Top Early Season Sophomore Stock Risers
Every player has a different high school story, some are day one stars and then there are those players that have to chip away and raise their stock in the eyes of coaches and scouts game-by-game. The players on this…
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Continue ReadingEvery player has a different high school story, some are day one stars and then there are those players that have to chip away and raise their stock in the eyes of coaches and scouts game-by-game. The players on this list had decent freshmen years, came back and have exploded in their sophomore season. Some played varsity ball last season and increased their game to a new level which raised their stock and some played junior varsity then improved to a valuable varsity player for their team this season which raised their stock. Whether these players have raised it through scoring, defense or just overall effect on the game, here are the top sophomore stock risers for the early part of the 2020-2021 basketball season in the Central Ohio area.
Peyton Frey Peyton Frey 6'5" | PF Hilliard Davidson | 2023 State OH – Hilliard Davidson: This 6-foot-6 monster has a game that will translate to every level, he can score all over the court, is athletic and can defend using his length and ability. The lefty Frey has an undeniable flick, leave him open and it’s time to set up your offense because his stroke is pure, fluid and true. His handle is top-notch and he can get past his defender for pull-up jumpers or finishes at the rim with athletic ability that is eye-popping. So far this year, Frey has averaged 10 points per game and has shredded team’s from beyond the arc. Defensively, Frey is versatile and can guard both inside and out. His height allows him to rim protect and block shots but his lateral movements lets him go to the perimeter, move his feet and cause issues for opposing ball handlers by taking away passing lanes. Frey could be an elite prospect when it is all said and done, with the skill set, versatility and attitude of a big time player.
Trenton Collins- Lakewood: Possibly the biggest rising of them all is this young man, as a freshman he put up just over seven points per game in 20 total games with a season-high of 18 points but this season Collins has went to another level by scoring in double-digits in all but two games so far this year and having a season-high of 26. Collins is leading his team in scoring by a wide margin and is the only consistent offense they get. This young man has been amazing in 2020-2021, scoring on all three levels of the court and being efficient while doing so. Collins has his deep jumper working right now along with his mid-range and when he gets to the rim he can finish with either hand. He creates space off the dribble and flows right into his jump shot like a work of art. Collins’ offensive game has gotten his name out there as one of the better players in the 2023 class and if he can continue his consistent play then by the end of his high school career we could be looking at one the best scorers in Licking County League history.
Clayton Rhyne- Amanda-Clearcreek: One of the best small school players from the 2023 class, Rhyne has exploded onto the scene this year after a basically mute freshman year by leading his team in scoring at 16.5 points per game that includes a 34-point eruption in a victory at Newark Catholic. Rhyne has improved over the summer time and has put his hard work on the court to display. The 6-foot-1 guard has ran the show at his own pace has been the fountain of offense for his team, normally scoring at a rapid pace and keeping his team hanging around in games they have no reason being in. Rhyne never gives up on a play and especially not a game, he fights until the final whistle and that has been noticed by scouts and college coaches around the area. This young man’s offensive game has been refined over the off-season and this season is showing the results which means he can only get better.
Nyelle Shaheed Nyelle Shaheed 6'5" | C Harvest Prep | 2023 State OH – Harvest Prep: A non-stop motor and the will to win, Shaheed will be an interesting study for colleges as he ages. The rangy-wing can do a little bit of everything on the floor, he can score on offense, he can guard on defense and he plays extremely hard for the entire game. Shaheed is an amazing finisher at the rim, whether working in the post or scoring off of offensive rebounds, with nice athleticism and the ability to finish with either hand. After averaging just over 5 points per game last season, he has almost doubled that output and is dropping in almost 10 per game to start the 2020-2021 season. Defensively, Shaheed is active, energetic and uses his long arms to cause more chaos than the Shaderoom comment section on Instagram. He gets his hands on the basketball as opposing players pass the ball as his Warriors employ a full-court press and can contest shots at the rim with underrated strength for his age. As the years move on and Shaheed’s game continues to expand he can become a prime prospect for Ohio-area colleges.
Cam Gilkerson- Hilliard Darby: After not posting any varsity statistics last season, Gilkerson has changed that and has scored double-digits in three games to start this 2020-2021 campaign while averaging 11 points per game as well which is leading his team. The lefty swing man has impressed with his long range shooting abilities, having a game in which he knocked down five shots from behind the three-point line. Gilkerson has a nice release on his shot and range deep enough that teams must defend him once he crosses the half court line. At the defensive end of the court, he has good timing and can attack the passing lanes with his long arms which causes steals and fast break opportunities for his team. Gilkerson could already be the Panthers best player and will only get better with more experience as the lead dog of the Hilliard Darby basketball team.
Mikey McCollum- Olentangy Orange: So far in the 2020-2021 season, he has proven that he is capable of shooting the ball at a relatively high clip on this level. McCollum started this season by draining six three-point shots on the road against Watkins Memorial, and although he has struggled as of late his energy is still there. He is still getting good looks on offense and still gets after it on the defensive end of the court, accumulating steals and starting fast breaks for his team. His stock has risen because of his shooting capabilities and the way he competes on both ends of the floor. McCollum is still a good floor spacer on the offensive side of the ball and a smart defensive player that can close out on shooters and force tough shots over him. The more experience he gets the better he will become, understanding the speed and pace of the better teams in the area, adapting to it and playing at that speed consistently.
Jason Inbody- Olentangy Berlin: He has nearly doubled his freshman year averages, Inbody is still coming into his own as a player but his stock has taken a huge leap. Inbody seems to get better at this game with every dribble he takes, showing his tremendous potential and the skill set to be part of the solution to whatever Olentangy Berlin’s basketball problems may be. The 6-foot-4 Inbody is coming off a season in which his season-high was 12 total points while this season he already had a 21-point game along with numerous double-digit scoring outputs. Not only has his stock risen because of his offensive increase but also the way he defends in and outside of the paint. Inbody’s length gives him the ability to block shots in the paint without fouling and guard wing players on the perimeter while disrupting passing lanes and not allowing opposing players to shoot over him. He is also a consistent rebounder, with good timing and a more explosive leap than one would think by looking at him. The Bears have a future set and ready with Inbody and freshman Derek Goodman, this is a duo that will give the OCC fits for years to come.
Justin Townley- Northridge: After a freshman season in which he played 15 games and averaged over five points, Townley has come out early this season and raised his scoring average by three points and is now the team’s third-leading scorer. He is a reliable shooter off the catch and can put the ball on the floor and get to the hoop using a crafty handle. However, Townley’s biggest leap, and what has him on this list, in scout’s eyes, is on the defensive end of the court. The sophomore has a nose for the ball and GPS-like tracking skills when the ball is in the air. Townley can also block shots inside the paint, using his length and good timing to swat shots and most impressively he keeps the ball inbounds. This kid will continue to get better at this level and become the go-to guy for this team at some point which will make him an interesting prospect.
Joey Zalewski Joey Zalewski 6'3" | SF Thomas Worthington | 2023 State OH – Thomas Worthington: The flamethrower attached to his arm has gotten the attention of many around the area, getting many open looks and dropping them like they’re hot. He has upped his scoring average by a couple of points and became a floor stretcher for a team that has key guys that can score at the rim. His jump shot has a nice rhythm to it, it looks as if he is bouncing into it which gives the shot great arc and the best chance to fall in. The sophomore can put the ball floor well enough for now as well, getting in the paint and dishing out to other shooters on his team. Zalewski also has a grittiness about him that allows him to block shots at the rim as well, with great timing and anticipation for the 6-foot-1 guard, or get his hands into ball handlers for steals. His stock has risen because of his shooting ability but as he expands his game, he will be able to be an all-around player worthy of the attention someone of his skill set should get.
Jabari Mitchell Jabari Mitchell 6'6" | C Reynoldsburg | 2023 OH – Reynoldsburg: He brings some of that outside linebacker, football toughness to the basketball court and it has shined through to start off 2021. Mitchell has played pretty good to start this season, showing off his shooting ability with consistently knocking down deep triples and getting to the cup. In his freshman year, he only put up around three points per game and he changed that this season with close to nine points per so far this year. The 6-foot-3 plays physically and gets tough baskets on the inside off of offensive rebounds and put back baskets. His stock has risen because of his ability to defend the perimeter and slow down opposing guards. Mitchell can slide his feet and keep ball handlers in front of him very well, not allowing them to turn the corner and get to the basket while he is guarding them. Mitchell’s slowed paced approach is also somewhat refreshing because he does not get sped up, but he speeds up offensive players thought process with the ball pressure he applies.