270 Hoops Proving Grounds Week 5 Winners

Week 5 of the Proving Grounds took place on Sunday, October 4th, 2020 and this Sunday was all about the small school hoopers in Ohio. This Sunday’s event was labeled as the “Country Roads Challenge,” because players from schools such as South Point, Johnstown and other smaller schools. The Proving Grounds is where close to 30 players come together and compete in five on five games to see which team will be the first to six victories. To give this event a clutch feel, the game must end on a made free throw and that helps these young men get practice in taking and making free throws with the game on the line. These are the young men that stood out and above the rest of the players that were on display Sunday. [player_tooltip player_id="805216" first="Jack" last="Christian"]- Marysville: One of the best shooters during the day, Christian showed the ability to heat up quick from deep, going on a flurry during multiple games. This young man also put on film his steady point guard play, he played at his pace and never got rushed into making mistakes. He moved well without the ball to free himself up for open shots. A fundamentally good passer, Christian passed the ball ahead for layups in transition, after baskets when opponents were relaxing on defense and when driving to the basket. [player_tooltip player_id="919022" first="Garrett" last="Taylor"]- Marysville: This big man impressed all day with his versatility and how fluid he moved on both ends of the floor. He led his team to three straight early victories with his playmaking for himself and others with his good instincts and just being around the ball when the time is right. On defense, Taylor was dominant with a number of blocks that wowed the other players and steals that put his team in transition for easy scores. The most impressive part of Garrett’s game on Sunday was the way he controlled the game with his rebounding, Taylor grabbed boards in every way possible showcasing his impeccable nose for the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="918998" first="Gavin" last="Foe"]- Johnstown: Fearless shot taker, even if the shots did not fall with the regularity he would have wanted today. Foe was the consumate point guard leader on the floor with his steadiness, he also has the size to see over the defense even while keeping the ball low so the defense cannot steal it away from him. On the defensive side of the ball, Foe used his size to disrupt and challenge shots from opposing guards on the floor. He glided in transition and got some easy baskets. Trent Hundley- Eastern Brown: Another young man who had a habit of being around the basketball at the most opportune time. Hundley was able to take advantage of his hustle and get easy back door layups. His jump shot got better as the day went on to the point where he was one of the best shooters in the gym on Sunday. He displayed an ability to pass the ball as either the primary ball handler or as a cutter dishing it off to the big man when his man steps up. The playmaker also showcased his athleticism with a couple trick up and under moves at the rim. The Co-MVP of the day proved he was a prospect worth looking into for smaller schools, he could be a great fit in any system. [player_tooltip player_id="805196" first="Cody" last="Lantz"]- Shelby: When he was on the court, he consistently made big plays, kept his team competitive in a loss and hit a game winning basket in one of his teams wins. Lantz used his long arms to make things difficult for whoever he was guarding. He made plays in the paint for himself and other, showcasing a playmaking skill that is exceptional. Once this young man gains some weight his defense prowess will grow. Showed a propensity to make shots both when left open and when creating his own. Zach Vernon- North Union: Even though his team came up short, Vernon kept his team competitive when they were on the court and also was apart of leading them to two wins. Vernon consistently made tough baskets from drives where it looked as though he was getting hit the entire time. Showed poise during the afternoon with his calmness on the court and his tenacity on defense. Stronger than he looks as well and the way defenders bounced off of him showcased that. Luke Rowlinson- Western Reserve: The other Co-MVP of the day, Rowlinson caught fire late in the day and never took his foot off the gas. A number of game winning shots (free throw included) made him stand out even more than his ability to stretch the defense did. His range shined around his team’s third victory and he kept pushing the limits of it. Rowlinson hit tough shots with hands in his face and ripped one from 70 West to give his team the victory on the day.