2021 Rankings Update: Stock Risers

<p>Players earn higher rankings in several different ways. For one, if it is a player that we at Prep Hoops Ohio haven’t seen enough, further evaluation allows us to sometimes realize players should be higher or sometimes lower than previously listed. More commonly though, players that turn heads or make incredible strides in their development tend to see their stock rise and as a result see their ranking increase. For many of the players on this list, the latter example comes into effect. The below 8 guys are deserving of their higher ranking as some have become some of the top players now available in the state. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="593932" first="Desmond" last="Watson"]</strong> (27--&gt;10) Columbus DeSales- The 6’5 wing exploded on the scene from the beginning of the year, picking up D1 offers from Ohio U, Stetson, Cleveland State. Possessing incredible vertical bounce and quickness on the perimeter, Watson is a nightmare to prepare for defensively and has shown his athleticism is unreal. His now Top 10 ranking is definitely warranted and he could see even more D1 offers come in next Fall.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="805146" first="Brayden" last="Sipple"]</strong> (44--&gt;24) Blanchester- It’s hard to overlook an individual that averaged over 30 points per game as a junior. The 6’4 guard has had visits at West Virgina, Indiana, and Kentucky in early 2020 and has begun to attract attention from college coaches due to his absolute dominating scoring capabilities. His ceiling is quite high and he has potential to compete for Mr. Basketball in 2021. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714507" first="Skyler" last="Schmidt"] </strong>(68--&gt;35) Clermont Northeastern- A small school star that comes from the same conference as Sipple, Schmidt is physically imposing as a post player and against SBAAC competition was above and beyond more skilled. The 6’6 PF knows how to use his body not just as a rebounder, but defensively when battling in the post. He has a nice feel around the rim and especially can finish through heavy traffic in the paint. Currently holds an offer from New Orleans, but has had several other D1 visits in 2020. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="805148" first="Luke" last="Chicone"]</strong> (52--&gt;25) Mentor- The 5’9 PG has now moved into the Top 25 after a strong showing this season. Chicone handles the ball in the open court with confidence and quickness. His hesitation dribble on the perimeter is difficult to defend even when scouting him, as well as his ability to create open shots. A streaky shooter, Chicone looks to be one of Northeast Ohio’s best seniors next year, and has already committed to Youngstown State.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714519" first="Aidan" last="Reichert"]</strong> (76--&gt;59) Jackson Center- Reichert is one of the hardest working individuals you will find and cemented himself as a Top 60 prospect in the state. While he may be undersized for a SF at 6’4, the intensity he plays with on both ends of the floor is tough to match. Combines size with brute strength and has shown he can defend bigger post players as well as SFs. He currently doesn’t hold any offers, but legitimately looks like a D2 prospect at the next level. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="919011" first="George" last="Mangas"] </strong>(107--&gt;67) Lima Shawnee- Mangas is a leader and was the centerpiece for an undefeated Shawnee team that made a run all the way through to the Regional Semifinals. While he is not the most athletic player on this list, he finds a way to score the basketball and does it at a high level. Defensively, he gets his hands in passing lanes and does a nice job of creating turnovers. Runs the floor and can finish through traffic and in fast breaks. He is another player that has quite a high ceiling and could be Northwest Ohio’s top prospect next season. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="919040" first="Makail" last="Cottingham"]</strong> (149--&gt;88) Garfield Heights- The 6’4 SF has the length, athleticism, and scoring capability to be quite a dangerous player in the future. His quickness on the wing allowed him to find the lane frequently and he impressed further with his flashy passing, kicking to open shooters. Currently holds an offer from Urbana.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="919043" first="Jalen" last="Knott"]</strong> (159--&gt;124) Lutheran East- Knott came off the bench for a loaded Lutheran East team, but he made an impact whenever he was on the floor. A lengthy defensive player, he plays tough on-ball defense, combining his length with active hands to create a nightmare for opposing players. Offensively has a solid game as well, highlighted by an impressive shooting touch from the corners. He should step into a larger role in 2021 and make an even bigger impact for Lutheran East.</p>