Lengthy 2021 Sleepers To Watch This Winter

Brandon Little

November 27, 2019 @ 05:01 AM

The high school season is getting started this week, so that means we’re all about watching players do good things on the hardwood for their teams. These players offer size and skill, a heavily needed combo for the next level. Different positions but they can all go! Stefan Stanic (2021) | 6-5 W | Normandy I was able to watch Stefan a couple times this summer and was definitely impressed with his athleticism. Sneaky athletic is a good term to use as you don’t expect it when Stanic attacks the rim like he does. His bounce also translate to defense where he’s able to contest shots from angles that most couldn’t due to the spot he leaves the floor. Smooth set shot that the junior gets off the catch or off the dribble. Needs to tighten his handle a bit, but the junior is one to watch as he’s definitely a prospect with some upside. Chris Strzempka (2021) | 6-5 PF | Findlay Strzempka combines good size with athleticism. A force on defense more than he is on offense at times. Rebounder with long arms to go up and get it, defends the paint well. Anything at the rim is a threat to being blocked with the junior on the floor. A floor runner in the transition, has the ability to take the pass and finish through the lane. Decent post moves, most notably an up and under fake that gets the defender out of position. Chris is only getting better. Maurice Collins (2021) | 6-4 W | Thomas Worthington Collins brings a versatile skill set to the court unlike many. His best basketball is definitely ahead of him and he’s shown signs of improving already in early season scrimmages. Most likely a three at the next level, Collins crashes the boards on both ends. The junior is a weapon in the transition as he gets to the hoop and finishes with contact. Also, his length can be a factor on defense with long arms to play passing lanes. Back cuts and slashing to the hoop are go to moves in the juniors bag. A secondary scorer for his high school team that has a loaded junior class. Elijah Hawk (2021) | 6-5 C | Pickerington North Due to injuries, Hawk will be stepping into a much larger role this season. Commanding the inside will be a task that the junior is very capable of. Bigger framed big that has a smooth touch in the paint and can be used in the half court much more than some bigs. Hawk simply has more strength than many and uses it to out muscle for rebounds. Moves well for his size, plays with good energy and could see a double-double here and there this season. Isn’t the focal point on a loaded team, but will leave his mark. Jake Lusk (2021) | 6-3 PF | Johnstown Lusk brings football size to the hardwood along with toughness. Gathers put back opportunities below the rim and goes back up strong often. Stronger than his matchup more times than not, a testament to his football background. Lusk is a statue in the paint and players bigger than his listed height. One of the more underrated power forwards in the area, a next level player in football or basketball.