Ohio Capital Conference- Cardinal Division Players To Watch

With a team already out to a 2-game lead on everyone else, because they are the only team that have touched a court in this division, the Cardinal division of the OCC will be fascinating to watch. It will be interesting to see if Olentangy Berlin (2-0 this year; 4-20 last year) can take the lessons and chemistry that can only be learned through playing and use them once the other teams join them in playing. This division also features only two teams that finished last season over .500, the newly acquired Marysville (15-8) who came from the Central division and Thomas Worthington (21-5) who finished second in this very division and are the favorites coming into this season. Olentangy (10-13) joins the Cardinal division as well as apart if the realignment with Dublin Jerome (11-13) and Hilliard Darby (6-17) returning. It will be worth watching if the other teams can take down Thomas Worthington who boast 2 of the best players in the entire division. [player_tooltip player_id="805137" first="Jalen" last="Sullinger"]- Senior; Thomas Worthington: The best point guard in the division, Sullinger has everything that a team would want in its floor general. The Kent State commit sees the floor and understands the game at a different level than most high school kids, he has amazing anticipation on passes and the ability to play at whatever speed the game dictates. Sullinger can get into the paint when he wants and can finish over-the-top of taller players, even though he only stands at around 5-foot-11. He can get hot from deep and become even more of a terror for a defense. Sullinger is worth the price of admission to watch work, the Golden Flashes have a great point guard with a great background coming into their program next season so watch him now while it’s still easy to do. [player_tooltip player_id="805216" first="Jack" last="Christian"]- Senior; Marysville: Fans can get a certain appreciation for a player by watching them live and in-person, Christian is one of those players. Christian has just gotten better day-by-day and year-by-year, steadily adding things into his bag of tricks until it added up to what he is today. The tough-minded senior is a pure leader and plays with high energy throughout the game. His handle is really good with a really good step-back jumper to match. Christian gets into the lane and is able to finish over taller players all while keeping his head up for cutters and open shooters because he has excellent court vision. A lead guard who embodies everything those two words mean, Christian will have a big year and more schools should start attaching their name to him. Austin Corley-Senior; Olentangy Berlin: The steady hand, and leader of the team, Corley is already averaging 14 points per game, after averaging just over 12 last year, and has shown the ability to get his own shots off. Corley’s handle has improved from last season, being able to handle pressure better and looking to get the ball out of his hand quicker than he did last year. He can push the ball in the fast break, showing great speed with the ball in his hands. He anticipates well on defense, accumulating steals by playing passing lanes and committing to that side of the court. Being the leader of this team will allow Corley to set the tone for his team and be the one the younger players rely on. Derrick Goodman- Freshman; Olentangy Berlin: A hit who has already made a splash and showed fans he is a player to watch, not only now but also in the future. After only scoring nine points in his opening game, Goodman exploded with an 18-point outburst of sorts that did not come as a surprise to those who have watched him over the summer. Goodman showed the skill to be an amazing shooter while not making that the only scary part to his game. He has an IQ beyond his years, understanding game flow and when to be aggressive and when to be more passive, especially on a team where he is surrounded by seniors. Goodman is not only a player to watch this season but Ohio, and the OCC in particular will have to deal with this kid for three more seasons after this. [player_tooltip player_id="809662" first="Ethan" last="Smith"]- Junior; Olentangy: A diminutive guard, the 5-foot-9 Smith was the youngest of a trio that all averaged 11 points per game each, he returns ready to take over a team that is begging for a star to step up and take charge. Smith has a lightning quick release and a weird delivery, shooting from the side of his head, but the shot falls and that’s what matters most. When the ball is in Smith’s hand in the open court he is dangerous, being able to not only take it to the basket and finish with a high-arching layup or a dazzling pass to a teammate. Smith’s height makes him a liability in straight man-to-man defense but he can pressure the ball and force ball handlers into uncharacteristic turnovers. [player_tooltip player_id="918955" first="Tyrese" last="Hughey"]- Senior; Thomas Worthington: The 6-foot-7 rose quickly through last season and into this summer, becoming a quality prospect and parlaying that into a scholarship from Furman University. Apart of one of the better duos in the OCC, Hughey looks to keep things rolling after averaging 11.6 points per game and grabbing everything coming off the glass en route to his team’s first district title since 2001. Playing with more confidence heading into this season, knowing he is one of the best players in the area will do wonders for this young man who can change any game when he is engaged and energetic. [player_tooltip player_id="919022" first="Garrett" last="Taylor"]- Senior; Marysville: Taylor is a presence in the middle, standing at 6-foot-7, who protects the rim very well has a soft touch around the rim. Although his biggest talent is on defense, Taylor was able to average just over 16 points per game last season. Taylor plays stronger than his frame would suggest and can block shots both from the weak side and when players try to shoot over top of him. This young man also gets his hands on the ball for deflections when forced to guard the perimeter. A tall and aggressive defender, Taylor destroys the perception that defenders are boring to watch. [player_tooltip player_id="922602" first="Ryan" last="Nutter"]- Sophomore; Dublin Jerome: This kid had a very impressive summer and looks to add his name into the mix as a top player in a loaded 2022 class. Nutter fly’s around the court making plays defensively, being able to guard multiple positions with his good lateral movement and long arms. Nutter hits timely shots, the kind that quells the runs of the other team or the kind that keeps the opposing team at bay in the final seconds while protecting a lead. He gets easy shots going towards the rim when his outside shot does not and can flat out pass the ball. Nutter should have a very impressive season and open eyes to how good he can be. Cam Gilkerson- Sophomore; Hilliard Darby: After a tough season for the Panthers, fans can look forward to the 6-foot-3 Gilkerson going out there and giving defensive effort for the entire game. Gilkerson was a bright spot for a team that struggled last year, competing at a high level. Although he does not put the ball in the basket as much as some would like, he makes up for it with his defensive ability. He has quick hands, able to get them in the way of entry passes, then he can push the ball up court by himself or with excellent full court passes that are right on the money. Gilkerson can block shots from the weak side as well, helping his teammates who may have gotten blown past. If Hilliard Darby does not win many games again, go and watch this young man give all of his effort.     *All Statistics Provided By 270Hoops.com*