Route 33 Challenge: Top Performers

<p>Saturday was a huge day for prospects in Southeast/East Ohio as the Route 33 Challenge took place at Logan High School. 33 of the area’s best players competed in front of 109 colleges/universities virtually to gain exposure after COVID ended many of these young men’s high school seasons in March. The event went great with several prospects stepping up and earning interest from media members and coaches watching. Today I highlight the top performers from the event.</p> <p><strong>Isaac Ward</strong> (2021) Logan Elm- Ward was a total offensive weapon on Saturday, impressing in multiple ways. The 5’10 PG was one of the few floor generals on display, orchestrating the offense and keeping guys in sync. Impressed with a quick pull-up jumper that was tough to guard due to the speed of his release. Does so much beyond just scoring, specifically catching my eye by setting screens to get teammates open and allow them opportunities to take open shots.</p> <p><strong>Trent Hundley</strong> (2022) Eastern Brown- Hundley may have been the best "New Name" that competed. The 6’5 WF has a knack for turning defense into offense, and was able to get his hand on the ball consistently whether jumping passing lanes or defending on the ball. Did a great job defending [player_tooltip player_id="809592" first="AJ" last="Clayton"] even though he was 4 inches smaller. On the offensive end, he has tremendous finishing ability and did a solid job getting buckets in traffic. Excelled as an inside-out threat and cut hard after making passes. This allowed him to open up some uncontested layups.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="976075" first="Bede" last="Lori"]</strong> (2023) Caldwell- One of only two 2023 prospects invited to the event, Lori showed he belonged with the upperclassmen. The 6’2 guard is a solid perimeter defender, moving his feet and moving laterally very quickly. His jump shot is unorthodox but able to get his shot off in high volumes. Uses the dribble drive to create layup opportunities or set himself up for jump shots. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="809592" first="AJ" last="Clayton"]</strong> (2022) Philo- Coming into the event, Clayton was the highest profile prospect as he was the sole D1 prospect committed at the event. The future Ohio Bobcat was the biggest player at 6’9 and used his big body and length to disrupt shots on the defensive end. Got his hands on multiple shots and pinned a few shots off the backboard. When forced outside the paint, he utilized his shot making ability and showed consistency with the 3PT shot. His range makes him difficult to defend against on the perimeter which did not seem to phase him. Handled the basketball well for a big pushing the tempo at times and using the behind-back dribble to seperate from smaller defenders. </p> <p><strong>Jayden Bradshaw</strong> (2022) Fayetteville- Bradshaw also became a new name for colleges to watch as he impressed especially in the later games of the day. The 6’4 WG was one of the better slashers, getting to the rack and utilizing both hands to attack the rim. Finished several shots through traffic and used a quick midrange shot once the defense collapsed on his drive. High motor player with a solid ceiling as he adds to his frame.</p> <p><strong>Miles Shipp</strong> (2021) Portsmouth- Shipp was an unknown player entering the event and showed he can be a leader in the 2021 class. The 6’2 WG can run either guard positions and impressed running the point on Saturday. Directed traffic and was vocal with teammates getting them in position. Utilized the midrange pull-up game and forced defenses to come out and defend him. Used screens to slash off the perimeter and finished with both hands among traffic.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="919012" first="Ryan" last="Magill"]</strong> (2021) Fairfield Union- Magill is a long Wing that really impressed on both ends of the floor. Used his length and instincts to get in passing lanes and disrupt several perimeter passes. Streaky shooter that showed he can knock down shots off the screen in pick-and-roll situations. Patient in these situations and knew to allow the screen to occur and looked for roll before keeping himself. Nice basketball IQ and intriguing at 6’4. </p> <p><strong>Brayden Sallee</strong> (2022) Warren Local- Sallee is one of the hardest working athletes you will find and put that on display. Listed as a Wing, he played more like a PF only at 6’3. Strong build that fought for 2nd chance opportunities on the offensive end and finished at a high level. Incredible motor and outworked every guy on the glass. Physical interior player that put himself on college radars with this performance. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967167" first="Trey" last="Robertson"]</strong> (2022) Waverly- Arguably the best shooter in the gym, Robertson saved his best performance for the championship game on Saturday. The 5’11 PG does what you expect in a quality PG. Advances the basketball and looks to put teammates in a position to score. When he’s not setting guys up to score, he himself can score and do it in high volumes. Quick trigger on the perimeter and college range shooting touch. Too quick and uses a fast first step to blow by defenders on the drive. Likely attracted the attention of D2s watching the event virtually.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="967169" first="Aiden" last="Porter"]</strong> (2022) Fairland- Porter is a leader and showed why he and Robertson were one of the most impressive backcourts on Saturday. The 6’0 CG can play either Guard positions and showed versatility in his offensive game. Able to shoot the ball with pressure or wide open, Porter forced defenders to come guard him right on the perimeter. Once this began, he showed off his penetration and found the lane over and over. Most impressively, Porter is willing to defend either guards positions and was the most vocal player on the defensive end. Already had the attention of D2s before the event, but could see some offers after this strong performance.</p>