GCL South Preview: POY Candidates, Breakouts, and Standings

<p>Let's just be honest. The question is not, "Will Moeller win the GCL South?" What everyone actually wonders is, "Will Moeller win their third-straight Division I State Championship?"</p> <p>The Moeller basketball program, while <em>not </em>invincible, is operating on a different wavelength than every other school in Ohio outside of St. Vincent-St. Mary. No reason to really illustrate the point any further. We get it. They're dominant.</p> <p>But Moeller's overwhelming presence, it could be argued, casts a shadow over other talented players and teams in the GCL-South. LaSalle, Elder, and St. Xavier all carry intriguing prospects who produce and deserve praise. The GCL-South isn't a one-team conference as much as it is a deep conference with one remarkably dominate team at the peak of their powers.</p> <p>So who are some of those other guys? And, which players allow Moeller's reign to continue? Let's see...</p> <h4><strong>POY Candidates</strong></h4> <h6><b><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-williams-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alex Williams</a> (2021) | 6-4 PF | Moeller<br /> </b></h6> <p>Williams, a super sixth man as a sophomore, is Moeller's leading returning scorer. He's a positionless marvel with point guard skills and a powerful 215-pound frame. One of many guys in the rotation who can defend almost every position. True playmaker off the dribble as Williams shows excellent court sense while collapsing the defense.</p> <h6><b><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/logan-duncomb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logan Duncomb</a> (2021) | 6-9 C | Moeller</b></h6> <p>Duncomb's skill-set and body have noticeably improved since last season. He will again score on those sweeping post moves after sealing a defender, and probably at a greater rate. Duncomb, though, is more comfortable shooting open mid-range jumpers and getting out in transition now. Very impactful rebounder and rim-protector who flashes the ability to stay in front of ball-handlers on a switch.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/max-land/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Max Land</a> (2020) | 6-4 SF | Moeller</strong></h6> <p>Moeller's top returning senior, Land epitomizes the versatility and athleticism that makes this group such a daunting matchup in 2019-20. While remaining patient and calculated in their half-court offense, Land excites with explosive plays around the basket. Terrific rebounder and finisher. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><strong>Additional All-Conference Guarantees (First or Second Team)</strong></h4> <h6><strong>Willard Cluxton (2020) | 5-8 PG | Elder</strong></h6> <p>Cluxton is a lightning-quick lead guard who gets to his spots on the floor and makes shots. Capable shooter on pull-ups after creating separation. Plays low the ground and attacks defenders straight on. Finishes in traffic impressively for his size.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/derek-eddings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Derek Eddings</a> (2020) | 6-2 PG | LaSalle</strong></h6> <p>Eddings is a terrific defender and floor general. While he may not lead the Lancers in scoring, his presence is felt on nearly all offensive and defensive possessions. Makes great decisions with the ball. Takes high-percentage shots in the lane. Uses his size, on defense, to frustrate smaller guards.</p> <h6><strong>Jaylen Lemons (2020) | 5-10 G | LaSalle</strong><br /> <strong>Hank Thomas (2020) | 6-4 PF | St. Xavier</strong></h6> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><strong>Breakout Players</strong></h4> <h6><b><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aidan-noyes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aidan Noyes</a> (2021) | 6-5 SG | Moeller</b></h6> <p>There are not many guys you can point to that have three Division I offers before playing a varsity game, but Noyes is the exception. He's an extremely talented scorer with springy legs and shooting ability. Very good physical tools. Another member of their versatile defensive lineup. </p> <h6><b><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-mccracken/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Will McCracken</a> (2021) | 6-4 SG | Moeller</b></h6> <p>Even considering McCracken's Division I talent, he's their glue guy. Plays with immense hustle and energy. McCracken is a talented perimeter defender who cuts off driving lanes, rebounds, and chases down loose balls. Constantly moves in their offense, often scoring on back-cuts.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kristopher-mcclure/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kristopher McClure</a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | St. Xavier</strong></p> <p>McClure has a long, physical frame suited to play in this conference. His size and wingspan allow him to rebound and contest shots. Good spot shooter who likes to catch, turn, and fire without putting it on the ground. Displays a good scoring touch. </p> <h6><b><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-mahaffey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Evan Mahaffey</a> (2022) | 6-4 SG | Moeller</b></h6> <p>Mahaffey is another energizing figure who can substitute for any player in the starting lineup and sustain their flexibility. While he's a capable slasher who can play-make and score, we expect Mahaffey to have a limited offensive role. Rather, scoring in transition and locking down on defense will be where his presence is felt.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-mahaffey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Harp</a> (2022) | 6-4 SF | Elder</strong></h6> <p>Smart halfcourt player with size and shooting ability. Harp may still be a year away, but he will be heard from throughout his career. Strong, mature physical build. Moves well without the ball and scores it efficiently.</p> <p><strong>Justin Lovette (2021) | 6-2 SG | LaSalle</strong></p> <p>Lovette is a physical guard who impressed at our Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo. He can get to the rim and knife his way through traffic on a straight line. Finishes in traffic. Should provide a scoring boost for LaSalle.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h6><strong>Projected Standings</strong></h6> <h6><strong>1. Moeller<br /> </strong><strong>2. LaSalle<br /> </strong><strong>3. Elder<br /> </strong><strong>4. St. Xavier</strong></h6>