Saturday Scrimmage Standouts: Toledo

<p>We spent the final Saturday of the offseason on Toledo's south-side, where St. John's and Rogers hosted scrimmages that pitted talented rosters from Ohio and Michigan against one another. Here's who stood out on the Ohio side:</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/cj-hornbeak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CJ Hornbeak</a> (2023) | 6-1 G | Toledo St. John's</strong></h6> <p>Hornbeak's body has developed since the summer, which is the first thing that jumped out. He's a big point guard with plenty more filling out yet to occur. Hornbeak combines his size with blow-by speed. Efficient young player who made plays for others by driving hard right before dropping-down passes. He finishes with balance and is ahead of his time as a scorer in the paint. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/shane-garcia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shane Garcia</a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Toledo St. John's</strong></h6> <p>Garcia is a highly communicative defensive player who finds himself in position whenever his man catches the ball. Uses his length to bother guards. He also actively pursued rebounds on both sides of the floor. Garcia is another Titan who has added muscle since the summer, although he is still more length than bulk at the moment. Active without the ball as a screener and cutter. Shot it well. </p> <h6><strong>Sam Swift (2020) | 6-1 SG | Toledo St. John's</strong></h6> <p>In what was a physical, defensive battle against Detroit King, Swift provided a consistent shot-maker for St. John's. He smarty slid up and down the arch to find open catch-and-shoot opportunities, showing savvy in opening passing windows for slashers. Nailed open shots consistently. Swift flashed the ability to get into the second level of the defense to make a play for others. Generally, Swift made smart reads.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-bova/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Bova</a> (2022) | 6-1 PG | St. Edward</strong></h6> <p>It was difficult to get a read on St. Edward, who came into the Rogers super scrimmage without Montorie Foster (football) and Grant Huffman (minor hip injury). Bova may have played in a role that we won't see in a few weeks. </p> <p>That being said, yesterday Bova forfeited the ball-handling responsibilities that we became accustomed to seeing him shoulder with All Ohio Red. Instead, the high-energy guard used his speed to streak the floor seeking transition opportunities off the defensive glass. This role highlights his finishing ability against back-peddling defenders. When possessions settled down, he provided spot-up shooting from the corner. Very good at getting to the free throw line. Defends with energy and pressures the ball. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devontae-blanton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Devontae Blanton</a> (2020) | 6-6 SF | St. Edward</strong></h6> <p>Blanton plays with such balance in traffic. Playing very lightly on his feet, Blanton has the quickness and skill to get to his spots inside, yet the power to absorb contact and shoot a comfortable floater. Showed great touch on finishes, which again was aided by body control. Blanton is arguably at his best when he's getting to those spots then lasering kick-outs to spot-up shooters at the last second. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chris-ringfield/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Ringfield</a> (2020) | 6-6 C | St. Edward</strong></h6> <p>Ringfield is pure energy. Although he hasn't quite found his spots in the offense, Ringfield understands that he's out there to provide rebounding and shot-blocking. Constantly pursues the ball as he fights for position inside. Tries to block every shot in his area. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dasean-nelson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">DaSean Nelson</a> (2020) | 6-7 PF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>The three most impressive Ohio prospects in the building on Saturday all played on the same team, starting with DaSean Nelson. </p> <p>The wiry, athletic forward continues to add sophistication to his game. Once a raw athlete who just started playing in junior high, Nelson has transformed into a calculated killer. His around-the-rim scoring now involves long strides that force defenses to foul or give up an easy deuce. Nelson's back to the basket game is insanely improved. He caught the ball and patiently sized up the floor for a half-second before making his move or finding a teammate. All of these moves were direct and efficient. Better passer. Defensively, Nelson defended the perimeter against big wings, a trait that should translate.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ketaan-wyatt/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ketaan Wyatt</a> (2020) | 6-2 PG | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>Wyatt was the stock-riser of the day. Currently ranked no. 102 in our senior class rankings, Wyatt will shoot up the charts in our mid-season update. </p> <p>First of all, his point-of-attack defense was elite. On that end of the floor, he showed the ability to go toe-to-toe with high-major guards for long stretches on Saturday, feeding off the home crowd. Wyatt stays in front and doesn't allow space for guards to crossover.</p> <p>On offense, Rogers likes to run and Wyatt often led the break with accurate lead passes. When the game slowed down, though, Wyatt truly shined. Showing poise, Wyatt identified mismatches and selflessly gave those guys the ball. Demonstrated the ability to find open teammates late into his drives. Playing off the ball, Wyatt is their most reliable shooter. He consistently knocked down shots with a very smooth release. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamiya-neal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jamiya Neal</a> (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>Rogers' collective size affords Neal the opportunity to be a playmaker on the perimeter. Showing a herky-jerky style in getting to the rim, Neal really impressed in the role. He changed speeds very well and utilized ball screens to get inside. Very good at absorbing contact and finishing on the way down from shooting fouls. Consistently slid past people in transition, often finishing with a highlight dunk.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/curtis-jackson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Curtis Jackson</a> (2020) | 6-6 PF | Rogers</strong></h6> <p>Jackson showed a level of assertiveness in the post. If he replicates that aggressiveness, Jackson enters a different realm as a prospect. The strong-bodied four also shot it well from the elbow and combined touch with athleticism as a finisher. Jackson more-than-belonged on the floor against high-level competition. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dakota-cochran/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dakota Cochran</a> (2020) | 6-2 SG | Shaker Heights</strong></h6> <p>Cochran's athleticism and power continue to overwhelm opposing guards. He shows terrific power on straight-line-drives. Defensively, he closes down passing lanes and is able to stay in front. Absorbs contact on defends with his chest. Per usual, he also knocked down open 3-pointers. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/johrdon-mumford/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Johrdon Mumford</a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Middletown</strong></h6> <p>A thick 6-foot-4 body, Mumford plays more of a power forward for Middletown. He's instant offense catching from the elbow where he faces up and makes no-nonsense moves towards the rim. Finishes in traffic with power and skill. Shows intelligence when moving without the ball. Flashes the ability to make a play from the perimeter when given the opportunity. Good decision-maker. Shoots it very well in the mid-range.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/paul-burris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Paul Burris</a> (2020) | 6-5 SF | Delaware Hayes</strong></h6> <p>Burris, an Ashland signee, has a prototypical combination of size and shooting ability. His shooting stroke is very smooth, also high enough where he can launch over a defender. Scored it from the mid-post with quick moves. Showing more bounce around the rim. Versatile scorer. </p>