Friday Top Performers

<p>If there is a silver lining with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the accessibility of live streamed games not just over the Summer, but now during the high school season. Because of this, I was able to check out 2 games this Friday via livestream, watching Botkins take out Jackson Center 68-55 and Tecumseh knocking out Bethel 59-45. Below are the top performers I noticed from the livestreams.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="714519" first="Aidan" last="Reichert"]</strong> (2021) Jackson Center- My favorite prospect on the day, Reichert continued to show why he is the best defensive player in the Greater Dayton area as he was tasked with defending Botkins interior threat <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045457" first="Jacob" last="Pleiman"]</strong>. Reichert defensively made it difficult for Pleiman to make post moves and used active hands to knock the ball out of Pleiman’s hands when he wasn’t as aware. Reichert had an incredible motor on the offensive glass, going after several second chance balls and rebounding over Trojan defenders. This allowed him to score several buckets on second chance opportunities.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="976077" first="Camdyn" last="Reese"]</strong> (2023) Jackson Center- Reese spent last year as a freshman as a role player for the Tigers. A defensive specialist, Reese showed he could defend multiple positions last year and only continued to back that claim up Friday. The 6’4 sophomore defended hard, contributing on help-side defense and also defending on the ball cleanly. Physically strong and has a very solid frame. Offensively brought the ball up for the Tigers and ran the point. Turned it over a handful of times, but for the most part kept control. Once in half court, set screens and kept the ball moving on the perimeter to contribute.</p> <p><strong>Zane Paul</strong> (2021) Botkins- The Heidelberg soccer commit really stepped up for the Trojans on Friday as their primary scoring option and top guard. Showing a confident and accurate shooting touch, Paul made his mark early knocking down the very first shot he took and connecting on more after. Not the most physically imposing player you’ll find, Zane played with tons of heart and showed how tough he was on both ends of the floor. Defended the ball all 94 feet and wasn’t afraid to go up against Jackson Center’s younger guards.</p> <p><strong>Collin O’Connor</strong> (2023) Tecumseh- O’Connor is Tecumseh’s best player after being a great secondary option last season. His ability to be impactful in half court settings is what I felt most likely translates for college coaches. Collin has a great breakdown on the perimeter, utlizing his between the legs dribble to create space and then attack with the dribble drive. His awareness on the floor and distributing skill was impressive and made him look even better as a prospect.</p> <p><strong>Seth Hale</strong> (2021) Tecumseh- The 6’4 interior threat was most impressive on the block for the Arrows. Possessing a wide and physical frame, Hale was in the right place at the right time. Found gaps in the Bethel defense and finished well through contact. Cleaned up missed shot opportunities at the rim and did it consistently.  </p>