Central Ohio Week 7 Top Performers

The basketball season in the Central Ohio area is officially in go-mode, and this past week there were many amazing displays of high school basketball by these young men. There have been so many games played this season, with only the Columbus City League not being able to take the court so far. Teams are catching their rhythm and hitting their strides as a whole, getting better and better gearing up for playoff runs. An unbeaten team is unbeaten no more after finally taking a loss this past week because of a spectacular performance. From a staple to this section who continues to have big games, to young men who came up short in their games but were tremendous, to school record breakers and a historic high school performance, here are the top performers from the week of January 4th- January 10. [player_tooltip player_id="918967" first="Tasos" last="Cook"]- Senior; Westerville Central: Let’s start this with a staple of this article, which just shows his consistency throughout this season, Cook had another week to remember and it started with a 49-45 win over Pickerington North where he put up 15 big points for his team. He followed up Tuesday’s performance with a season-high 32 points at Westland where his team extended their season-opening win streak to five games. Cook also snatched down eight boards, dished out five assists and grabbed five steals, putting his entire game on display. This young man has been rolling this season, helping to put his team in serious state championship contention. The unsigned senior is putting everyone on notice that he is not one to be trifled with, he is on a mission. [player_tooltip player_id="921785" first="Derrick" last="James"]- Junior; St. Charles: He was the best player on the court in January 4th’s match-up between the Cardinals and the Gahanna Lions, despite his team losing 55-54 in a thrilling game. He played big-time all night, and scored 13 of the 20 in the second half, showing his competitive fire and never quit attitude. James was in attack mode, getting to the free throw line consistently and making them count by knocking them down. He was also an irritant defensively, notching three steals while rarely making mistakes himself. For all of James’ 5-foot-9 height, he knows how to control his body in the air which makes for some incredible finishes around the rim. He followed that game up with a 16-point outing against Fairfield Union. James was amazing this week and is still showing that he can flat out ball and hoping that college programs are watching his production. [player_tooltip player_id="1052782" first="Chase" last="Walker"]- Junior; St. Charles: After a solid 12-point and game-high eight rebound game against Gahanna, Walker put up 13 points and a handful of nice assists against Fairfield Union. Walker’s passing gift is special, he can find open shooters all over the court with his great vision and is able to get it there with nice zip on the ball as well. He seems to have his conditioning under better control and it will continue to improve. Walker can hit mid range shots and is a space eater on defense. This young man continues to improve his all around game, posting up with more regularity and smaller defenders pay in the paint. His rebounding has been important for the Cardinals as well, he dominates the glass and controls the paint with confidence and physicality. A really good prospect, especially as his conditioning gets better, he could be a special player. [player_tooltip player_id="805170" first="Jackson" last="Izzard"]- Senior; Jonathan Alder: One of the most versatile scorers in the Central Ohio area, Izzard dropped a light 30 piece on Bishop Hartley in a 45-43 double overtime win on January 5th. You read that correctly, Izzard scored all but 15 points for his team. The wide receiver prospect was brilliant as he worked the mid-range against Hartley like he works the middle of the football field, knocking down shots in that area and getting to the free throw line all night. He slowed down on January 8th, Izzard poured in a quiet 12 points in the Pioneers win over Springfield Shawnee and got the deep jumper rolling a little bit. A legit athlete that can get done in two different sports and plays with such intelligence that it is easy to understand why he is such a coveted prospect. Cayden Dougherty- Senior; Worthington Kilbourne: The new all-time assist leader in Gray Wolf history, Dougherty tossed his 271st assist on January 5th in his teams 80-45 win over Franklin Heights. He showed great vision and the gift of hitting teammates perfectly in their shooting pocket for the easiest shot possible. The 5-foot-11 senior does not score much but he runs his team with poise and pace, conducting the show and getting his scorers the ball and allowing them to work. His defense is tough, getting in the hip pocket of the ball handler and disrupting the flow of the offense. Schools that need a pure point guard to run their show and defend at a high level should give this man a look immediately. [player_tooltip player_id="1041445" first="Ian" last="Schupp"]- Senior; Worthington Kilbourne: He started the week with a quiet 10 points in his team’s easy victory over Franklin Heights, he then followed that up with a game high, 26-point performance in the loss to Westerville on January 8th. The 6-foot-5 Schupp dominated inside the arc and took kids to school as he unleashed his offense on the Warriors defense. He was unstoppable, hitting multiple deep three point jump shots and finishing around the rim with athleticism. The senior even showed up on the defensive end with some blocks this week. Schupp is averaging just under 20 points per game to start this season and will continue to put up tremendous numbers as the Gray Wolf’s look to make a deep tournament run at the end of the year. Travis Mecklenburg- Senior; Worthington Kilbourne: This young man really hit his stride this week, starting with scoring 18 points in the win over Franklin Heights then putting up 21 in the loss to Westerville North. Mecklenburg finished at the rim in transition, playing through contact in the process a few times showing next level strength. The 6-foot-5 forward was also able to stretch the floor and knock down multiple three-point shots, showing a quick release and being unphased by hands in his face. Defensively, he was able to block some shots with good timing and he guarded the perimeter a few times, showing he could slide his feet and defend out there. Mecklenburg is intriguing with his size and skill set, something that programs should be interested in. [player_tooltip player_id="867951" first="Devin" last="Royal"]- Sophomore; Pickerington Central: Pouring in 26 points and playing his best game of the season in a big win over Lancaster. Royal was great at the rim all evening long and finished with consistency and a soft touch. He was big in the fourth quarter and held off the late rally from a tough Lancaster squad. He has a world of potential, which is part of the reason Ohio University has already offered him a scholarship, with his length and abilities on both ends of the court. Defensively, Royal is solid and can protect the rim on the inside while being able to get on the perimeter and defend other wings. The 6-foot-5 forward also rebounds at a high rate, with good athleticism and explosive jumping ability. Royal is going to continue to present problems in the OCC, problems that don’t have many solutions. [player_tooltip player_id="805137" first="Jalen" last="Sullinger"]- Senior; Thomas Worthington: The future Kent State star is one of the most consistent players in Central Ohio, playing at a high level for the vast majority of his high school career and this weekend it was no different as he dropped 24 on Springfield Shawnee in a 76-62 win for his team. Not much needs to be said about this young man, he plays with patience and poise while being one of the best scorers in the area. He attacks the basket and finishes with both hands, he can also shoot the lights out just for good measure. Sullinger will be a productive player at the next level because of his skill set and the way he leads, a young man this area should be proud of. [player_tooltip player_id="809594" first="DJ" last="Moore"]- Junior; Worthington Christian: Another young man who is as steady a player as there is in the Central Ohio area, the Liberty commit was the only source of offense as his Warriors fell from the ranks of the unbeatens in the 42-40 loss to Dublin Jerome. Moore scored 18 points while nobody on his team scored more than five. He displayed his three-point shooting ability and was able to break the defense down with his elite quickness and ball handling. Moore worked for all of his points but he was still effective in being able to score close to half of Worthington Christian’s total points. The junior is a high level defender as well, playing smart and deflecting passes, he is going to be a total stud at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="918986" first="Henry" last="Hinkle"]- Senior; Olentangy Liberty: One of the best shooters in the area, Hinkle is an absolute winner and a player who is accustomed to this weekly accolade that isn’t really an accolade but since it is written by me then this writer will treat it as an accolade. Hinkle scored 21 points on January 8th, Liberty’s 64-60 victory over Hilliard Davidson and hit three deep three pointers in the process. He hit multiple shots off the dribble and was brilliant passing the ball, including the inbound pass that led to the game winning shot from teammate [player_tooltip player_id="1041814" first="Andrew" last="Wade"]. This winner of a young man is still sadly unsigned and schools are really missing the boat with this young man, Hinkle can be a productive player at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="919031" first="Andre" last="Irvin"] Jr.- Senior; Olentangy Orange: A favorite of this writer, Irvin produced on January 9th, scoring 25 points in the 89-64 blowout of DeSales. Irvin is not only one the toughest players in the area but he also has a flamethrower on his arm and let it fly, hitting a pair of three’s and numerous mid-range shots. From start to finish Irvin excelled on both ends of court, he used his elite handle to get in the lane then finished in the lane over taller players and made it look easy. Irvin also snagged a few steals using those active hands, playing without fouling, showing his careful aggression on that end of court. One of the best players in Central Ohio, Irvin can do it all on both ends of the court and he is the kind of leader that college coaches love. Matt Keener- Sophomore; Fairfield Christian: Recording a triple-double is one of the hardest things to do in high school basketball but not only did this young man do it, he did with 18 points, 10 rebounds and 12 steals. The best part you ask? He is 5-foot-8, and readers know that I love small point guards. He clearly was all over the court, disrupting the opposing offense and getting out in transition for easy baskets. Keener also showed incredible will by grabbing 10 rebounds at his height, showing determination with his effort and great timing on long rebounds. Keener had his Al Bundy night, the one that he will always remember and tell his future kids about.   *All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com