Top 2023/2024 prospects from day 1 of NEO Christmas Classic
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The NEO Christmas Classic brought some talented prospects to Garfield Heights High School, in this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2023 and 2024 prospects from the event. Jesse McCulloch Jesse McCulloch 6'9" | PF Lutheran East | 2024…
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Continue ReadingThe NEO Christmas Classic brought some talented prospects to Garfield Heights High School, in this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2023 and 2024 prospects from the event.
Jesse McCulloch Jesse McCulloch 6'9" | PF Lutheran East | 2024 State #136 Nation OH , 6’8 C Lutheran East 2024: McCulloch was a man amongst boys in this contest, dominating every aspect of the game in Lutheran East’s blowout victory over VASJ. McCulloch was a force on both ends, blocking shots and then turning those into easy dunks in the half-court. McCulloch has also improved his touch around the basket, making one sick spin into a lefty layup. This was the type of performance I’ve been wanting to see as McCulloch is establishing himself as one of the best 2024 prospects in the state.
Derek Fairley Derek Fairley 6'1" | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH , 5’11 PG Lutheran West 2024: Fairley led the Longhorns, under new head coach Jordan Duke, in scoring with 16 points in a tight loss to Padua. I liked Fairley’s aggressiveness in getting to the basket and his shot-making ability. I want to see more of him in the future, but I thought he made a good first impression on me. A name to monitor in the future for sure.
Brandon Rose Brandon Rose 6'4" | SF Gilmour | 2023 State OH , 6’3 SF Gilmour 2023: Rose and Ryan Mueller Ryan Mueller 6'7" | PF Gilmour Academy | 2022 State OH had a dunk contest in the middle of Gilmour’s win over Kenston. Between the duo, I’d bet they threw down 8-10 dunks in the contest. Rose is a highflyer from the wing position and when the game gets going up and down, he’s tough to stop. I want to see Rose continue to improve in the half-court because he’s got the athleticism to make an impact at the next level.
Hosea Steele Hosea Steele 6'4" | SF Richmond Heights | 2024 State OH , 6’4 PF Cleveland Heights 2024: Cleveland Heights was a team I didn’t know much about heading into this game, and I left very impressed with the play of Steele off the bench. Steele blocked a couple shots and gave good effort on the defensive end. Offensively, he had a couple nice takes to the basket including a spin move into a layup. I’d like to see Steele take some shots from the perimeter because that’s one skill that I’m not sure of after this first viewing. With such an inexperienced squad for Cleveland Heights, I’d imagine Steele is a big piece for their future.