Division III Semifinals Top Performers

<p>Friday kicked off the OHSAA tournament with Division III action from UD Arena. I was in attendance as Ottawa-Glandorf and Taft advanced to meet in the State Finals on Sunday. Here are my top performers from the slate of games.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="922605" first="Dailyn" last="Swain"]</strong> (2023) <em>Africentric</em></p> <p>Swain played about as perfect of a game as you could ask for a player as he put up an astonishing 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 steals in a losing effort against Ottawa-Glandorf. Swain has such incredible length on the wing and is such a nightmare to defend. This performance left no doubt he’s one of the best players in the 2023 class in Ohio.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1222349" first="Colin" last="White"]</strong> (2024) <em>Ottawa-Glandorf</em></p> <p>White put the Titans on his back and carried them past Africentric with an impressive 28 point, 11 rebound performance. The sophomore is one of the more collected players I’ve seen as an underclassmen as he took contact well and was not rushed against the pressure the Nubians brought. Smart defender as he blocked several shots and avoided fouling. Could have an even bigger game as the Titans prepare for a possible state championship.</p> <p><strong>Jesse McCullough</strong> (2024) <em>Lutheran East</em></p> <p>McCullough made an impact from the tip for the Falcons in a losing effort. The 6-foot-9 sophomore has great skill around the rim. Showed great poise finishing over his shoulder and back to the basket. Cleaned up the glass and utilized his longer and bigger frame to impact the offensive glass picking up 4 offensive rebounds in the loss. McCullough showed an ability to step out and hit the 3PT shot and has a bright future for the Lue.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="867939" first="Cody" last="Head"]</strong> (2022) <em>Lutheran East</em></p> <p>Head made plays and got buckets when Lue needed them in the 1st half. The junior guard has great playmaking abilities and great reads on the offensive end. Played with a motor and got to the bucket off the bounce. Finished with both hands and found the rim multiple times. Southpaw with a lot of upside and skill.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="809611" first="Mekhi" last="Elmore"]</strong> (2022) <em>Taft</em></p> <p>Elmore only scored 11 points in the Senators’ win, but he made such an impact against Lutheran East. Elmore is one of the most athletic guards you’ll find for a PG. Poised and sometimes emotionless on the floor but has great court vision and ball control. Elmore has the potential to be a steal for a LM wanting to add a guard next year.</p>