Top Trios (No. 6-10)

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. 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. 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). 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. 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 six: <h5>No. 10: Thurgood Marshall</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mekhi-elmore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mekhi Elmore</a> (2022), 5-11 point guard: Skilled shot-creator poised for a breakout season as he continues to grow physically. Cleverly flips up runners to avoid shot-blockers and aggressively attacks closeouts. Unselfish but unafraid to shoot if hot. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chanze-amerson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chanze Amerson</a> (2021), 6-1 point guard: Quick and wiry athlete who can get to his spots and drops assists in the lane. Amerson is especially dynamic in the open floor, which is where Thurgood probably wants to be this season. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/anthony-mccomb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anthony McComb</a> (2021), 6-2 guard: McComb possesses a rare amount of versatility for a 6-foot-2 guard, operating on defense and the glass as if he's two inches taller. Long and extremely fast — a combo which unlocks that flexibility and makes him tough to stop on the drive. Another transition weapon.   <h5>No. 9: Cincinnati Woodward</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/paul-mcmillan-iv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paul McMillan IV</a> (2022), 6-1 point guard: No team with McMillan is ever going to be bad. Actually, go ahead and put 10 wins on the board already for Woodward — his presence alone guarantees that. He's a true point guard with poise, facilitating prowess, skill, and scoring ability. Able to takeover in a hurry. Plays hard on defense and has the tools to disrupt the other point guard's dribble. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aaron-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aaron Davis</a> (2021), 6-0 guard: Straight-line slasher who occasionally shows crossover ability at the top of the key. Provides secondary ball-handling. Makes open shots. Competitive spirit. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/davion-mace/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Davion Mace</a> (2020), 6-7 center: Vertical spacer who should finish lobs and drop-downs with dunks or powerful and-ones. Impresses in running the floor and contesting shots as a rim protector.   <h5>No. 8: Alter</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/brady-uhl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brady Uhl</a> (2020), 6-1 guard: Slasher who brings a toughness to the perimeter and plays tremendously hard. Wins the race to a loose ball. Can defend up because of his strength. Active cutter. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jacob-conner/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jacob Conner</a> (2022), 6-6 wing: A lot of Alter's potential rests in how effective Conner can be as a sophomore. Thin and skilled wing who can handle the ball and even spent time as their offensive point guard in June. Good instincts and ball skills. Shoots it well with his feet set. Good passer. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/conor-stolly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Conor Stolly</a> (2020), 6-8 forward: Stolly has major responsibilities. Offensively, he stretches the floor and is their best shooter. Clears the paint for slashers. Defensively, he's anchors the 2-3 zone. Will be relied on to contest layups and finish defensive possessions with a rebound. <hr /> <h5>Small School bonus: Columbus Grove (D-IV)</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/gabe-clement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gabe Clement</a> (2021), 6-2 point guard: Patient point guard who facilitates and makes impressive assists in the lane. Has a size advantage at his position on most nights. Crafty scorer in the paint. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tayt-birnesser/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tayt Birnesser</a> (2021), 6-2 wing: Talented shooter who has added more of an off-the-dribble game. Strong enough to defend taller players. Can get hot from deep in a way that very few shooters can. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/blake-reynolds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Blake Reynolds</a> (2021), 6-2 wing: Complete player who can handle, score, rebound, and make plays for others. Most likely to become the go-to scorer late in games. Versatile defender. <hr /> <h5>No. 7: Shaker Heights</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/danny-young-jr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Danny Young Jr.</a> (2022), 6-0 point guard: Young took a score-minded approach in year one, displaying shooting range and the ability to zoom past defenders off the dribble. He's fast and very talented. Occasionally impresses with a drive-and-kick. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/shammah-scott/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shammah Scott</a> (2020), 6-2 guard: Provides wing scoring. Shot creator off crossovers and hesitation moves. Effective in the mid-range. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dakota-cochran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dakota Cochran</a> (2020), 6-2 guard: A low-usage guy who may lead Shaker in scoring once again — he's just that consistent of a shooter. Also scores through traffic on the drive, showing power and explosiveness in the paint. Very good motor. Defends multiple positions and makes guards uncomfortable with pressure. Provides rebounding.   <h5>No. 6: St. Charles</h5> <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jared-frey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jared Frey</a> (2022), 6-5 guard: A go-to scorer on the perimeter who shoots it with immense range. Can be the primary or secondary ball-handler, depending on the lineup. Feeds the post well and, in general, is a good passer. Will space the floor for their bigs. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/joshua-whiteside/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joshua Whiteside</a> (2022), 6-6 forward: Thick power forward with an expansive skill-set. So expansive that we may not fully understand how much Whiteside can offer considering he shows something new every time and we've only watched him for one year. Very good at scoring and passing from the post and face-up. Defends well in space and actively rebounds it. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/victor-searls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Victor Searls</a> (2020), 6-7 center: Low-post scorer who is very present on the offensive glass. Willing screener who has chops in the pick-and-roll. Controls space.