Top Duos (No. 6-10)

<p>Teams with a 1-2 punch have proven to be immensely successful at the highest level of Ohio high school basketball in the last three seasons, with five of the last 12 state champions being led by duos: </p> <ul> <li>2019 Convoy Crestview: Javin and Kalen Etzler</li> <li>2018 Marion Local: Nathan Bruns and Tyler Mescher</li> <li>2017 St. Vincent-St. Mary: Jayvon Graves and Jonathan Williams</li> <li>2017 VASJ: Alonzo Gaffney and Jerry Higgins</li> <li>2017 Lutheran East: Jordan Burge and Maurico Tate</li> </ul> <p>State champion duos, however, are surrounded by star role players. Crestview probably doesn't win without Wade Sheets and Drew Kline. Maybe VASJ stumbles in 2017 without a unbelievable weekend from William Butler off the bench. </p> <p>Not all of the 2020 duos are surrounded by that elite supporting cast. Some have the pieces, though, and don't be surprised if they're in contention come late March. </p> <h5><strong>No. 10: Medina</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/corey-tripp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Corey Tripp</a> (2021), 6-1 guard</strong>: Dynamic, instinctual lead guard with at-will scoring ability. Tripp converts tough baskets off the dribble. Excellent perimeter defender. Thrives at a fast or slow pace. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kyle-szumski/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kyle Szumski</a> (2020), 6-2 guard</strong>: Szumski is an elite outside shooter who will make his man pay if he helps off. Shoots with range. He can also attack closeouts and finish in traffic. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 9: St. Ignatius</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chase-toppin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chase Toppin</a> (2020), 6-1 guard</strong>: Fast slasher with a high IQ. Toppin has eye-popping finishing ability from low angles. Controls pace. His lateral quickness and strong chest allows him to defend at a high level. Guard with a lot of experience, which is paramount at the high school level. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/henry-raynor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Henry Raynor</a> (2020), 6-6 forward</strong>: Versatile scorer due for a breakout season. Forces bigs to defend in space and has impressive ball skills from the elbow and perimeter. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 8: Trotwood</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sammy-anderson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sammy Anderson</a> (2020), 6-2 guard</strong>: Athletic guard with a ton of big game experience and underrated floor general qualities. Anderson paces the Rams and knows when to look for his own shot. Outstanding defender. Rebounds in traffic. Scores on drives. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carl-blanton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Carl Blanton</a> (2020), 6-2 guard</strong>: In all likelihood, Blanton will be the go-to scorer. He could lead all of Dayton in points per game because of their pace and his shot-making prowess. Shoots well off the catch and scores efficiently when he drives. Lean athlete who can defend up and board. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 7: Grandview Heights </strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brian-collier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brian Collier</a> (2020), 6-0 guard</strong>: Collier's outside shooting ability puts pressure on the defense when he brings the ball up. Shoots with range and can do so off the dribble. Confident scoring lead guard. </p> <p><strong>Luke Lachey (2020), 6-6 forward</strong>: Lachey does a little bit of everything. First of all, he's a future tight end at Iowa (Quick sidebar: The Hawkeyes just had two tight ends drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft — T.J. Hockensen and Noah Fant. George Kittle and Dallas Clark also came out of Iowa.) who stands 6-foot-7, 220 pounds. His athleticism is menacing around the basket on both ends of the floor. Skilled face-up scorer. A true candidate for Division IV Player of the Year who should dominate postseason games. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 6: London</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-woodyard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trey Woodyard</a> (2021), 6-5 wing</strong>: A go-to scorer with shooting range and the combination of skill and size to dominate mismatches inside. Rebounds well. Creates offense. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jainaz-cameron/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jainaz Cameron</a> (2021), 6-5 forward</strong>: Athletic and strong inside presence. Blocks shots and actively rebounds. Great motor. Will score on mismatches and has upside as a shot-maker that he could potentially tap into as a junior. </p>