The Unranked: 2021

<p>Although we will wait until after the State Championship games to update our Prospect Rankings,  these players can expect their names to appear on the list for the first time in early April!</p> <h4><strong>Elijahjuan Burke, 5’10” G, Africentric</strong></h4> <p>Burke’s speed continues to be his greatest asset. Whether it is his closing speed in a run-and-jump defense, zooming down the court as a transition ball-handler, or beating opponents to a loose ball, Burke’s ability to move shows itself often. Throughout the season, though, his developing jumper and crafty finishing ability continues to intrigue us. More of an undersized two-guard. Excited to continue tracking his process.</p> <h4><strong>BJ Busbee, 6’2” G, Benedictine</strong></h4> <p>Busbee is a thick guard who impresses in his role as a complimentary scorer off the bench. Quick decision-making and, most importantly, a knock-down jumper allow him to score within the offense efficiently. Busbee shows the capacity to handle the ball and could develop into more of a playmaker, although his role doesn't call for it yet. Solid athlete.</p> <h4><strong>Maurice Collins, 6’4” W, Thomas Worthington</strong></h4> <p>Collins is a hidden gem in TWHS’s 2021 class that includes two of the best sophomore guards in Central Ohio, Isaac Settles and Jalen Sullinger. He’s a lengthy, raw prospect who impacts the game by disrupting passing lanes with his wingspan. Will need to add weight to a very thin frame, which would open up opportunities to show his impressive scoring touch inside. Capable outside shooter. Upside as a versatile defender.</p> <h4><strong>Daniel Nauseef, 6’6” F/C, Chaminade Julienne</strong></h4> <p>Nauseef is an intriguing big with an athletic cut and good length. Averaging 6.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in his second year but has struggled to stay productive against CJ’s more athletic opponents (Moeller, Buchtel, Hartley). As Nauseef fills out, though, we expect his him to begin finishing and rebounding through contact more regularly. His jumper is an unknown at the moment.</p> <h4><strong>Tae Perie, 5’11” PG, Buchtel</strong></h4> <p>Perie possesses vision, ball-handling ability, a useful floater, and confidence. Keeps his dribble alive in tight spaces, which allows him to probe the baseline and find cutters or open teammates. Throws nice bounce passes in the pick-and-roll. Never loses confidence as a shooter and he will become much more of a problem when he shoots it consistently.</p> <h4><strong>Dan Peterson, 6’2” W, Padua</strong></h4> <p>Peterson is the go-to guy when Padua needs to find offense. He is a confident outside shooter, although he needs to add consistency. He loves to use the pump fake to get past the first line of defense. From there, he throws up creative floaters and pull-ups. Excited to see Peterson in a different role this summer, where he can find points within the offense.  </p> <h4><strong>Ricky Radtke, 6’7” F, University School</strong></h4> <p>Radtke is a 6’7” pick-and-pop forward with clear scholarship level upside. His shooting mechanics are promising and Radtke operates the court with some fluidity. Good scoring touch inside, too. Finding a defensive role and developing stronger hands, though, will be important for Radtke. He’s not really a rim protector. Able to defend in space pretty well, so there’s some potential there.</p> <h4><strong>Vernon Smith, 6’7” C, Buchtel</strong></h4> <p>Smith has all the goods to be your prototypical rim protector and energetic big. Plays hard. Athletic high-riser. Plays with an edge and will finish through contact. We saw his upside in flashes at Flyin’ to the Hoop, but the sophomore played spot minutes for Buchtel in that contest.</p> <h4><strong>Brock Unger, 6’5” F, Berne Union</strong></h4> <p>The leading scorer for 10-5 Berne Union, his 16.3 points per game include a 49-point explosion earlier in the season. A versatile forward with physical strength who can carve space inside or step out and shoot the jumper. Runs the floor with a nice stride and plays hard. Creative scorer in the paint. Keep an eye on his development as there could be a lot in store these next few years.  </p>