270 Hoops Battle for the City Top 2024 Performers

<p>The 2021 battle for the city brought some of the top 2024 talent in the central Ohio area. This was our first opportunity to see a majority of these prospects. While showcase settings aren’t exactly the best evaluation setting, it was good to get our eyes on some players in person and see how they move, jump-shots and athleticism. You don’t want to take too much from these, but it’s a decent first impression that I otherwise wouldn’t have.</p> <p>Jason Moore, 6’7 C Marysville 2024: Moore really popped in my eyes thanks to his size and motor. Moore runs the floor well for a guy his size and age. I liked Moore’s touch around the rim with both hands, going up for dunks and layups with his left hand. Moore projects as a probable division I caliber prospect, it should be interesting to monitor his development.</p> <p>Juwan Turner, 5’9 PG Pickerington Central 2024: Turner was the best defensive player in the freshman class at this event in my opinion. Turner has good hands and gets into opposing ball-handlers grill when they have the ball. I wouldn’t be surprised if he got some decent minutes at the guard position next season for Pick Central.</p> <p>Derek Goodman, 6’1 SG Olentangy Berlin 2024: Goodman has a funky shot but he was lighting it up from downtown all night long. Has nice range on his jumper as well. Olentangy Berlin is a program on the rise and with some more young talent like Goodman, I’d expect college coaches to start checking out their talent very soon.</p> <p>Cortez Freeman, 6’2 PG Canal Winchester 2024: Freeman was the most talented on ball guard at the event. Can really create space with the dribble and either pull-up or get to the rim. Freeman has a very high ceiling and should be regarded as one of the top guards in the 2024 class in Ohio.</p> <p>Jesse Burris, 6’3 SF Delaware Hayes 2024: The Burris name is one that is familiar to the Delaware area, as [player_tooltip player_id="800844" first="Paul" last="Burris"] was a stud and committed to Ashland out of high school. The younger Burris seems like he could be better though, as Jesse flashed some really impressive potential at this event. Burris can create for himself off the bounce well and shoots the crap out of the basketball.</p> <p>Kj Jones, 6’8 C Columbus International 2024: The tallest player at this event in his class, Jones showed some flashes throughout the night. Jones scored around the basket and threw down a couple dunks. While Jones has a long ways to go offensively, he’s a guy you’ll want to keep your eyes on because his physical tools are very intriguing.</p> <p>Dominique Aekins, 5’7 PG Kipp Columbus: Aekins is a blur on the court. At 5’7 you might overlook him initially, but Aekins is super explosive as a leaper. If Aekins can grow a couple inches, he becomes a very intriguing athletic point guard prospect.</p> <p>Sam Johnson, 6’6 PF Worthington Christian 2024: Johnson is a player I’ve had much experience watching as he played a crucial role for the state runner up, Worthington Christian. Johnson has a very polished game for a freshman, displaying a high feel for the game from the post. Johnson is one of the most productive freshman in the state and should take a much bigger role next season with [player_tooltip player_id="809594" first="DJ" last="Moore"] leaving for Liberty a year earlier than planned.</p>