Coaches for a Cure Standouts
The majority of Central Ohio Division I regional championship contenders were on display at the second annual Capital City Coaches for a Cure Classic. Plus Centerville, Springfield, and St. Edward made the trip to Capital University for a trio of…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe majority of Central Ohio Division I regional championship contenders were on display at the second annual Capital City Coaches for a Cure Classic. Plus Centerville, Springfield, and St. Edward made the trip to Capital University for a trio of intriguing non-conference matchups.
In this piece, we’re looking at a dozen standouts who showed development in their game.
By the way, if you’re not seeing someone you expected to read about, be sure to check our Team MVPs piece from yesterday. Plus, we have one more recap coming tomorrow!
Columbus South over Johnstown, 65-42
The first half was an exercise in patience for South, who showed the ability to stay calm against zone. After the break, they forced Johnstown to play their pace which is when the game got out of hand. South held a notable athleticism advantage.
Trevell Adams (2020) | 5-10 PG | Columbus South
stats: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Adams was only able to flash snippets of his slashing ability against the zone. Rather, he remained patient and kept the ball moving. Getting past the first line of defense with lightning-quick jukes is his specialty as it sets up his rhythm pull-ups and floaters. Nonetheless, he changed the game defensively in the second half. Adams was disruptive in passing lanes and by sneaking up for blind-side double teams. Provided rebounding. Didn’t shoot it great from a stand-still.
Jake Lusk (2021) | 6-2 PF | Johnstown
stats: 13 points, 10 rebounds
Lusk is a confident ball-handler off the defensive glass. He showed ball skills and good decisoin-making when he led the secondary break. Impressive footwork. The two-sport athlete (football) is a physical rebounder.
Gahanna over Walnut Ridge, 53-50
Gritty game where Walnut Ridge tried to punk Gahanna. For the most part, Gahanna absorbed every punch and fought back. Walnut Ridge played a lot of one-on-one basketball while Gahanna ran a lot of high pick-and-roll. Gahanna won on a 3-point buzzer-beater.
Nate Staib (2020) | 5-10 PG | Gahanna
stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds
Staib paced Gahanna. He showed command of the floor as a facilitator. Staib always gets the ball where it needs to go, including post-entry passes. He also finished a handful of contested layups. A player you can depend on.
Kaveon Ross (2020) | 6-5 PF | Walnut Ridge
stats: 11 points, 6 rebounds
Unsigned senior. Ross is a thick, powerful athlete who provides rebounding and a physical presence. He flashed a face-up scoring game yesterday, though, that caught our eye. Whether it was attacking a close-out or putting it on the floor as a roll man, Ross looked good attacking the basket and finishing strong. Rebounded like a grown man.
Qian Magwood (2020) | 6-1 PG | Walnut Ridge
stats: 6 points, 2 rebounds
Magwood’s defensive presence effected the game in a major way. His intimidating presence and athleticism can take someone out of the game. He fights through screens, sits down, and plays like he has something to prove. Offensively, he was most effective in the open floor. Vocal leader.
Pickerington Central over Springfield, 83-65
Breakneck pace. Both teams wanted to run. Most shots came in the paint. Pick Central only has six guys they can play, but that small group was just more talented than their opponent.
Tahleik Walker (2020) | 6-2 SG | Pickerington Central
stats: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
Walker’s jumper has improved. It looks cleaner and even his misses were on-target. The unsigned senior has no reported offers, which I always justified by his unproven jumper. Now with signs of improvement, the prototypical lock-down defender deserves a hard look from D-II and NAIA programs who need an athletic defensive boost.
Meanwhile, he’s unmistakenly more athletic than a year ago, too. Absolutely exploded off the ground a few times. Blocked several shots on help-side. Shut down Springfield’s top player in the second half.
Elhadji Thiam (2021) | 6-6 PF | Pickerington Central
stats: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks
Thiam looks like Plastic Man defending the rim and rebounding. His arms are everywhere, allowing him to constantly deflect shots, keep plays alive, and snag boards. Very active. Showed passing ability on long outlets and by hitting a backdoor cutter on the opposite side of the floor. Not a ton of opportunity offensively — he was under the basket and this game was very up-and-down the floor.
Conner Maciag (2020) | 6-2 PG | Pickerington Central
stats: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
Maciag scored with volume. He’s a crafty scorer who gets to the rim with head fakes and changes of pace. Hung in the air for right-hand scoop finishes. Sneaky finisher.
Bradley over St. Edward, 60-50
A halfcourt game between two Division I state championship contenders. This was a tough, disciplined ball game where all field goals were earned. Referees took over late, unfortunately, calling it way too tight in the final four minutes.
AJ Mirgon (2021) | 5-11 PG | Bradley
stats: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Mirgon is shooting the ball extremely well right now. He connected on two quick-release 3-pointers in the first half, providing a spark. Handled ball pressure with poise. Sees the floor and made on-time passes to cutters. Mirgon knows where he wants to get for one- and two-dribble pull-ups. Laterally quick defender who contains the dribble.
Pickerington North over Centerville, 62-47
A defensive battle where the 3-point shooting of Pickerington North made the difference. Nothing came easy for Centerville in the second half. One team made shots, the other didn’t.
Hunter Shedenhelm (2020) | 6-5 SF | Pickerington North
stats: 17 points, 3 rebounds
Shedenhelm delivered a quiet 17 points. Hit shots and made quick drives to the basket within the flow of the offense. Freed up other with screens and showed the ability to shoot off curls. Defended several positions against Centerville’s versatile personnel.
Rich Rolf (2022) | 6-7 PF | Centerville
stats: 7 points, 5 rebounds
Rolf played on the perimeter in their four-out sets, showing the ability to do a little of everything. He shot it well from distance, put it on the floor, and made impressive reads as a passer. An avid rebounder, the development of Rolf’s skill-set should lead to eventual Division I recruitment.
Gabe Cupps (2023) | 5-11 PG | Centerville
stats: 16 points
Cupps showed off his shooting range in the first half. But his finishing in traffic was more impressive. He looks for contact by sacrificing his body among shot-blockers. Skilled finisher who can put spin on the ball. Quick first step. Very good on-ball defender. Cupps also plays with a competitive fire.