GMC Preview: POY Candidates, Breakouts, and Standings

<p>The Greater Miami Conference is a league with one of the deepest pools of talent in Ohio yet again, making it a challenge to whittle down our All-Conference selections to just ten. However, we suppose the difficulty is appropriate given that nothing is going to come easy in the GMC this season.</p> <h4><strong>POY Candidates</strong></h4> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/deairius-randle-barker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DeAirius Randle-Barker</a> (2020) | 6-0 PG | Princeton</strong></h6> <p>Randle-Barker is the lead guard in a loaded backcourt. At June team camps, for example, Princeton even deployed five-guard lineups. Yet, Randle-Barker was the trusted ball-handler among the group. Although his scoring total may take a hit if he takes on a distributing role, Randle-Barker will prove to be the most valuable Viking if you watch the games instead of box scores. We still expect him to score double-figures most nights because of his spot-up shooting and athleticism at the rim. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-mangold/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alex Mangold</a> (2020) | 6-8 PF | Lakota East</strong></h6> <p>If Mangold is healthy enough to play — which is the indication we've received from him — then there aren't many clear matchups suited to contain Mangold across the GMC. He will have a strength advantage most nights. He scores with touch and can step away for a jumper. Alongside his athletic guards, Mangold and the Hawks should control the glass. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trey-robinson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Trey Robinson</a> (2020) | 6-7 SF | Hamilton</strong></h6> <p>The Northern Kentucky commit will be the focal point of the Hamilton offensive attack with their top two scorers from last season off to college. Robinson is a skilled, versatile wing who can create a shot from anywhere on the floor. Dealing with immense defensive attention while also providing a rebounding presence could be a challenge, but the state's no. 9 senior should prove capable. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nate Johnson</a> (2021) | 6-2 PG | Lakota East</strong></h6> <p>Johnson averaged 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season, making him a long-shot bet for Player of the Year on paper. Yet, he's an elite prospect with a realistic chance to make a major production leap in year three. He has a grasp of Lakota East's methodical style and flashed the willingness to pick his spots to attack in the summer. If Johnson dives to the rim and pulls-up more frequently in 2019-20, he could become a double-digit scorer. His defensive and rebounding prowess are sure to be impactful, too. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bowen-hardman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bowen Hardman</a> (2022) | 6-4 SG | Princeton</strong></h6> <p>Hardman is another long-shot bet. But it's definitely feasible for him to lead the conference in scoring and Princeton has a shot to be very good. His shooting is a vital part of the offense considering the surrounding slashers who will collapse the defense. Hardman can hit with his feet set or with motion as a mid-range guy. Shoots at an efficient clip, even at a high volume.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><strong>Additional All-Conference Selections (First or Second Team)</strong></h4> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/khalil-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Khalil Davis</a> (2020) | 6-1 PG | Princeton</strong></h6> <p>Explosive slasher who plays well off of his Princeton backcourt mates as a score-first guard. Davis takes advantage of gaps in a disheveled defense when he receives a kick-out pass. Improving spot-up shooter. Davis is also a menace as a help-side defender because of his athleticism. He can rebound and lead the break, too. Cumberlands commit. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaden-fuhrmann/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaden Fuhrmann</a> (2020) | 6-4 SG | Lakota East</strong></h6> <p>Lakota East is a very patient team that drives and kicks as they scour for a high-percentage shot attempt. Furhmann fits in perfectly here as an elite spot-up shooter. Moves cleverly without the ball when it comes to re-positioning around the arch to make himself available. Also able to attack closeouts himself and make a play on the move. </p> <h6><strong>Zavian Ricks (2020) | 5-10 PG | Fairfield </strong></h6> <p>Ricks averaged an impressive 12.1 points and 2.8 assists last season and comes back even better. Quick kid off the bounce who gets to his spots inside. Capable of scoring or kicking out to a teammate. With promising freshman Deshawne Crim sharing the backcourt, expect Ricks to slice up defenses once again.</p> <h6><strong>Carter Combs (2020) | 6-2 SG | Lakota West<br /> </strong><strong>Jack Cooper (2020) | 6-6 PF | Mason</strong></h6> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><strong>Breakout Players</strong></h4> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kelen-dietrich/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kelen Dietrich</a> (2020) | 6-1 SG | Oak Hills</strong></h6> <p>Dietrich is Oak Hills' leading returning scorer at 9.4 points per game. The sharpshooting Delta State commit didn't shoot it to his full capability last season, plus he will need to hoist more attempts as a senior. Expect that 9.4 number to balloon, possibly replacing one of those guys above as a top ten player in the league. Dietrich is also a more dynamic player off the dribble than he a year ago.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/greg-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Greg Johnson</a> (2021) | 6-2 SG | Princeton</strong></h6> <p>Johnson may not be asked to score a ton. But his defensive prowess as a laterally quick, fluid, and quick-twitch athlete could draw college attention. Should be one of the top rebounding guards in the conference, too. Scores on straight-line-drives and fastbreaks. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/johrdon-mumford/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johrdon Mumford</a> (2021) | 6-3 SG | Middletown</strong></h6> <p>We like Mumford's versatility at the high school level. He's a face-up scorer with a strong body. Gets to the cup with crafty yet powerful moves. We expect his scoring to blossom as an upperclassman.</p> <h6><strong>Rob Thompson (2021) | 6-0 PG | Middletown<br /> </strong><strong>Mitchell Greer (2020) | 6-4 SF | Mason<br /> </strong><strong>Deshawne Crim (2023) | 6-0 G | Fairfield</strong></h6> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h6><strong>Projected Standings</strong></h6> <h6><strong>1. Lakota East<br /> </strong><strong>2. Princeton<br /> </strong><strong>3. Mason<br /> </strong><strong>4. Oak Hills<br /> </strong><strong>5. Fairfield<br /> </strong><strong>6. Middletown<br /> </strong><strong>7. Hamilton<br /> 8. Sycamore<br /> 9. Lakota West<br /> 10. Colerain</strong></h6>