270 Hoops: 2022 Challenge Recap

<p>One of the nice things with live streams is the ability to watch at any time, anywhere. This past week I was able to catch up on some basketball by checking out 270 Hoops 2022 Challenge at Elevate Basketball Academy. In this piece, I take a look at a very good 2022 class out of Columbus and who excelled.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="616810" first="Sean" last="Jones"]</strong> 5’11 PG (Gahanna Lincoln)- Jones has made it obvious he is one of the state’s best Point Guards regardless of class. The 2022 Challenge was yet another opportunity for him to show this. An incredibly fast slashing point guard, Jones found the paint over and over while penetrating. He has shown he can distribute the ball and setup teammates when he is not scoring himself. Can defend the perimeter and continues to show why he is a HM prospect.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="809592" first="AJ" last="Clayton"]</strong> 6’9 PF (Philo)- Clayton was the tallest player at the 2022 Challenge and showed why he too is one of the state’s best. Lengthy Power Forward that really impressed by doing a little bit of everything. Created scoring opportunities for himself and had several dunks especially in the fast break. Rebounded and fought on the glass. One of the better finishers throughout the day. My biggest takeaway was his unselfishness as a passer and willingness to distribute the ball. Continues to show he is a D1 target.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921750" first="Troy" last="Scowden"]</strong> 6’8 PF (Buckeye Valley)- Scowden impressed me with his versatility. Listed as a PF, Troy showed he could battle on the block while also stepping out and showing some offense on the perimeter. In the paint, he has a nice arsenal of moves with his back to the basket. Able to score at the rim or utilize short jumpers. On the perimeter, his size and quickness off the dribble was tough to defend and allowed him to finish at the rim. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="809621" first="Ajay" last="Sheldon"]</strong> 6’1 PG (Dublin Coffman)- Sheldon flat out works his tail off. Was all over the floor defensively hustling back and forth between on-ball defense and help side position. Smart player that jumped passing lanes and created several turnovers and fast break opportunities. On the offensive end he showed he could create his own shot, using the dribble to create separation and knock down shots in the midrange and perimeter.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967166" first="Amani" last="Lyles"]</strong> 6’8 PF (Beechcroft)- Lyles is 2 inches taller than the last time I saw him and boy is he a problem. The theme of Lyles’ game at the 2022 Challenge was finishing. Used his athletic frame and now bigger body to make shots in the paint and allow himself to get shots at the rim. With his athleticism and size, now becomes one of the best PF prospects in the State,</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">:</span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921759" first="Javan" last="Simmons"]</strong> 6’6 PF (Gahanna Lincoln)- Inside-out prospect. Nice post moves, especially his spin move on the block.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921757" first="Jerry" last="Saunders"]</strong> 6’0 CG (Pickerington North)- Multi-level scorer. Impressed with his midrange shot and slashing ability.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921739" first="Joshua" last="Whiteside"]</strong> 6’6 PF (St. Charles)- Bully on the blocks. Overpowered his defender on the block.</p> <p><strong>Jarey Frey</strong> 6’5 SG (Hilliard Davidson)- High level shooter. Used the dribble to create open shots for himself and teammates.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="921785" first="Derrick" last="James"]</strong> 5’9 PG (St. Charles)- Quick dribble drive guard. Excelled in transition.</p>