Top Central Ohio Incoming Freshmen
Coming off of the 270 Hoops event dubbed “The Intro,” (among other events over the summer and start of fall) plenty of freshman have emerged as key names to keep an eye on going forward; including some young men attending…
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Continue ReadingComing off of the 270 Hoops event dubbed “The Intro,” (among other events over the summer and start of fall) plenty of freshman have emerged as key names to keep an eye on going forward; including some young men attending Columbus City League school’s. Adjusting to the pace of high school play will always be difficult but with age and maturity comes more confidence and better play. What the writer calls “the similac factor,” (the act in which their youth will determine their fate) will always come into play and their progress throughout the season will be important. This is a list of freshman with potential to help their teams this upcoming season.
Denarius Crowder Jr.- Independence: Crowder is just built different, with broad shoulders and biceps the size of some wrestlers. In the Columbus City League, he can be used in different ways at a young age that can bring him along slowly with an experienced team with guards that can guide and help teach him. Crowder is a freight train to the basket, using his size and speed to barrel through and fly past defenders. He has shown a propensity to hit jumpers from the perimeter, making him a threat to score at any time when the ball is in his hand. The most impressive part of his game has been his defense, Crowder uses his strength to move the ball handler wherever he wants them to go and contests shots when they are put up. A very interesting young prospect worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.
Papanar Dieng- Africentric: A raw, athletic prospect with nothing but upside and youth on his side. He will have a chance to come along at a steady pace with the most talented roster in the Columbus City League south, possibly not even playing varsity basketball this season but he is a stock to buy into early. The long-armed lefty demonstrated decent passing ability and was amazing in the open court, finishing at the rim and absorbing contact through it with some natual power that is not seen just by looking at his body type. Dieng set good screens, with a strong base, and rolled to the rim with a spring in his step, expecting to get the ball on the cut inside. With more coaching, this young man will do nothing but refine his game and turn into a really good player who can contribute to any program.
Isiah Brown- Olentangy Berlin: The 6-foot-1 speedster excels in the open court thus far in his basketball life, usually being the fastest player with the ball in his hand whatever gym he was in this past summer. As Brown grows (because he can still get taller) he can be put in different positions to be effective because of his ball handling ability and decision making. Brown is not the best shooter as of right now but with his craftiness and capability of getting to the rim, he can score in a myriad of ways. Even without the ball in his hands, Brown is an excellent floor runner, he fills the lane well when he running to the rim and knows how to space out to the three point line when needed. Olentangy Berlin has a realy good young player who can come in and contribute to his team in small ways immediately.
Colton Slaughter- Cambridge: This writer has been to countless basketball events between the summer and fall, seeing a number of players and this young man had the best hair I saw and it really isn’t even close. Besides his amazing mullet, Slaughter’s calling card seemed to be defense as he was able to stay in the offensive players hip and not let them around him. The phrase “country strong,” seems to fit him, he does not have the overbearing muscler tone on his body but Colton plays with strength. He is still finding his way on offense and he struggles to consistently knock down perimeter jumpers but that can be improved upon with gym time. Slaughter makes tough shots while driving to the basket, which is something that he cannot make a living off of but he can improve from it and become a reliable offensive option in due time.
Geremiah Thompson- Independence: Thompson is another kid who just looks like a basketball player, with a nice frame that will only grow as he gets older. Standing at 6-foot-3, Thompson could have an immediate impact for the 76ers this season and give them some length that they will need. This young man has showed himself to be a really good passer whether he is passing out of the post or on the break, Thompson knows where and when the double team is coming from and is able to get the ball to a teammate on time and on target. When he gets the ball inside, a bucket is going to happen because Thompson has nice post moves and a soft touch at the rim that allows baskets to fall around the rim. As a freshman, Thompson can help an experienced and will come along quickly due to his size and skillset, look for this kid to be a tremendous player very soon.
Zachary Imbody- Heath: Standing at 6-foot-6, Imbody always stands out when on the court with kids in his age group and he uses his height to effect games. Although he is built as if he could tip over at any moment, Imbody runs the floor better than it would seem and he catches the ball in traffic with strong hands. Being able to see over the defense while posting up helps to be a better passer but making the passes are never easy and this young man makes it look easy. Great instincts down low as well, showing an understanding of double teams and where his spots are on the court offensively. His high basketball IQ and natural height will carry him at the beginning until his skillset catches up to other big time high school players but Imbody can end up being a force in Ohio basketball very soon.
Ayden Miller- Pickerington North: This kid is a natural leader who uses his voice on offense and defense, and can flat out get after it on defense. Miller often assumed the “coach on the court” role with his teams because of his vocal nature and ability to get other players in the correct spots on the court. Miller is gritty defensively, does not quit and plays hard until he hears the echoes of the whistle which will be a key in developing at the next level. On offense, Miller can knock down shots when needed but it is not his strength just yet, it will come along because his form is pure and the ball looks nice coming off his hands. Leadership will get him in the door but his skills will keep him around as he gets better over the years and this kid will become one of the better players in the area.