Class of 2023 breakout candidates
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The high school basketball season starts on Wednesday and we’re going to be going over the top breakout candidates in each class for this high school season. Jujuan Ray OH #50 SF #8 HEIGHT 6'6" POS SF CLASS 2023 View…
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Continue ReadingThe high school basketball season starts on Wednesday and we’re going to be going over the top breakout candidates in each class for this high school season.
Westerville South went unbeaten last regular season but graduate some seniors including star Drey Carter. The Wildcats will need somebody to replace his scoring output and Ray is a guy who could do just that. Ray has the size and shooting ability that gives him a unique upside to really break out. I expect Ray to have one of the steepest jumps in PPG in central Ohio from last season to this season.
Mukes played a solid role as a Junior for perennial powerhouse Archbishop Moeller but looked more confident and aggressive offensively in highlights against Reynoldsburg in a foundation preseason game on Saturday. Moeller is dealing with some injuries and transfers so Mukes will have more weight on his shoulders and I expect him to really show what he can do this winter.
Darbyshire showed some potential as a Sophomore but didn’t make his Junior season debut until January 14th last season and he never quite played to his full potential with Sycamore in 2021-22. This spring and summer he returned to the form I remembered and boosted his stock back up. With a strong senior season for Sycamore he could continue to climb back up the rankings and earn more college interest while helping his team compete for the GMC title.
Highlights
Perusek didn’t get many minutes as a Junior but based on what I saw over the summer, he’s fully capable of taking over starting point guard duties and thriving under legendary coach Eric Flannery. Perusek is a solid athlete with the strength to outmuscle defenders and plays with good poise as well. I expect small college programs to be very interested once they see what he can do on a varsity floor.
Rivers has improved greatly from when I watched him in the spring to the fall so I expect his growth from last high school season to this one to be huge. Rivers is getting in better shape to run the floor, has improved his hands and skill around the basket. Standing at 6’8, Rivers is one of the tallest players in NW Ohio and is ready to break out for an Emmanuel Christian squad with a lot of talent to compete in Division III this season. Look for Rivers to be a late blooming big who surprises some people this winter.