Best Senior Prospects of Week 9

<p>This week, I watched six games over the course of three days. We started in Columbus, stopped in Lima, ended in Canton for the Kosta Koufos Classic. </p> <p>Ohio, we are entering the most compelling portion of the basketball calendar. There are 48 days until March 21, when four state champions will be crowned at the Schottenstein Center. What happens between now and then is the fun part. Legends will be made. </p> <p>For seniors, this is their final opportunity to ink their name in record books, hang a banner, and, for the unsigned guys, make an impression on college coaches. All of the following 2020s are entering the home stretch with momentum: </p> <h5 style="text-align: center"><em><strong>UNSIGNED SENIORS<br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt">listed alphabetically</span></strong></em></h5> <h6><strong>Scott Gronow (2020) | 6-0 G | Louisville</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 17 points (five 3-pointers), 3 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>Louisville, who upset Rhodes in the second game of the Kosta Koufos Classic, first gained confidence when Gronow hit consecutive 3-pointers in the first half, the second coming after he snuck-in to steal an inbounds pass. Gronow nailed two transition pull-ups from distance. Knockdown shooter with immense confidence. Handled the ball well against pressure. Made Rhodes' point guards at least work to get the ball past halfcourt by aggressively defending for 94 feet. He is undersized but someone who could fill-out of a small college recruiting class.</p> <h6><strong>Elijah Meredith | 6-5 PF | The Wellington School</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 16 points, 14 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>Meredith is a stout, strong-bodied lefty who bruises inside and possesses a good touch. Showed patience and unselfishness with his back to the basket and scored effectively swooping across the lane. Runs the floor. Good footwork, often stepping through towards the rim to draw contact. Actively pursues rebounds.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/christian-parker/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/christian-parker/">Christian Parker</a></a> | 6-5 PF | GlenOak</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 23 points, 16 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>Parker is one of the most skilled unsigned forwards in Ohio. He demands respect when he steps outside, connecting on two 3-pointers Saturday. Although he's not a high-flyer, Parker eludes defenders by finishing acrobatically in transition. Patient with his back to the basket. Shoots it at a high clip from the elbow. On the glass, Parker wins the battle by any means possible. Whether it's a subtle shove or just out-bodying others, Parker seems to always come down with the rock.</p> <h6><strong>Avery Scott | 6-4 SF | GlenOak</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 7 points, 2 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>Scott played approximately five minutes after injuring himself early in the game. We were impressed that he came back in the fourth, despite playing with a limp.</p> <p>Scott is a physical 3/4 combo who can finish in traffic with power moves. He rebounds and plays bigger than 6-foot-4 when defending up. Credible shooter. </p> <h6><strong>Jaden Stock | 5-11 SG | Massillon</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 13 points, 12 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>Massillon out-rebounded Copley 35 to 18 to win the final game of the Kosta Koufos Classic, despite being at a size disadvantage. Stock embodied the Tigers' grit, tallying a game-high in rebounds at just 5-foot-11.</p> <p>Stock was all over the floor for loose-ball rebounds and even going up high to grab them off the rim. Explosive leaper with a strong body. Hustled like crazy. Good defender and a capable scorer but, again, it was the effort that made the difference. </p> <h6><strong>Dante Wheeler | 6-5 PF | Lima Senior</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist</em></strong></h6> <p>Wheeler played well in limited playing time, showing flashes in various areas. He can score with his back to the rim or after facing from the perimeter. Improving shot selection. Passed it well out of the post and smartly used the pump fake inside.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h5 style="text-align: center"><em><strong>COMMITTED SENIORS<br /> <span style="font-size: 8pt">listed alphabetically</span></strong></em></h5> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josiah-fulcher/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/josiah-fulcher/">Josiah Fulcher</a></a> | 6-2 SG | Lima Senior</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 24 points, 7 rebounds</em></strong></h6> <p>The Bowling Green signee dictated Friday's game against Toledo St. John's by scoring in bursts and controlling tempo with patience. Lima was forced to play halfcourt offense often, which could have been an issue if Fulcher wasn't an elite scorer. He iso'd from the top of the key, ran off screens, and scored efficiently from the wing — showing off the entire bag. Fulcher's ability to score in a number of ways should help him translate to the next level quickly. The fluid, long athlete threw down three athletic dunks, including a monster baseline oop.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dominick-moegerle/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/dominick-moegerle/">Dominick Moegerle</a></a> | 6-4 SF | Hoban</strong><br /> <strong><em>stats: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists</em></strong></h6> <p>Moegerle, a Walsh signee, has improved as a playmaker. He displayed passing ability while attacking the basket. On top of that, he penetrated more consistently by breaking down defenders with efficient moves and great quickness. Uses the jump stop well, always finishing with balance and power. Came off screens ready to shoot. His shooting mechanics looked, overall, much better. </p>