Top 11 Northeast Ohio Facilitators

<p>Facilitators shouldn't be thought of, simply, as players who prefer to pass. Rather, it's about delivering the ball to teammates in places where they can be successful.</p> <p>The best distributors directly create high-percentage shots for others.</p> <p>Therefore, a facilitator is often someone with the ball-handling ability or sheer quickness to breakdown the defense. Once a facilitator gets past the first line of defense and draws a second defender — or forces multiple players to collapse — he instinctively knows where to go with the ball. </p> <p>So, just keep in mind as we roll through the Top 11 Northeast Ohio Facilitators, we are not simply celebrating unselfish passers. Instead, we're recognizing those who truly facilitate efficient basketball for their team.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/simon-blair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Simon Blair</a> (2020) | 5-10 PG | South Central</strong></h6> <p>Savvy point guard who creates plays late into his drives. Strong enough body and secure enough handle to deal with pressure in the lane and still kick-out from traffic. Few in the state are more consistent in creating inside-out 3-point attempts, one of the most efficient versions of a spot-up triple. Malone commit.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-chicone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Luke Chicone</a> (2021) | 5-9 PG | Mentor</strong></h6> <p>Lightning-quick ball-handler who jumps in and out of cuts to get to his spots on the floor. He uses his shot-fake from distance to get past the first line of defense, often drawing a second defender. Deceptive player with his eyes and other crafty tricks to bait shot-blockers before dropping a bounce pass under their reach. Heady. Youngstown State commit.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/garvin-clarke/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Garvin Clarke</a> (2020) | 6-0 PG | Cleveland Heights</strong></h6> <p>A pick-and-roll savant. Clarke also zings the ball around in the open floor and in halfcourt sets. Knows how to keep everyone involved. Extremely smart kid who quickly learns personnel and knows when to get them the ball. Whether it's a bounce pass or cross-court skip, he throws it with zip and accuracy. The Akron commit also facilitates open looks by drawing attention for his scoring.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaden-hameed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jaden Hameed</a> (2021) | 5-11 PG | VASJ</strong></h6> <p>Hameed can torch defenses with his outside shooting and strong finishes. His ability to drive-and-kick and generally keep everyone involved, though, is a huge asset. Compact build that allows him to go inside. Manages the game and plays with a sense of confidence. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-howes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Luke Howes</a> (2020) | 6-0 PG | Fairview</strong></h6> <p>Creative passer who sees angles and knows how to open up shots for others by probing in the lane. The Walsh commit sneaks bounce pass drop-downs through tight windows when he attacks. Has a true feel for the game and ranks as one of the most skilled passers in Ohio. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/grant-huffman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Grant Huffman</a> (2020) | 6-4 G | St. Edward</strong></h6> <p>Expert decision-maker who understands spacing and how to be efficient as a scorer. Plays both guard spots. Huffman, a Davidson commit, can take-over as a scorer or initiate offense as a point guard. Uses his size to see the floor. Demands a second defender on drives because of his skill as a finisher and ball-handler.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/isaiah-ingol/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Isaiah Ingol</a> (2020) | 6-1 PG | St. Vincent-St. Mary</strong></h6> <p>Ingol is an athletic kid who can score on the attack and hit an open outside shot. He, however, is equipped with the understanding that there are some super talented scorers surrounding him at St. Vincent-St. Mary. Therefore Ingol is the type of teamnmate who prioritizes the best shot over his own shot. Adamentally unselfish. Looks for others on the drive and has a good feel of when someone is open. Glue guy.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josh-irwin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Josh Irwin</a> (2021) | 6-6 PF | West Geauga</strong></h6> <p>Irwin elevates those around him through communication, screening, and passing out of the pinch post. Very good court sense when he faces up in the triple threat. Throws the bounce pass well on back-door cuts. His talk on defense keeps teammates motivated and on the same page. Sets wide, tough screens to free up space for the ball-handler. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tevin-jackson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tevin Jackson</a> (2020) | 5-8 PG | Cleveland Central Catholic</strong></h6> <p>Jackson's strength is directing traffic and getting the ball to where it needs to be. Points out actions while protecting the ball against pressure. Knows how to sneak passes into tight windows and can throw zingers or touch passes equally well. Sees the whole floor, even in traffic despite his 5-foot-8 height.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/connor-otoole/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Connor O'Toole</a> (2020) | 6-2 G | Gilmour Academy</strong></h6> <p>O'Toole's jumper is so potent that it opens up opportunities for others. He has what they call "gravity," meaning defenders cling tightly in order to stop his jumper. If O'Toole does separate from his man — in transition, for example — another guy is flying his direction with a hand up. When open, O'Toole shoots and makes it. But he also delivers unexpected passes when the defense over-helps, sometimes resulting in wide-open chances. Usually doesn't dribble much but O'Toole has upside to become a primary ball-handler because of the offensive pressure he applies. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/quentin-richardson-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quentin Richardson</a> (2020) | 5-11 PG | Holy Name</strong></h6> <p>Richardson's speed and vision is a dangerous combination in the open floor. He pushes pace with quick advance passes and with his own speedy dribble. Gets the ball to teammates in space. In the halfcourt, he often collapses the defense with his blow-by speed. Makes impressive late passes — occasionally while in the air — and is particularly strong at hitting spot-up shooters in the corner while driving baseline.</p> <hr /> <h6><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">Honorable Mention:</span> Faris Dahman, Chris Livingston, Corey Tripp, Marlon Landingham, Arthur Fayne, Danny Young Jr., Sonny Johnson Jr., Tae Perie, Omar Abuhamdeh</em></h6>