Great Lakes Classic: New Guard Discoveries

<p>Northeast Ohio basketball is special for countless reasons. The magic can be boiled down to two things, though — talent and the community’s enthusiasm for the game.</p> <p>Because of it, there’s no other place I’d rather be on opening weekend. Great Lakes Classic, a 12-game opening-weekend event at Cleveland Heights, brings together well-known recruits versus eager underdogs with a backdrop of edge-of-their seat spectators ready to lose their minds for anyone who provides a highlight.</p> <p>Today's two-part <em>New Discoveries</em> recap touches on the freshly discovered prospects that we went to Cleveland in search of.</p> <h6><strong>Sam Oliver (2021) | 6-0 PG | GlenOak</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 13 points, 2 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Oliver brings a rather flawless shooting stroke and high-motor to the table. Strong body that helps him deal with contact at the point of attack. In general, Oliver is a physical player who often was handsy on the defensive side. Good passer. There isn't an obvious area of the game where Oliver could improve greatly. We think he should appeal to Division III college programs once they turn their sights to 2021. </p> <h6><strong>Daryl Houston (2021) | 6-0 PG | Beachwood</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Houston is an extremely skilled offensive player. Flashed upside as a scorer with his ability to shoot and create separation. For now, the young guard's size causes limitations as a finisher and ball-handler against pressure, although he did impress with a finesse floater. Needs the ball to be effective. Active defender in their zone look. Adding size would be a major bonus for Houston, who is squarely on the map due to sheer skill. </p> <h6><strong>Jalen Minter (2022) | 5-8 PG | Beachwood<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 13 points, 6 rebounds</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>Minter is a compact guard with speed. Most impressively, he didn't force the issue and consistently made poised passes while being trapped. Crashed the glass. Skilled ball-handler. </p> <h6><strong>Anthony Ivey (2023) | 6-5 SF | VASJ<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 9 points, 10 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Sporting a long, projectable frame with broad shoulders, Ivey showed off major potential Saturday morning. He fulfilled his role as an energy guy off the bench by speeding down the floor in transition to follow missed layups. Springed off the floor on second effort put-backs. Although not wildly polished as a frosh, Ivey flashed playmaking chops and a quick first step on two straight-line-drives from the corner. </p> <h6><strong>Andrew Jones (2022) | 5-11 SG | Brush<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 13 points, 3 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Jones, an Ohio State baseball commit, takes a detailed approach to embracing his role. He's their corner shooter/floor-spacer. Jones was seen practicing those corner triples before the game and during halftime before the rest of the team came out. Impressive shooting stroke. The high-IQ sophomore knows how to make himself available for kick-outs by sliding up and down the arch. Showed athleticism on the glass. Jones understands when to crash or when to retreat in transition defense. Played hard on defense and sat low in his stance, rarely getting beat.</p> <h6><strong>Martin Lowry (2020) | 6-3 SG | Fairview<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 16 points</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Lowry's drive-and-kicks were pivotal. The lefty gifted timely, accurate passes to corner shooters. His game has a European flavor with jab steps and effective changes of directions. Uses his eyes to be deceptive. Unorthodox release but an effective shooter with his feet set. Lowry utilizes the floater after a jump stop. Didn't apply a ton of pressure on defense but stays in front, remaining sound. </p> <h6><strong>Tony Carter (2020) | 6-5 SF | Holy Name<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 7 points, 4 rebounds</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>Carter is a tall, thin wing who can shoot it. He competed defensively by using his length to cause deflections on shots and passes. Light on his feet. </p> <h6><strong>Emmett Hanna (2021) | 6-2 SG | St. Ignatius<br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds</em></span><br /> </strong></h6> <p>Hanna is a strong 6-foot-plus guard who can shoot it, defend, and play physical. Possesses a fundamental shooting stroke and takes shots confidently. Quick decision-maker. Willing to make the extra pass. Impressed on several one-on-one defensive possessions by staying attached to the ball-handler. Hanna also showed athletic ability on rebounds. </p>