Ohio Top 250: New Discoveries

<p>In the three years we've held the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo at Pickerington North, never has there been a more balanced field of participants. Ranging from D-I prospects to possible D-III guys, the Expo was ultimately a day of passionate young hoopers looking to prove themselves.</p> <p>Even among the New Discoveries — players I watched for the first time live — there was a mix of potential scholarship prospects and D-III gems.</p> <h6><strong>Tasos Cook (2021) | 6-1 G | Westerville Central</strong></h6> <p>Not able to say for certain after just one viewing, but Cook has potential to become a scholarship guard. Remarkably skilled ball-handler who creates separation and can shoot off motion. Cook was effective around the rim in transition and equally impressive in the mid-range when the game slowed down. He was the one controlling pace, too, by the way. Active defender who boards. Quick and athletic off the floor. </p> <h6><strong>Travis Easterly (2020) | 6-2 G | Chaney</strong></h6> <p>Easterly used his strength and ball-handling ability to score on the attack. Down-hill slasher who can play both guard spots. Easterly wowed the crowd a few times with shifty side-to-side moves. Overpowered small guards.</p> <h6><strong>Tyler Jackson (2021) | 6-3 G | Garfield Heights</strong></h6> <p>It was Jackson's wide frame and broad shoulders that grabbed my attention. He's a big, powerful guard with growth potential. Combine his physical tools with a handle, Jackson can get to the rim effectively and defend multiple positions. </p> <h6><strong>Ryan Magill (2021) | 6-3 SG | Fairfield Union</strong></h6> <p>Magill is a shooter with good size who has become a quicker athlete since we saw him a year and a half ago. Active cutter away from the ball. Shot it confidently off the catch. Flashed ball-handling ability but was cast as more of an off-ball guy Saturday. </p> <h6><strong>London Maiden (2022) | 6-6 C | Benedictine</strong></h6> <p>Maiden is a big-bodied post player with heart and surprising athleticism. He prods a bit but can also flush a dunk jumping off two feet. As he leans out, the lengthy Maiden could become an even more dynamic athlete. Pretty good hands and scoring touch inside. Impressive one-on-one defender in the post. </p> <h6><strong>Kamden O'Connor (2022) | 5-11 G | Lebanon</strong></h6> <p>O'Connor scores the ball. He's a confident lead guard who can shoot it from distance or score with the right hand inside. Used elusive spin moves inside to get his shot up. Pushed pace off the glass and attacked one-on-one. </p> <h6><strong>Nate Paarlberg (2022) | 6-5 SF | Franklin</strong></h6> <p>A 6-foot-5 wing that can move, Paarlberg has the tools to become a touted recruit. Defended the post and stayed in front of guards on the perimeter. He can shoot it from distance. Finished simple buckets inside. </p> <h6><strong>Gavin Schoeneman (2020) | 6-6 SF | East Canton</strong></h6> <p>Schoeneman is a true 6-foot-6 with ball skills and the athletic profile to play on the wing. He moves well and creates after receiving a pass on the wing. Effective after just a few dribbles. Finishes over the top. Capable athlete. </p> <h6><strong>Ross Thompson (2021) | 6-7 C | Cardinal Stritch</strong></h6> <p>Thompson moves pretty fluidly for a 6-foot-7 kid. Capable mid-range shooter with his feet set. Active rebounding and shot-blocking presence around the rim. Saw the floor and made a few impressive passes from the high post. </p>