Jingle Bell Jam Thursday Standouts
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The Jingle Bell Jam was a four-day event with two days of girls and two days of boys action at the Cedar Point Sports Center. I attended the final five games on the final day of the event and in…
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Continue ReadingThe Jingle Bell Jam was a four-day event with two days of girls and two days of boys action at the Cedar Point Sports Center. I attended the final five games on the final day of the event and in this article will break down who the top performers were from the event.
A tough senior guard, Schofield showed off his toughness and ability to pass the ball in this game. I was impressed with how he used the defensive attention on him to make plays for his teammates. Schofield was also getting buckets for himself, finishing around the rim with some unique finishes with spin off the glass. Anthony Wayne has some solid pieces, and the addition of Griffin Pike Griffin Pike 6’5″ | PF Anthony Wayne | 2024 State OH adds to the ceiling of this team.
Darnell Aniton
Darnell Aniton
A tough defender, it was Aniton who was the primary defender for Schofield for the Mustangs. Aniton was active with his hands and brought key energy on both ends. A clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter gave Maple their first lead of the second half as they would eventually win in overtime.
Jayden Rowe
Jayden Rowe
Rowe got going early for Sandusky Perkins, the closest team at the event and they fed off the large crowd of supporters for their team. After falling behind by double figures and trailing by that much for a majority of the first three quarters, Perkins had a crazy fourth quarter push to steal a victory from the Rockets and enjoy a short bus ride home. Rowe was physical and finished around the basket often. Rowe also knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, including a key momentum shifter in the fourth quarter.
One of the bigger stock risers in the 2023 class this year, Cody Head Cody Head 6’1″ | CG Lutheran East | 2023 State OH has elevated his game to a new level this season. Shooting the ball at a crazy high percentage from beyond the arc, Head is money off the catch or the bounce. One of the stronger guards in the state, Head is also tough to stop when he gets a head of steam. Despite shooting jumpers with his left hand, Head prefers to finish at the rim with his right, shooting every layup attempt with his right hand except for one this game, missing the one lefty layup he attempted. If Head can develop his ability to finish with both hands at the rim and add more counter moves when attacking, he’ll add to his scoring talent at the next level.
One of the top players in Michigan’s 2024 class, Lewless came to Ohio on a mission and flat out dominated. Knocking down some tough shots off the bounce, Lewless was tough to handle for the Falcon defense. If there was one word to describe his game, I would use ‘gamer’ for Lewless. I was impressed with the effort and organization of Detroit King, executing at a high level and almost pulling off the upset. Big man Jonathan Coffey Jonathan Coffey 6’6″ | PF Detroit MLK | 2023 State MI was also a key player for their team, competing on the glass and finishing at the basket. Lewless is already committed to San Diego and has the ability to be an impact player in the West Coast Conference.
Highlights
Conway was a huge mismatch for anybody on Huron’s roster, dominating the glass on both sides of the floor. I also was impressed with Conway’s ability to space the floor, knocking down a few 3-pointers and Conway helped ice the game from the free throw line. An active defender, Conway has excellent feet when switched onto guards and makes a big difference defensively for the Bobcats.
One of the top performers on the Prep Hoops Circuit this spring and summer and has continued his impressive play this high school season. Carter is one of the top passers in the state and had a few no look dimes against Holland Springfield. Carter also knocked down one off the bounce 3-pointer but still struggles with his jumper. Walsh has a history of recruiting bigger guards and developing their shooting ability and if Carter can get a reliable jumper, he could be the next Walsh Cavalier to transfer up to the Division I level in a few years.