New Names and Standouts: Thomas Worthington at Jerome

<p>Thomas Worthington has the highest ceiling of any Division I team in Central Ohio. In a year where the regional title is as wide open as any, the Cardinals look ready to challenge Bradley, Columbus South, and others for a chance at the crown. </p> <p>Wins like Tuesday night's at Jerome, 61-47, are further evidence for their potential.</p> <p>As far as the personnel in this game, we acquired knowledge on known and previously unknown prospects. Even in defeat, Jerome's underclassmen and unsigned senior put themselves on our map. Meanwhile, Thomas's three-headed monster appears to have strengthened.</p> <h5><strong>STANDOUTS</strong></h5> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-sullinger/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jalen Sullinger</a> (2021) | 5-10 PG | Thomas Worthington</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Sullinger tallied four assists but really could have had around 10. He delivered a ton of "should-be" assists — wide-open catch-and-shoot opportunities that didn't find the bottom of the net. Sullinger truly has the ball on a string. Mesmerizing handle and use of the glass on contested finishes. The Division I recruit made plays for others via post entries, transition passes, and, most impressively, through penetrate-and-kick. Great shooting range. Underrated leaping ability. Sullinger likes to pressure the ball on defense and his instincts are an asset in passing lanes.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyrese-hughey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyrese Hughey</a> (2021) | 6-7 PF | Thomas Worthington</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks</em></strong></span></h6> <p>We don't see many quick-twitch athletes at Hughey's size. In other words, compared to other 6-foot-6 to 6-foot-7 forwards, Hughey is quicker to the spot and better off the floor. That quickness was tormenting on help-side defense and when tracking down loose balls on Tuesday. He changed shots beyond the two blocks. Snatches tipped rebounds and loose balls because — again — he's quicker to it. Runs the floor impressively. Finished a pair of highlight alley oops, showing off great hands and bounce. Hughey also scored over the top with a nice touch.</p> <h6><strong>Dan Lee (2020) | 6-1 PG | Jerome</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 21 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists</em></strong></span></h6> <p>First time seeing Lee and his offensive ability impressed. Playing with balance and a late-dribble, he found open shooters in traffic, leading to open inside to outside 3-pointers for spot-up shooters. Good decisions and accurate balls while surrounded by bodies. Much better passer than finisher when slashing. Lee also shoots it well with his feet set or in motion. Pretty good size, too. </p> <p>One of the many Division III programs in Central Ohio should try and keep Lee nearby for college ball.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/isaac-settles/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Isaac Settles</a> (2021) | 6-5 SG | Thomas Worthington</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Settles was hot early, scoring the majority of his baskets in the first frame. His jumper was the noted improvement. The ball is coming off his hands nicely — shooting an accurate ball, high release, with a lot of spin. Settles also made impressive no-look passes to cutters from the top of the key. Great frame and size at 6-foot-5.</p> <hr /> <h5><strong>NEW NAMES</strong></h5> <h6><strong>Joey Zalewski (2023) | 6-2 SG | Thomas Worthington</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 3 points</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Very limited playing time for the freshman. Zalewski provided a second-quarter highlight, though. Applying pressure with his long arms, he stole the ball then went the length of the floor for a tough and-one finish. Good athlete. </p> <h6><strong>CC Ezirim (2022) | 6-5 PF | Jerome</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 2 points, 1 rebound</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Ezirim is long, raw, and possesses immense potential on defense especially. His length, ability to move, and jump could allow him to defend three or more positions. Ezirim runs well and plays hard. </p> <h6><strong>Ryan Nutter (2023) | 6-3 G | Jerome</strong><br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt"><strong><em>stats: 6 points, 4 rebounds</em></strong></span></h6> <p>Nutter flashed scoring and ball-handling ability in spots throughout the game. Already in a starting role as a freshman, he may be the point guard of the future at Jerome. Comfortable attacking hard-right from the left wing, showing multiple moves after jump stopping around the block. Played with a toughness. Intriguing height. Nutter is one of the best Central Ohio 2023s we've watched in the early going.</p>