Top Trios (No. 1-5)

<p>Nobody really thinks about their team as a trio besides media and, occasionally, fans. There are 10-12 other valued members of the team and that’s important to remember. </p> <p>When it comes to scoring and defending the other team’s guys who score, though, we do believe these trios are identifiable for the coming season. It just happens that way sometimes. </p> <p>For example, in the past three seasons, two Top Trios led State Championship teams: 2018 St. Vincent-St. Mary (Scott Walter, Lunden McDay, and Seth Wilson) and 2017 Massillon Jackson (Kyle Young, Logan Hill, Jaret Pallotta). </p> <p>Those two champions had several quality guys surrounding them — players who starred in their role like Ethan Stanislawski (Jackson) and Chris Painter (STVM). Others like the current no. 1 prospect in 2021, <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/malaki-branham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Malaki Branham</a>, came off the bench but were on the cusp of stardom in the recruiting world. On those teams, however, none were a top three guy. Further, they could afford to have an off-night and their team may still win.</p> <p>If a team is going to enter the picture of recent champions led by a Top Trio in 2019-20, it could be one of these five: </p> <h5><strong>No. 5: Chillicothe</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tre-beard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tre Beard</a> (2020), 5-11 point guard</strong>: An unselfish team guy who can control tempo. Beard stretches the floor as a shooter but will likely get the ball to Maughmer and Noel as a primary option. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jayvon-maughmer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jayvon Maughmer</a> (2020), 6-5 shooting guard</strong>: Smooth, skilled shot-creator who actively sets up others while being a 20-plus-point a game guy. Finds his shots within the flow of the game. Consistent shooter and finisher in traffic. Rebounds. Versatile defender.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brandon-noel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brandon Noel</a> (2020), 6-8 center</strong>: Nimble and skilled big who makes forwards uncomfortable by forcing them to defend in space, not to mention his size. Noel's ball screens free up their small guards. Rebounds. Runs the floor.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 4: Lakota East</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nate Johnson</a> (2021), 6-2 point guard</strong>: Johnson is a trusted point guard who will pace this team and occasionally exploit mismatches with his overwhelming athleticism. Very patient. He can also defend at least three positions and rebound in traffic. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaden-fuhrmann/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaden Fuhrmann</a> (2020), 6-4 guard</strong>: Catch-and-shoot weapon with a confident trigger. Capable of putting it on the floor to finish at the basket.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-mangold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alex Mangold</a> (2020), 6-8 forward</strong>: Coming back from injury but Mangold should be ready to go come December. He's a skilled and powerful athlete who can score from inside or out. Rebounding will be an important piece of his role. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 3: Cleveland Heights</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/garvin-clarke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Garvin Clarke</a> (2020), 6-0 point guard</strong>: Heady floor general with the ball on a string and tremendous passing skills. Clarke orchestrates offense and disrupts the other team's flow with his ball pressure. Shoots it well with his feet set. He will ensure a quality look for them on most possessions.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/manny-hill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Manny Hill</a> (2020), 5-10 point guard</strong>: Another dynamic ball-handler who can get to the rim and create. Hill may be able to focus mostly on scoring with Clarke running the offense. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ej-farmer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EJ Farmer</a> (2021), 6-4 shooting guard</strong>: Volume scorer with an ability to go for 30 points on any given night. Quick twitch athlete who separates from defenders for 3-pointers at will. Flashed more consistent at the rim scoring in June.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 2: Thomas Worthington</strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-sullinger/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jalen Sullinger</a> (2021), 5-9 point guard</strong>: Dynamic primary ball-handler with takeover scoring ability. Can create his own shot on any given possession. Very crafty off the dribble 15-feet and in. His pick-and-roll ability will likely be tested with Hughey in the fold; if they can develop rhythm with that action, Thomas Worthington may win the region. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/isaac-settles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Isaac Settles</a> (2021), 6-5 guard</strong>: Powerful and fast athlete who pressures small guards and can defend multiple positions. Confident outside shooter with blow-by ability as a driver. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrese-hughey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyrese Hughey</a> (2021), 6-6 forward</strong>: Hughey excels in a ton of areas and while bigs don't usually dominate high school ball, he has all of the tools to be unstoppable. High-motor competitor with eye-popping athleticism and power. Hughey can dunk on you or bring you outside and blow past. Scores with skill in the mid-post. Active shot-blocker and rebounder, yet can defend in space. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5><strong>No. 1: Walnut Ridge </strong></h5> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/qian-magwood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qian Magwood</a> (2020), 6-1 point guard</strong>: The heart and soul of Walnut Ridge. Confident and aggressive primary ball-handler who uses athleticism and power to get inside. </p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/voncameron-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VonCameron Davis</a> (2020), 6-5 wing</strong>: Averaged 27.1 points per game last season. Davis is a Mr. Basketball candidate and dominate scorer. Combines power with skill to get whatever look he's comfortable with. An improved outside jumper may even push him over the 30 PPG threshold. Defends multiple spots and rebounds. Excellent in transition.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaveon-ross/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaveon Ross</a> (2020), 6-5 forward</strong>: Brings an edge and post presence to the game. Thrives in the dunker spot as a recipient of Magwood drop-downs and second chance opportunities. Very strong kid. Flashes spot-up shooting. Controls the glass. </p>