Flyin’ to the Hoop 2019 Notebook

<p>The Prep Hoops mission extends past the Top Performers, which has been the focus of our 2019 Flyin’ to the Hoop coverage to this point. There were 19 other standouts and you probably won’t find recap coverage on their performance anywhere else!</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/kellan-bochenek/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kellan Bochenek</a> (2019), 6’4” G/W, Fairmont</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Still waiting on the day Bochenek reports an offer. An available wing perfectly capable of playing NAIA or Division II basketball. Scores the ball from inside and outside. Maximizes his wingspan on contested finishes by keeping the ball extended. Comes down to block shots on help-side. Bochenek, who has a pretty muscular build, shoots the ball consistently with space.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/mo-njie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mo Njie</a> (2020), 6’9” C, Centerville</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks</em></strong></h4> <p>Njie limited Oregon commit Christopher Walker with his disciplined post defense. While his ability to defend in space hasn’t been fully recognized yet, Njie’s length is disruptive at the basket. Does a great job of not fouling while blocking shots on the ball or on help-side. Good free throw shooting touch. Njie, a high-effort player, does a marvelous job of winning position on post-ups. Defending in space, though, will be one of his greatest challenges going forward.</p> <h4><strong>Matt Pearce (2019), 5’10” G, Centerville</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 10 points, 2 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>The available sharp-shooting recruit did a good job of getting to the elbow for pull-ups. Pearce maximizes the athleticism he has by using his jab series. Pretty good on-ball defender who is quicker than you might expect. Pearce could be a primary ball-handler at the next level — he’s not dynamic with the rock, but he takes care of it. Both of his assists were timely bounce passes to a backdoor cutter.</p> <h4><strong>Jalan Minney (2020), 6’2” F, Springfield</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals</em></strong></h4> <p>Minney is listed at forward because of who he defends. He was Springfield’s most tenacious and physical defender in their loss. Minney is also mobile and able to shoot from a dribble inside the arch. Converted a couple impressive pull-ups. Crafty and unorthodox around the rim. Although he may not be a college recruit at the moment, Minney’s physical presence is crucial on an undersized team with hopes of a second half run.</p> <h4><strong>Chris’seon Stringer (2019), 6’3” W, Taft</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>In situations where Taft wants to run halfcourt offense, Stringer is their top primary ball-handler. He’s a high-IQ player with a ton of varsity experience that can play-make or get his own shot. At the rim he challenges shot-blockers and is able to use his length to still finish. Great hands. Underrated ball-handler who dismembers the first line of defense consistently.</p> <h4><strong>Jonathan King (2019), 6’6” F, Buchtel</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 9 points, 9 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>King’s combination of size and athleticism should make it easy to find a home at a local college next season. King can run the floor while defending forwards, presenting a mismatch. Versatile defender, too, because he can move his feet. King rebounds well. Not terribly skilled but has the physical tools to develop into a layered offensive talent. He can put it on the floor a little bit.</p> <h4><strong>Vernon Smith (2021), 6’7” F, Buchtel</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 4 points, 2 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Smith’s numbers reflect little playing time. This kid is screaming potential. Smith is a tremendous athlete who looks like a prototypical rim protector and athletic post. He is raw but he plays hard. Had a pair of two-handed dunks on drop down passes and met layup attempts above the rim.</p> <h4><strong>Jack Nauseef (2019), 5’11” PG, Chaminade Julienne</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 5 points, 5 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Nauseef provided CJ with a consistent ball-handler and playmaker in halfcourt offense. Good timing on his passes and utilizes the bounce pass especially. Nauseef was also sneaky in passing lanes, at one point providing a spark with a steal and score on an inbounds pass.</p> <h4><strong>Daniel Nauseef (2021), 6’5” F, Chaminade Julienne</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks</em></strong></h4> <p>Nauseef is blessed with a long build that he uses on the glass and to defend. He’s a high-motor kid that works hard to track down rebounds. He struggled to finish through contact and will need to add weight, but young big men often take time to develop. We’ll keep an eye on him, for sure.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/milton-gage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milton Gage</a> (2019), 5’11” G, Chaminade Julienne</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Gage struggled from the floor, but delivered in the clutch. The fast guard tracked down balls in passing lanes and delivered a couple game-winning free throws to steal this game from Buchtel and move to 13-1.</p> <h4><strong>Noah Peeples (2021), 6’4” F, Buchtel</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Peeples has a big body and promising ball skills. Looks to be a perfect fit as a face-up 4 — that’s our first impression, at least. Passes the ball well from the high post and is able to finish with footwork around the basket. Pretty strong kid. Very good scoring touch.</p> <h4><strong>Wade Sheets (2019), 6’3” W, Crestview</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 17 points, 8 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Sheets capitalized on offensive rebounding opportunities by out-hustling others to loose balls and finishing quickly. He boxes out well while being an opportune rebounder. Sheets has a strong frame and is a no-nonsense grab-and-go scorer. Crestview is going to win, probably, every game in which they get this sort of production out of Sheets.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/sonny-johnson-jr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonny Johnson Jr.</a> (2022), 5’10” PG, Garfield Heights</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 14 points, 3 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Not Johnson’s best shooting night, but the freshman showed resilience and confidence with a pair of clutch 3-pointers. The young guard is a lightning bolt in transition and when he attacks from the wing. Tries to thread the needle to posts when he drives baseline and will need to cut down on turnovers in the lane. Began utilizing his speed in their full-court trap late. Johnson may have benefitted in a faster pace game.</p> <h4><strong>Tavian Tatum (2022), 6’4” F, Garfield Heights</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 5 points, 5 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Tatum caught our eye in spot minutes and he looks prepared to jump into that starting lineup as a sophomore. Fits nicely alongside high-usage scorers because of his energy and quick decisions. Scored on put-backs and showed good bounce on rebound attempts. Energetic and athletic forward.</p> <h4><strong>Ronnie Hampton (2019), 5’11” G, Wayne</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Hampton’s handle and ability to get to the rim fascinates viewers. Keeps a low dribble and has a counter for everything the defense throws at him. Gets to the rim with strength and is poised when he faces contact. Makes good passes with defenders draped on him. Struggled to ice the game late along with the rest of his teammates.</p> <h4><strong>Mekhi Elmore (2022), 5’11” PG, Thurgood Marshall</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists</em></strong></h4> <p>Elmore is an intriguing young point guard with a lot of growth potential and some offensive ability. Scored the ball well around the rim, despite being left-hand dominant on finishes. Good ball creation in the paint. Capable shooter. Elmore is raw. Needs a little work as a defender.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/nigel-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nigel Martin</a> (2019), 6’4” W, Cleveland Heights</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 20 points, 9 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Martin wasn’t as efficient as we’ve come to expect this season. He did, however, play hard and score a bunch in the paint. Followed his shot well. Martin decelerates well on straight-line drives after carving space — an asset because he’s not necessarily blowing by defenders.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/grant-whisman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Grant Whisman</a> (2020), 6’6” F, Middletown Madison</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 20 points, 3 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Whisman is a talented scorer from the wing as a power forward. Beats defenders consistently with his pump fake from the outside. Catch-and-shoot weapon who sought his jumper aggressively. Shoots it with rhythm and a high release.  Whisman has some craft when he picks up his dribble in the mid-range, yet he struggled to create space otherwise.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/conner-maciag/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Conner Maciag</a> (2020), 6’2” G, Pickerington Central</strong></h4> <h4><strong><em>stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds</em></strong></h4> <p>Maciag hit a couple confident jumpers in the first half when he had space. He otherwise impressed with his ball denial on the wing. Maciag also deceived centerfield defenders with no-look passes. Provides secondary ball-handling and looks mostly prepared to take on a major role for a Division I State Championship contender.  </p>