Top 5 Columbus City League Sophomore’s
Some coach or some scout somewhere once made up the useless phrase that the most growth players see are between their freshman and sophomore years, if the wise tale is true then expect highlights from the class of 2023 this…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSome coach or some scout somewhere once made up the useless phrase that the most growth players see are between their freshman and sophomore years, if the wise tale is true then expect highlights from the class of 2023 this upcoming season in the Columbus City League. One key for all basketball programs is developing these young men that were talented enough to not only make the varsity team at their school, but only good enough to make impacts. This list is in order and will only include those sophomores that played majority varsity last season as freshmen, especially due to the pandemic and not being able to properly evaluate the junior varsity freshman that will improve to the varsity level this upcoming season.
5. JuJuan McLester: North International: Barely edging out teammate Samuel Whitaker for this spot, due to playing in a couple of more games and showing more capabilities on both ends of the court. Averaging over 4 points per game as a freshman on a team with a scoring machine is harder than it looks and McLester showed he can do multiple things as a freshman, such as finishing at the basket with both hands. He flashed as an on-ball defender as well, showing that he can stay in front of his man.
4. Davion Bridges- Northland: A sharpshooter, this young man can flat out have the net making that swoosh sound all hoopers love. Able to shoot it off the dribble or catch it and nail it off the pass from a teammate. His ability to disrupt an offensive player’s dribble is natural without fouling. He has good instincts and seems to process information quickly to still be improving as he is.
3. Deshawn Cumberland- West: He’s a big boy!!! This young man has the potential to help the Cowboys upset some teams in the Columbus City League south. Cumberland can score inside but has a nice jump shot as well, making him difficult to guard. His athleticism helps him to recover and help on defense while having the skill to guard anybody on the court. He will play differently once he is in college but in this league, he can be the ultimate chess piece with the ways his coach can use him.
2. Antony Lowery- Eastmoor Academy Warriors: Long-arms, a solid frame that has room to fill and a pace that makes some seniors look like frenetic freshmen. As Lowery’s shot improves his game will reach new heights, if he treats the offseason correctly then his game can take the kind of leap that shoots him up this list. Watching this young man, anyone can understand that he thinks the game just as much as he plays the game, always seeming to be one step ahead of defenders to set-up shooters and cutters.
1. Dailyn Swain Dailyn Swain 6'7" | SF Africentric | 2023 State #81 Nation OH -Africentric Early College: Swain is not only the best player in the 2023 class in the Columbus City League, but he has the kind of game that college’s of all levels will love. A 6-foot-6 young man who plays his natural position (which is a huge issue with Columbus City League) and can make things happen on the court. Amazing athlete who can jump out the gym and jump