Top Returning Players CMAC: Part Two
When looking at part two of our list of the top returning players of the Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference, you will see more of a mixture of classes within the list. Included is a sophomore forward from Shroder who could be the breakout performer of the conference.
Dionte McBride 6’3 G/W- Woodward High School (Class of 2019)
This young man should a lot of improvement over the summer and I expect that improvement to continue over the season. McBride is a very good athlete who is at his best attacking the rim and in transition. While not his best attribute Dionte is also capable of knocking down open perimeter shots as well.
Dwayne Rosado 6’0 G- Hughes High School (Class of 2018)
A young man we listed in our Best of the Best: Three Point Shooters article and for good reason. Dwayne shot close to 47% from three-point range and close to 50% overall from the floor. Averaged over 12ppg last season for Big Red and is the perfect backcourt partner to the next young man on the list.
Giovanni Santiago 6’1 PG- Hughes High School (#33 Class of 2018)
What more can I say about this talented point guard that hasn’t been said already. Santiago is good as they get as a passer, can score and competes on the defensive end. Maryland Eastern Shore are among the programs who have offered Gio, who will also be a contender for conference Player of the Year.
Arian “AJ” Smith 6’5 W- Hughes High School (#156 Class of 2018)
In my opinion this young man is the most underrated in the city. Smith is a versatile forward that makes winning plays on both ends of the floor. Over the summer he showed more improvement in his off the dribble game and playing without the basketball, which are aspects of his game that will continue to improve under Coach Bryan Wyant. When you combine those skill sets with his ability to shoot the ball and defend, Smith as good as it gets at the wing position in Cincinnati.
Nekhi Smith 6’4 W/F- Shroder High School (#32 Class of 2020)
After averaging 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as a freshman, Smith will be looked upon to be one of the leaders for the Jaguars. Nekhi has a smooth jumper with range out to the three-point line but can also get to the rim off the bounce. He also is a good rebounder as well, which makes the sophomore a candidate to possibly average a double-double this upcoming season.
Chris’seon Stringer 6’2 G- Taft High School (#54 Class of 2019)
Stringer season was cut short last season due to a leg injury, but all indications are that he is ready to go for this season. As good as they get off the dribble, “Grown Man” as he is known is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams with his combination of athleticism and strength. One of the players that helps give Taft the swag that they are known for playing with.
*** All Statistics courtesy of the CMAC website