separating himself.
Jacob Drees (2019), 6’5” F, OH-NOVA Russell / Hilliard Davidson
Drees filled his role, plain and simple. While Drees did have a few scores coming off finesse post moves, he mostly just fought for boards and kept the ball moving. Again, he’s comfortable with the ball. However, on this team, Drees understands his value as an off-ball screener and as someone who needs to try and lead the team in rebounds. Very impressive.
Dorrian Moultrie (2019), 5’11” PF, OH-NOVA Russell / Columbus Academy
Moultrie is another OH-NOVA Russell kid who appears to value winning games. As the team’s primary point guard, Moultrie took care of the ball and defended with full-tilt effort. Sticking with defense: Moultrie defends pretty well on the ball, but he was phenomenal on the help side. Often, Moultrie shaded over off of incapable shooters and made the other team throw particular passes.
The only issue we had with Moultrie were his hesitant decisions. While he rarely turned it over, which is great, he also took a while to decide where to pass the ball.
Max Martz (2019), 6’6” G, OH-NOVA Russell / Upper Arlington
Martz had the best five-minute stretch we witnessed all weekend, and it happened to come in the final five of a close game during bracket play. Martz is a great rebounder for a perimeter player, as his strength is underrated. He also uses that physicality to bully smaller guys on the 12-foot post up, which often leads to a turn-around jumper. Additionally, Martz was stroking the jumper all game long. He doesn’t need much separation at all to convert from three or from mid-range, as he’s ultra confident and tall enough to shoot over players. Quick release on the one dribble pull-up.
William Mfum (2019), 6’2” PG, Pro Bound / Columbus Northland
Mfum is a slashing point guard who will continually draw a second defender. The question is, will Mfum routinely make the pass when that second guy comes over? If he does, his burst is going to cause serious issues for defenses at this level. Mfum is a Division I level athlete, no doubts. His ceiling will simply come down to court awareness.
Here’s the thing though, Mfum told us on Sunday that he started playing basketball in 8th grade. There’s obviously going to be some shortcomings in awareness at this point. Mfum could be scary good in about five years.
Javohn Garcia (2019), 6’2” G, Pro Bound / Pickerington Central
Garcia continues to show his ability to shoot off the dribble. He’s got that. But what really impressed us in a game against NWO Club on Saturday was his communication. Garcia was talking to his teammates on an individual basis quite a bit. Also, he did a really nice job of positioning himself on the court. For example, he cleared out a passing lane for Mfum to throw the ball to Na’elle Simmons on a post-up that eventually led to a bucket for Simmons. It was a mature and selfless play, which speaks to his basketball IQ.
Na’elle Simmons (2019), 6’7” PF, Pro Bound / Beechcroft
Once Simmons adds some weight to his frame, he might be considered elite. It’s just got to be hard to add muscle, as Simmons is incredibly long. Also, he told us after the game that he’s still getting taller! Anyways, he has huge upside. Simmons is already trying to get to the proper spots on offense, where he can catch and immediately be a threat. However, his lack of strength doesn’t allow him to quite accomplish his goals. Regardless, he understands the game.