Ohio Top 250: Top Juniors
Here are my observations from the juniors who made the most lasting impression at Ohio’s Top 250 Expo: Jahki Henderson | 6-5 PF | River Valley Henderson is a physical force with good feet and mobility. He is very hard…
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Continue ReadingHere are my observations from the juniors who made the most lasting impression at Ohio’s Top 250 Expo:
Jahki Henderson | 6-5 PF | River Valley
Henderson is a physical force with good feet and mobility. He is very hard to keep off the glass when he crashes. Hung out on the perimeter quite a bit but makes more of an impact inside as a rebounder and finisher. Controls space.
Ethan Bell | 5-9 PG | River Valley
Bell displayed ball-handling skill when dealing with ball pressure. He takes care of the ball and makes the right pass when attacking the basket. Pass-first point guard. Bell will widen passing lanes when he establishes himself as a scoring threat.
Jalen Sullinger | 5-9 PG | Thomas Worthington
Sullinger’s ability to size up a defender in a one-on-one situation and read their feet/positioning is phenomenal. He is a bonafide bucket. Using a shifty handle, Sullinger is able to contort the defender any which way. He combines that with great elevation on his pull-up and the ability to step-back from distance.
Frank Waganfeald | 6-8 C | Oregon Clay
Waganfeald worked for high percentage baskets inside by crab dribbling to the basket on put-backs or stepping through on post moves. He possesses go-to and counter moves and is comfortable attacking out of the face-up. Used the backboard well.
Jarius Jones | 6-4 SG | Gahanna
Jones finishes through contact at a very high level. Coming down-hill in transition he hung in the air and touched shots off the glass on the way down. His athleticism and athletic build are very intriguing.
Ben Knostman | 6-3 PG | Tippecanoe
The unselfishness Knostman showed was so unusual and, frankly, fun to watch. He seems to take pride and joy in setting up his teammates for high-percentage looks. Great vision and accuracy on dazzling passes that border on flashy — either way his passes are on the money. Also impressed scoring the ball after picking up his dribble, where he often steps through and drops in a finger roll.
Henry Raynor | 6-6 PF | St. Ignatius
Raynor is bouncier than he was a year ago, finishing on dunks without much of a running start at all. He scores it effortlessly around the rim. Ambidextrous even against the contest. Great use of the glass inside. Creates space for his finishes out of the face-up or post-up. Routinely beats opposing bigs up the floor. Great feet.
Steve Coleman | 6-4 SF | Rogers
Coleman is a playmaker in the paint on both ends of the floor. The explosive leaper takes a physical approach to the game, leading to emphatic rejections and tough finishes. He rebounds well, too. Capable ball-handler and slasher with an athletic build. Flashes elusive footwork in traffic.
Shane Garcia | 6-4 SF | Toledo St. John’s
On a team with an abundance of ball-handlers and scorers, Garcia mainly produced as an offensive rebounder and defender. Showed good timing and hustle on offensive rebounds, where his length shows itself. Stayed in front of quick point guards.
Malik Kennedy | 6-3 SF | Lutheran East
Kennedy has a wide frame and immense physical strength. A new name for us, we’re excited to see his skill-set develop over time. In present day, Kennedy is a versatile defender at the high school level who can board and finish inside. Intriguing physical tools.
Cliron Hornbeak | 6-9 C | Toledo St. Francis
Hornbeak — who is notably young for a high school junior — continues to grow. Now standing at least 6-foot-8, Hornbeak combines a thick strong body with remarkable height. Pretty good hands and he runs well for a kid who is in the process of growing. Flashes soft touch around the basket. Lot of potential.