Positional breakdowns top 2023 C’s Part 1

<p>As we move to the final position in the top 2023 breakdowns, the big fellas have their time to shine. There’s a lot of talent at the C position in this class, as we hope to spotlight the best of the best in this article.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1052783" first="Austin" last="Parks"], 6’9 C St Mary’s Memorial 2023: An obvious high major prospect that was under the radar a bit too long due to COVID, [player_tooltip player_id="1052783" first="Austin" last="Parks"] has received recruiting attention worthy of his talents in the past couple months. It seems like most of the Big 10 has stopped by to check out Parks and for good reason. The 6’9 big is one of the most dominant Ohio center’s I’ve covered since scouting a few seasons ago. Parks is mobile and can get up and down the floor, perhaps most importantly he can move his feet on defense in space. Outside of hitting the 3-point shot, Parks is really everything a high major coach would want from a modern big man. Despite not playing on a shoe circuit travel program and playing at a rural public school, Parks still has tons of high major offers.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="814555" first="Tyler" last="Williams"], 6’8 C Brush 2023: Williams had an excellent Sophomore season, as he was one of the top rebounders and shot blockers in the area. Williams excels with his energy and hustle. The offense has always been a work in progress, but Williams is starting to make some strides. I saw some nice flashes with Indy Heat 16U this spring and expect him to flash even more of his offensive progression with Brush this winter. Time will tell with just how far he’s come on that side of the basketball.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="867952" first="Darius" last="Stratford"], 6’9 C STVM 2023: Stratford has waited his turn at STVM and could be a key player for the Irish as a Junior. I thought he actually made a positive impact when he got the opportunity to play as a Sophomore and wasn’t surprised when he made some plays for All Ohio Red 16U at the Peach Jam. Stratford has had questions about his motor since I began watching him, and I think playing on the EYBL circuit really helped him in this regard. I’m very interested to see how Stratford adjusts playing a bigger role for STVM as they move forward without [player_tooltip player_id="593905" first="Malaki" last="Branham"] next season. Stratford is certainly a name for Division I coaches to keep an eye on.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1052782" first="Chase" last="Walker"], 6’6 C St Charles 2023: Walker is the biggest player I’ve covered in the state as he looks like a nose tackle on the basketball court. Don’t let his size fool you, Walker has legit skill on the hardwood. Walker is one of the best post passers I’ve ever scouted and has nice touch in the post. The question with Walker will always be if he can get into basketball shape to run up and down the court and stay on the floor for extended periods of time.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1165506" first="Cole" last="Rhett"], 6’8 C Bishop Watterson 2023: Rhett was the breakout name in central Ohio’s 2023 class last season, as he led Bishop Watterson on a Cinderella run in the playoffs. Rhett is similar to Walker with his size and passing ability, but not to either extreme that Walker is. Rhett is a problem on the block at the high school level, most schools don’t have a post that can compete with him in the paint. I’ve only seen Rhett a few times in his career, I’ll be very interested to see him with Watterson this winter.</p>