The Challenge: Top Underclassmen Performers
On Saturday, we hung out with a notebook at Pickerington North for five games of high-level Columbus basketball. To recap, we’ve put together a two-part series looking at the top performances from The Challenge.
Chance Groce (2021), 6’4” G, Linden-McKinley
Groce is not a point guard at this time, yet he was forced to try and carry the ball-handling responsibilities for Linden on Saturday. What Groce definitely is right now is a talented shot-creator in the mid-range. Groce uses crafty fall-aways and other pull-ups in the middle of the lane to rise above defenders for shots. When he becomes strong enough to deal with ball pressure and absorb contact so that he finishes going towards the basket, expect 20-plus points every night in the City League. Groce also shoots the 3-ball well.
Jack Sawyer (2021), 6’4” F, Pickerington North
In the preseason, we wrote a lot about Pickerington North’s chances as a Division I State Champion. But, we didn’t account for Sawyer enough. His rebounding ability and brute strength in the paint is an integral part of Pick North’s upside as a contender. He finished with just seven points Saturday night but kept their frontcourt fresh with legs and wore out the Beechcroft front line. We expect Sawyer to be one of the most dominate post players in Columbus as an upperclassman.
Matt Allocco (2020), 6’3” PG, Hilliard Bradley
Without his backcourt mate Braden Norris, Allocco displayed mature leadership. He’s a quick defensive player with twitchy instincts who made it rough for N’Keeley Elmore. On offense he ran around screens and was aggressive shooting the ball from deep. There were also times when he was the one setting screens in order to free himself up. He has a great feel. Also, he’s apparently been working on the post-up with his added inch of height, scoring an impressive bucket on a step-through move.
AJ Mirgon (2021), 5’11” G, Hilliard Bradley
Mirgon showed mature poise and ball security against the Northland ball pressure. He will be a nice pairing alongside Allocco when Norris graduates after this season.