Top Sophomore Postseason Performers
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I round out my tournament recaps from last weekend by looking at the top sophomores from the District Semifinal games Friday and Saturday. While there are some familiar names below, some new names impressed me and earned some recognition. Will…
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Continue ReadingI round out my tournament recaps from last weekend by looking at the top sophomores from the District Semifinal games Friday and Saturday. While there are some familiar names below, some new names impressed me and earned some recognition.
Will Yates Will Yates 6'2" | SG Springboro | 2024 State OH (Trotwood-Madison)
Yates created for himself against a Carroll team that defensively was prepared for what the quick Rams were going to do. Yates first few steps are crisp and efficient. Slashed all evening and found different ways to put the ball in the basket. Yates has established himself as the Rams’ best scoring threat at the guard spot. With no seniors on the roster, there’s a good chance we will be seeing Yates’ name for the next 2 years with the Rams.
Tim Carpenter (Trotwood-Madison)
Carpenter is a tough kid which comes as no surprise considering he’s the QB for the football team too. When looking at Carpenter, you don’t think he’s as athletic as he truly is. The 6-foot-3 PF made big defensive plays when it mattered late; elevating above the rim and pinning some shots. Carpenter was a bully on the blocks making whoever was guarding him really work to get in front and just contain the sophomore. He plays bigger and more mature than many sophomores I’ve seen this year.
Caiden Nicol (Indian Lake)
The eye test doesn’t always go well when simply looking at a prospect. Looking at Nicol, I would guess some people wouldn’t expect this guy to be someone dropping 20 points in a District semifinal. That’s exactly what he did for the Lakers in their win over Dayton Christian. Only 5-foot-11, Nicol just knows how to work with the basketball. He is pesky and can fill it up on the stat sheet. Capable of scoring the ball in a variety of ways. What impresses me most is he is in the trenches battling for boards. In this Dayton Christian game, they had two players 6-foot-5 or taller on the floor. That’s the sign of a true competitor as Nicol outrebounded both in the win.
Wes Enis Wes Enis 6'2" | SG Miami East | 2024 OH (Miami East)
Speaking of the eye test, Enis is a player you look at and think he has to be a football player. This is not the case. Enis has an incredible build for a guard and already possesses great strength and physicality. Understands how to use his frame on the floor and overpower smaller guards. Enis defended the perimeter well with good footwork and utilizing his body to stop the ball. Great footwork on the offensive end too as he has a crisp spin move Versailles was unable to keep in front of.
Mason Shrout Mason Shrout 6'4" | SF Preble Shawnee | 2024 State OH (Preble Shawnee)
I didn’t get to see the entire game of Shrout in their loss against Meadowdale, but one thing that remains consistent is his playmaking ability. The 6-foot-4 guard is as unselfish of a player you’ll find. Can put the ball in the right guys’ hands or keep for himself and be a true 3-level scorer. Shrout is known for being one of the area’s best scoring threats so if he can utilize a high volume scoring game with unselfish play, he’s going to easily be a target instantly for LM programs.
Others: Cal Weatherspoon (C-J), Jonathan Powell Jonathan Powell 6'5" | SG Centerville | 2024 State #164 Nation OH (C-J), Jacob Roeth Jacob Roeth 6'1" | PG Miami East | 2024 State OH (Miami East), Tyler Cross Tyler Cross 6'1" | PG Cedarville | 2024 OH (Cedarville)