Flyin’ to the Hoop Saturday Standouts

<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="5n0ij" data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><span style="font-size: 8pt"><a href="https://www.matthewcletus.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>photos: Matthew Cletus Photography</em></a></span></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Division II, III, and NAIA programs are actively pouring resources into building out their 2020 class. Don't be fooled thinking it's too late to be noticed! Believe it or not, this is actually the perfect time to emerge.</div> </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Showcases, like Flyin' to the Hoop, are an excellent opportunity to make an impression that could swing your recruitment. Plenty of 2020s did just that Saturday, which became the theme of the day.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kaveon-ross/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kaveon Ross</a> (2020) | 6-5 PF | Walnut Ridge</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><span style="font-size: 1rem">Ross took advantage of the spotlight. Legitimate Division II prospect who combines skill, power, and a motor. He made four 3-pointers, which is becoming a strength of his game. Physical inside presence who can finish in a congested paint and defend opposing bigs. Pretty good ball skills in terms of passing and being able to put it on the floor. Although concerns may circle about Ross being too undersized to play inside at the Division II level, he has enough burst and raw strength to make up for it.</span></div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/qian-magwood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qian Magwood</a> (2020) | 6-1 PG | Walnut Ridge</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 9 assists, 5 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Magwood may have been Walnut Ridge's most valuable player despite scoring zero points. First of all, he shut-down Cincinnati Woodward star Paul McMillan for three quarters (both teams' defenses relaxed in the fourth). Ballhawk in passing lanes. Stays wide in his defensive stance. One of Ohio's top point-of-attack defenders.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">The unsigned two-sport prospect (football) wants to feed the post. He knows his personnel and occasionally threads the needle from the top of the key. Good vision.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/voncameron-davis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">VonCameron Davis</a> (2020) | 6-5 SF | Walnut Ridge<br /> </strong><strong><em>stats: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Davis routinely gets <em>deep</em> in the paint, where he can finish or make passes that burn a collapsed defense. The lefty made it look ridiculously easy in the paint. Kent State signee. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Myles Garrett (2021) | 6-3 SG | Walnut Ridge</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 13 points, 3 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Garrett is another guy who can create his own shot. Slasher who showed ability to breakdown a defender. Strong body. Elusive footwork on finishes. Made a few good kick-out passes. Another defender who pestered McMillan.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Williams Burns (2020) | 6-5 C | Cincinnati Woodward</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 7 points, 6 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Burns possesses a great frame, footwork in the post, and a good touch. Executed impressive step-throughs and turns over the shoulder for high-percentage shots. Rebounds with power despite not being an explosive athlete. Burns' stroke from the free throw line looked good. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jalin-billingsley/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jalin Billingsley</a> (2021) | 6-7 PF | Lutheran East</strong></h6> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><em>stats: 20 points, 6 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">The smooth 6-foot-7 playmaker wowed with a few impressive blocked shots and rebounds. At times he was disruptive in passing lanes. Handles and shoots the ball like a true wing while having the tools to defend the basket. Extremely fluid.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Jalen Knott (2021) | 6-1 SG | Lutheran East</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Knott made a huge impact off the bench. The junior has a defensive presence on the perimeter, using his long arms and athleticism to guard. Drew a charge, too, which speaks to his effort. Finished in traffic. Nailed a couple of 3-pointers. Capable handle. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bj-busbee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BJ Busbee</a> (2021) | 6-2 SG | Lutheran East</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">It was good to Busbee in a larger role after he played seldom in their opening weekend game at the Great Lakes Classic. He's the best shooter on the team, an important dynamic against this Alter team who plays zone. Snuck into the corner for a few open triples. Smartly settled into the mid-range for mid-range jumpers, too. Looks more toned. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/collin-albert/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Collin Albert</a> (2021) | 6-0 PG | Lutheran East</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 5 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Albert is dangerous when he probes in the paint. Uses a quick first step to beat the initial defender. From there, he can deliver touch shots and dimes to the block or perimeter. Becoming a consistent shooter from distance.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Jack Smith (2020) | 6-3 SG | Alter</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists</em></strong></h6> <p data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Smith hit five 3-point shots, one of which was in motion on a handoff. His mid-range jumper on the catch was also effective. He doesn't need the ball much to be effective, given that most of his scores are directly after receiving a pass. Active without the ball. Strong kid. Chases rebounds. Solid passer.</p> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Ultimately, Smith is someone who would earn minutes at a Division III program because of shot-making and effort. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jerry-saunders/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jerry Saunders</a> (2022) | 6-0 SG | Pickerington North</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 19 points</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Saunders has a great skill-set headlined by his pure jump shot. He swished a few jumpers Saturday. But, his <em>finishes</em> over shot-blockers were actually more impressive. He converted tough tear-drops and layups after being bumped in the air.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Saunders' role is to score it but we believe he will develop into more of a playmaking point guard. He flashes a good feel.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/hunter-shedenhelm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hunter Shedenhelm</a> (2020) | 6-5 SF | Pickerington North</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Shedenhelm — a known shooter with an efficient scoring package — scored the ball with multi-dribble moves, which is pretty new. Milton crowded him on the catch, forcing him to score off the bounce. He made tough moves changing direction. Impact defender, too, chasing opponents around screens. His length and light feet are an asset on that end. Future Ashland Eagle.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/montorie-foster/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Montorie Foster</a> (2020) | 6-1 PG | St. Edward</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 19 points, 7 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Forget the stats and skills and all that. Foster was clutch. He was confident. His presence was the difference. Confidently stepped into a 3-pointer on the first possession of the game. Later, he would hit consecutive triples in the fourth to provide a cushion, prompting a timeout from Huntington Prep. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">The Michigan State football signee was clearly athletic enough to hang with the prep school. He rebounded in traffic, showing how quick he is off the floor. Dynamic ball-handler who separated with crowd-pleasing crossovers. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/devontae-blanton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Devontae Blanton</a> (2020) | 6-6 SF | St. Edward</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Blanton combines size with skill better than any other unsigned wing in Ohio. He made open 3-pointers and occasionally went inside for a crafty finish. Breaks down defenders with short, choppy steps and nifty ball-handling. Creates shots for himself and others when he's in the second level. Blanton also rebounded in traffic. Contained high-major wings on defense, forcing them to hit tough pull-ups and contested layups.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-bova/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Michael Bova</a> (2022) | 6-1 PG | St. Edward</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats; 7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Bova looked good handling point guard duties when Huffman rested. Consistently set-up 3-point shooters for an open shot. Handled pressure. Scored on a few leak-outs and transition opportunities. Energetic defender who can pressure. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Zachary Chatmon (2020) | 6-5 C | St. Edward</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 8 points, 3 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Using a strong low center of gravity, Chatmon was a different look for Huntington Prep's athletic bigs. He was able to move them on box-outs, ultimately keeping them away from the glass. The unsigned senior has a nice offensive package, too. Impressive footwork and scoring touch. He can step away for a jumper. Makes good decisions when he catches in a spot that he won't score from. Late-bloomer for Diviison III programs looking for size. Altough he doesn't have prototypical height or athleticism, Chatmon is a thick kid with <em>power</em>. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lawrent-rice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawrent Rice</a> (2023) | 6-3 G | Wayne</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 6 points</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Rice has been quickly regarded as one of the best handful of freshmen in Ohio. So, we were excited about this game. He proved to be an instinctual player with a shifty handle. Boatload of potential considering his wiry, raw frame and athleticism. Rice displayed a creative mid-range game with a few unconventional finishes — a <em>deep</em> floater and up-and-under contorted finish. He has vision and a mature skill-set. </div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Malcolm Curry (2021) | 6-1 SG | Wayne</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 15 points</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Curry can score the rock. He has a very good handle to go with a strong frame and finishing ability. Uses his body well at the rim. Made several impressive passes with a live dribble.</div> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"> </div> <h6 data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0"><strong>Elijah Brown (2022) | 6-5 PF | Wayne</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 6 points, 3 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <div data-offset-key="9gal9-0-0">Physically ... <em>whoa</em>. Brown is one of the most imposing forces we've seen in the sophomore class. He is a 6-foot-5 220-pound power forward with Division I interest as a tight end in football. On the hardwood, he provides a strong interior defensive presence. Plus shooter. </div>