Next to Blow C/O 2019
The class of 2019 is proving to be a very deep class in the state of Ohio, full talent at every position on the court. And this is what makes this edition of our Next to Blow series so special. None of the talented young men on this list are currently ranked in the Prep Hoops rankings for the class of 2019. But these gentlemen have the skills to make that change, and do not be surprised if that does happen.
Ibrahima Athie- 6’5 G-W/ Deer Park High School
A young man that was featured in our Best of the Best Rebounders article, Athie is a player that can do a lot more than rebound. Standing 6’5 with good bounce, Ibrahima has the ability to push the ball in transition and is a very good finisher at the rim. With his length and athleticism, the Wildcat junior has the tools to be a terror on both ends of the floor, he just needs to show those tools on a consistent basis.
Javonta Lyons- 6’1 W-F/ Purcell Marian High School
Javonta showed last season that he is going to be a match-up nightmare for the next couple of seasons. If you put a bigger defender on him he has the ability to drive the ball and finish at the rim or get to the line. Put a smaller player on him and he uses his linebacker like size to punish the defender on post-ups and drives. For the 2016-17 season Lyons finished 6th in the GCL Co-Ed in scoring at 13.1 points per game.
Dionte McBride- 6’3 G/ Woodward High School
Woodward, like plenty of other programs in the Cincinnati area, was hit hard by graduation after last season. And with two of their top scorers among those moved on, McBride will be looked upon to score more often. And from what I saw from him on the AAU circuit, he looks to be ready for the task. Dionte showed a much tighter and controlled handle while also showing a much smoother form on his jump shot. I look for big things from the Bulldog junior this season.
Greg Phelia III- 6’1 G/ Roger Bacon High School
The Spartan junior was mentioned in the articles following the Prep Hoops Top 250 in Columbus as one of the better guard performers of the camp. Phelia is very good in transition pushing the ball with the dribble and pass while also having the ability to cause havoc for the defense once in the paint. Greg is also a solid finisher with both hands around the rim who can knock down the mid-range jumper as well.
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati.com***