Northeast Ohio’s Top Juniors at the Midseason Mark

<p>While the top names in Northeast Ohio’s junior class are starting to bloom themselves, that next tier of prospects has also become formidable this season.</p> <p><em>All stats courtesy the News Herald or the Morning Journal.</em></p> <h4><strong>Gbolahan Adio, 6’3” G/W, Richmond Heights</strong></h4> <p>At 15.3 points per game, Adio is the leading scorer on the area’s top Division IV team. He’s been doing it with length and skill on the attack. But, Adio’s improved outside jumper has become a real threat when he can catch and shoot. Adio has the athleticism and basketball IQ to play on scholarship at the next level. Shows his smarts when making plays for others in the open floor and averages 4.0 assists. Uses his size against smaller guards on defense and has good instincts — averages 2.6 steals. Could bolster his stock going into spring if Richmond Heights makes a run.</p> <h4><strong>Peyton Bissler, 6’0” G, West Geauga</strong></h4> <p>Bissler has already exploded for games of 40 and 37 points for West Geauga this season. He is a threat to score it from outside and doesn’t need much space to get off his 3-point shot. A pretty good athlete, he can force opponents to sink when he sizes them up with a hesitation dribble. Comfortable pulling up off motion. Bissler leads the team with 19.7 points.</p> <h4><strong>Devontae Blanton, 6’6” W, St. Edward</strong></h4> <p>Other than a three-game skid in mid-December, St. Edward has been one of the state’s most impressive teams. Blanton has impressed against high-level competition with his three-level scoring ability. He’s probably the best shooter in the starting lineup. His mechanics are good and he makes the defense pay on pull-ups when they go under screens. Nice mix of craft and power around the rim, too. Rebounds well, even though he’s transitioned to more of a perimeter player on offense.</p> <h4><strong>Dakota Cochran, 6’2” G, Shaker Heights</strong></h4> <p>Shaker has rattled off five in a row, including wins over Solon, Elyria, Richmond Heights, and Cornerstone Christian. Cochran’s steadiness, physicality, and shooting ability has stabilized a young roster. He’s their only returning starter. Rare mix of being a both a power player and a knock-down catch-and-shoot guy. He can defend multiple positions. Thick, muscular build. Rebounds very well for a guard. He’s all over the court defensively and hustles. Sneaky athletic.</p> <h4><strong>Luka Eller, 6’8” F, Lake Catholic &amp;</strong></h4> <h4><strong>Luke Frazier, 6’3” G, Lake Catholic</strong></h4> <p>This could be the year that one of Ohio’s most prolific inside-outside tandems break-through in the tournament. Either way, both have risen their recruitment stock in the last several months with several Division I offers a piece.</p> <p>Eller is leading the team points (23.1), rebounds (11.2), steals (2.9), and blocks (1.5). The defensive number speak to his mobility and length. He’s an underrated athlete that can put it on the floor, stays active in passing lanes, and can score from all over the floor. Frazier is sitting at 20.1 points and 3.5 assists per game. He has taken off as an athlete himself in the last several months. Showing more explosion at the rim and ability to create separation. One of the better shooters off the dribble in Ohio.</p> <h4><strong>Luke Floriea, 5’10” PG, Mentor</strong></h4> <p>Similar to his role as standout quarterback, Floriea simply makes plays and gets Ws for Mentor, who is off to a 10-0 start. Floriea’s outside shooting ability stretches the defense out. He can hit with serious range. Floriea also uses his quickness to barrel into the lane where he finishes with craft or finds an open teammate. Paces this Mentor team with his playmaking ability. Averaging 18.3 points and 7.2 assists.</p> <h4><strong>Jagger Haynes, 6’6” F, Massillon Perry</strong></h4> <p>Haynes has been a difference maker in 7-4 Perry’s wins over John Glenn, Massillon Jackson, and Canton McKinley. He’s a versatile big man that Division II colleges should be tracking this summer. Skilled passer out of the post who keeps possessions alive on the offensive glass. Haynes is also a capable shooter who can score with patience at the basket.</p> <h4><strong>Luke Howes, 6’0” PG, Fairview</strong></h4> <p>It seems like the secret is finally out about Howes. And how could it not be? He’s averaging 24.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.8 steals. He will be a coveted recruit this summer. Super crafty playmaker with a very strong build that helps him in the post. Creative off the dribble. Uses his eyes to get guys open. Shooting the ball pretty well, but he likes to get to the basket. On defense, Howes is an aggressive defender who takes chances on steals. Uses his strength to make ball-handler uncomfortable at the point of attack.</p> <h4><strong>John Hugley, 6’9” C, Brush</strong></h4> <p>The Brush big man has flipped a switch for a team whose only loss came to Spire. More than ever, Hugley is using his size to establish deep position in the paint and dominate the glass. Shows a soft touch as a finisher at the rim. Underrated passer and vision on post-ups. Playing with more an edge, too, as the Big Ten offers have rolled in from Nebraska and Penn State. Hugley is averaging 16.4 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.</p> <h4><strong>Marlon Landingham, 6’1” G, Rhodes</strong></h4> <p>Landingham is a rock-solid combo guard who plays with a calmness on a fast-pace team. Likes to spot-up for triples when he’s not getting out in transition or attacking the basket. Pretty good ball-handler in tight spaces and he moves north and south. Makes the right pass consistently. Developing into a strong guard and he welcomes contact at the rim. Sleeper prospect for in-state schools.</p> <h4><strong>Connor O’Toole, 6’2” G, Gilmour Academy</strong></h4> <p>Plain and simple, O’Toole has taken advantage of more scoring responsibility by shooting the ball at an elite level. He also has been showcasing his IQ as a passer. O’Toole hits about three 3-pointers a game. Quick release on catch-and-shoot opportunities. High-IQ and very well-coached kid that keeps the ball zipping around if he doesn’t have a shot. Averages 16.9 points and 5.8 assists.</p> <h4><strong>Zach Rasile, 5’10” G, McDonald</strong></h4> <p>When we heard from his coach earlier in the week, he reported that Rasile is averaging 40 points per game. He’s re-writing Ohio’s record books in the 3-point shooting categories and will likely reach 2,000 career points by the end of the season. Facing a ton of defensive attention, Rasile is now taking shots from 30-feet. He has the green light and will hoist jumpers whenever the defense lapses.</p>