Non-Seniors Off To A Hot Start

<p>Enough games have been played to give us a hunch about who has improved since summer and/or last season.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/logan-duncomb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Logan Duncomb</a> (2021) | 6-9 C | Moeller</strong></h6> <p>Duncomb improved greatly over the offseason. And although he's still just scratching the surface of his potential, Duncomb's production looks to have turned a page. He has recorded double-doubles in their first two games despite never going for 10+ rebounds last season. His newfound agility and upper body power allows him to rebound in traffic at a higher level. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/malaki-branham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Malaki Branham</a> (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary</strong></h6> <p>Branahm, averaging 18 points, has been St. V's leading scorer in wins over Pickerington North and Moeller. The top overall prospect playing OHSAA basketball, "junior Branham" is in a different stratosphere compared to "sophomore Branham," who averaged 12 points and six rebounds. Namely, Branham's shot-creation ability from the perimeter has grown leaps and bounds. Their first two wins solidified their spot as the state's Division II favorite.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tyler-williams/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tyler Williams</a> (2023) | 6-7 PF | Brush</strong></h6> <p>Although Williams' production has come during blow-outs over John Hay and Eastlake North, he is establishing himself near the top of 2023 hierarchy. A 6-foot-7 forward with athleticism, a motor, and hints of ball skills, Williams is already a mismatch in his first season of high school ball. He hung 14 points and nine rebounds against Eastlake North, a week after putting up 16 and 7 on John Hay in his debut. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/rich-rolf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rich Rolf</a> (2022) | 6-7 PF | Centerville</strong></h6> <p>Rolf made a case for the perfect frontcourt pairing to Mo Njie in Centerville's season-opening one-point loss to Trinity Catholic, a defending state champion in Kentucky. The sophomore rebounding fanatic tallied 13 points on 6-of-7 from the field shooting, adding five rebounds and three assists. We've noted his ability at the basket several times, but Rolf can also face-up from the pinch post to make a play. His interior passing is underrated. Finally, if Mo goes to block a shot away from the rim, Rolf's strength comes into play on back-side rebounds. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/patrick-ivory/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Patrick Ivory</a> (2021) | 6-5 SF | Northmont</strong></h6> <p>Ivory's raw athleticism, size, and transition scoring struck us this offseason. His upside is apparent. But we didn't expect Ivory to have the sort of game he had in their opener so soon — 16 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in a win over Springboro. If he's able to handle and score in the halfcourt, Ivory's game will be sharp and, ultimately, college-bound.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalen-sullinger/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jalen Sullinger</a> (2021) | 5-9 PG | Thomas Worthington</strong></h6> <p>Sullinger scored 28 and 20 in their first two games going against St. Ignatius and Bradley respectively. Those are two of Ohio's most disciplined programs when it comes to defense. That's like 58 and 50 in some leagues. Sullinger's singular ability to create shots has already drawn offers from Kent State and Ohio.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/casey-george/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Casey George</a> (2021) | 5-9 PG | Pickerington North</strong></h6> <p>Opting not to play grassroots ball, George packed on muscle and added skill this summer. When we saw him in June, the improvements were apparent. Even so, we didn't expect him to lead Pickerington North in scoring by a wide margin, even with <a href="https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football-recruiting/2019/11/108642/jack-sawyer-tears-his-mcl-in-the-final-game-of-his-junior-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jack Sawyer out</a>. His stronger body allows him to be more effective inside, where he combines strength with craft to finish in traffic.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/feisal-crumby/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Feisal Crumby</a> (2021) | 5-11 SG | Toledo St. Francis</strong></h6> <p>The Knights are out-playing expectations with two huge early-season wins over Cardinal Stritch and Pickerington Central. Crumby made the game-winning free throws to put away Pickerington Central. Meanwhile, his shooting, poise, and ability to attack the basket have been key in their other wins. Crumby also defends the drive very well because of his toughness and strong low center of gravity. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ej-farmer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">EJ Farmer</a> (2021) | 6-5 SG | Cleveland Heights</strong></h6> <p>Cleveland Heights has stumbled to a 2-2 start but Farmer is thriving as their go-to scorer, averaging 22.0 points. He picked up an Arkansas-Little Rock offer, too. The junior looks to have grown an inch while adding more burst on finishes. Farmer is getting to the free throw line more now that he's attacking often. Also putting up 4.8 rebounds per contest.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-johnson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nate Johnson</a> (2021) | 6-3 PG | Lakota East</strong></h6> <p>Johnson is the breakout player of the 2019-20 season thus far, averaging 26.5 points and 4.5 rebounds for a 4-0 Lakota East team who is playing stiff competition. He's also shooting 67.3 percent from the field including 4-of-6 from distance. Johnson doubles as an elite defender with the size and athleticism to defend 1, 2 and 3. Currently tabbed as our no. 2 point guard in 2021, he may enter the HM/MM+ status soon. Kent State, Miami (OH), Ohio, and Youngstown State offered this summer.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aj-braun/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AJ Braun</a> (2021) | 6-8 C | Fenwick</strong></h6> <p>Braun scored 25 points and snagged 11 rebounds in their first game. Those numbers are remarkable yet may be a common occurrence this season for the big man. Fenwick will run through their skilled center, a guy who can both score inside and out while controlling the glass. </p> <h6><strong>Jamal Sumlin (2022) | 6-2 PG | Rhodes</strong></h6> <p>Rhodes head coach Shawn Spencer informed us that Sumlin received offers from Cleveland State and Rider following his breakout game on Friday. Sumlin kicked off his sophomore season with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists against a frisky Glenville team. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaden-hameed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jaden Hameed</a> (2021) | 5-11 PG | VASJ</strong></h6> <p>Hameed is averaging 31.2 points this season for a 2-2 team who will surely look stronger in March than they do in December. The floor general looks comfortable hunting shots as he can score it from inside and out. Very skilled player with a high-IQ. Hameed's stocky build and lateral quickness is a useful defensive combination, too. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/mekhi-elmore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mekhi Elmore</a> (2022) | 5-11 PG | Thurgood Marshall</strong></h6> <p>Elmore is routinely scoring 20-plus points for a high-potential Thurgood team who have already knocked off Worthington Christian. Intriguing point guard recruit with skill and potential. Elmore can create shots for himself but also shows IQ in setting up others. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jakada-stone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jakada Stone</a> (2021) | 6-0 PG | Aiken</strong></h6> <p>Stone is playing out of his mind through three games. Aiken is 3-0, their best win coming over Stivers. Individually, the junior is averaging 27.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and just 1.7 turnovers. He's a heady guard who can shoot it extremely well. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/aboubacar-cisse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aboubacar Cisse</a> (2022) | 6-4 SF | Western Hills</strong></h6> <p>Another early-season CMAC standout, Cisse is rolling at 19.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. He has a long, athletic frame suited to attack the basket and defend multiple positions. Western Hills is undefeated through three games.</p> <h6><strong>George Mangas (2021) | 6-4 SF | Lima Shawnee</strong></h6> <p>Mangas is Northwest Ohio's emerging prospect in this early stage of the season, averaging 27.3 points including a career-high 35 against Lima Central Catholic. They're 3-0 with wins over LCC, Elida, and St. Henry — all quality Ws as Shawnee is proving to be one of Northwest Ohio's top Division II teams. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/desmond-watson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Desmond Watson</a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Columbus DeSales</strong></h6> <p>Watson scored 39 in their win over Wayne at the All Ohio Showcase. His blend of ball skills, size, and finishing ability is really effective around the basket. Watson's recruitment should elevate as he continues to show consistency as a shooter and passer. DeSales is 2-1 with a back-to-back against Hartley and Bloom Carroll scheduled for this weekend.  </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ani-elliot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ani Elliot</a> (2021) | 6-6 C | Deer Park</strong></h6> <p>People turn their nose up at transferring. But, you know what, there are times when it's just the right thing to do. Elliot, previously at Springfield, appears to have found a fit at Deer Park.</p> <p>He's 17.3. points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks while DP is 3-0. Rim protection and rebounding are obvious areas where his athleticism should impact the game. He's also hit 2-of-3 3-point attempts and we're interested to see if that continues.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darius-parham/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Darius Parham</a> (2021) | 6-3 SG | Ready</strong></h6> <p>Parham went absolutely crazy in their opener against Fairfield Union with 31 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. He has a lot of playmaking and scoring responsibility as a junior and is likely to score 20-plus per night. Skilled shot-maker with collegiate size. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dan-nauseef/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dan Nauseef</a> (2021) | 6-6 C | Chaminade Julienne</strong></h6> <p>Nauseef's energy, length, and mobility make him a game-changer around the basket. He's averaging 16.0 points and 12.3 rebounds in the early going with nearly half of those boards coming on the offensive end. Second effort player. Pursues the ball every time. They have a big-time league matchup against McNicholas on Friday. </p>