Toledo Summer League: Wednesday’s Notebook
There was a different energy in the gym last night at Toledo Woodward. In a June summer league, the stakes for winning couldn’t be too much lower. Yet, when it comes time for tournament play, which began yesterday, teams want to win.
After eight competitive games on Wednesday, the semifinal round is set with Detroit Wayne Memorial-versus-Toledo Rogers and Findlay-versus-Toledo Waite starting tonight at 6:30. Games will again be played at Toledo Woodward.
Prep Hoops Ohio will be there again tonight to document the action. Come back to the site tomorrow for First Team All Tournament and Stock-riser articles. For now, let’s get you caught up on the takeaways from the first and second rounds.
Early Exits
Toledo Scott, Fremont Ross, Toledo Springfield, and Toledo Bowsher, were all eliminated in the first round yesterday. Despite the early exits, two point guards came to play last night: Jabyris Heidelburg (Fremont Ross) and Ajai Washington (Bowsher).
Heidelburg (2019), despite standing about 5’6”-5’7”, proved that he can direct this Ross offense going into next season. He consistently beat Northview defenders off the dribble, making for opportunities to dish it or take a layup. Heidelburg usually passes once he gets into the lane, as he routinely sneaks in bounce passes to open teammates, but he was aggressive as a scorer late against Northview. It’ll be crucial for the undersized prospect to develop a couple mid-range scoring options, as he struggled to finish on contested layups.
The difference between Bowsher’s team last season and the team we watched at the summer league is stark. The Rebels have graduated four college basketball players, including incoming Miami (OH) freshman Dalonte Brown. All that means is more responsibility for Washington (2018), who will have to create most of their points. He’s going to do so by making the correct passes within their offense and on the break. Washington showed the ability to do so (again) last night. However, the 6’1”-6’2” point guard does need to work on keeping his composure during tough moments on the court.
The Extra Pass
It’s no mistake that Detroit Wayne Memorial (MI) is undefeated in this league. It would be one thing if they were simply more athletic and skilled than everyone else (which they are). But it’s a whole different level of dominance when you consider that they’re the most unselfish group in the league, an identity that begins with Division I point guard prospect Rashad Williams (2018). Williams pushes the secondary break with full-court dimes, which is clearly keeping everyone happy and involved in the game. In turn, kids are also hitting the open shooter in the half-court and swinging it from side-to-side whenever it’s available.
Findlay, Sylvania Northview, and Anthony Wayne, all passed the ball well yesterday also. One could argue that it’s a huge reason they all advanced to the second round, as a couple open looks and team chemistry can be the difference in a close game.
2017-2018 Toledo City League Favorites
Barring late-summer/early-fall transfers, the Toledo City League Championship will likely feature Waite and Rogers. We’re not trying to discount the impressive flashes that Woodward and Start have shown these past couple weeks, but Waite and Rogers showed proven to be City League favorites going into next year. Rogers has more length and depth than the rest of the conference; Waite’s tandem of Carl Banks (2018) and Keyshawn Leach (2018) creates a dynamic that appears impossible to stop for their counterparts when both are rolling. It’s really that simple.
Waite and Rogers come into tonight with a chance to meet in the summer league championship game. It marks the first time in the coming season that these two will compete for a chance at a crown. While Wayne Memorial is the heavy favorite tonight, expect Rogers to fight, in defense of Toledo. Both groups will play with confidence, let’s just hope the players have legs tonight to create another night of competitive battles.