Ohio Play by Play Classic Biggest Stock Risers
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The Ohio Play by Play Classic brought some of the biggest names in Ohio to compete under one roof in Nationwide Arena. While the stars of the night have already been highlighted, this article will focus on the guys that…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio Play by Play Classic brought some of the biggest names in Ohio to compete under one roof in Nationwide Arena. While the stars of the night have already been highlighted, this article will focus on the guys that grew their stock with their performances.
Brown was a name I’ve heard but never watched as he was part of the Orange team loaded with seniors. Brown however starts on this team and showed me why he is deserving to play alongside such talented upperclassmen on Saturday. Brown possesses good size and a long frame at 6’4. Handled intense ball pressure from Cleveland Heights and had a mature feel for the game down the stretch taking care of the basketball and limiting turnovers. Brown can score the ball in a variety of ways and I was a fan of how well he accepted his role with Orange having the primary scoring through Elias Lewis and Jordan Edwards.
Jones has been impressive with his new team after transferring over from Warrensville Heights. The 6’8 stretch 4 knows how to use his long arms defensively and contested shots outside with his reach. Can step outside the paint and knock down shots over defenders. Defensively also caught my eye with how well he hedges screens and disrupted the ball handler briefly due to his long arms and wiry frame. Jones has scholarship potential with the size and skill, but certainly needs to add some muscle if he’s going to excel at the next level.
I could have chosen a few different guys from St. Ignatius in their game, but I felt Springer was the clear highest jumping prospect I had seen. Not the most athletic player at times, but very disciplined in his style of play and understands his size and how to use it. High IQ defender that can come out and defend the wings are body up with posts. What I liked most was how Springer would go to block shots with two hands and always straight up and down. Didn’t go for a highlight reel block, but rather utilize his length to try and disrupt shots, which is did. Springer could be a solid Division II prospect now for coaches looking into the 2024 class.
Hamilton has been a player we’ve seen since his freshman year with the Irish, but his demeanor and play against a highly touted Sierra Canyon (CA) team is the reason why he is on this list. Hamilton facilitates the offense and keeps the ball moving and flowing. Doesn’t get selfish and uses his attacks/dribbles to setup for better looks. Quick hands and quick handle as he moves well with the ball in possession. Size has been an issue before, but Hamilton is showing he doesn’t use as a crutch and instead goes at anyone that is assigned to defend him.
Highlights
Coming off the bench for the defending state champions can sometimes make a player lost in the shuffle. Wells is hard to miss with his play. Athletic and versatile. Wells could play either the 3 of the 4 with his length and understanding of the game. Showed solid footwork on the blocks and used his pivots and body to create in the low post. Defensively hedged ball screens well and overall was aggressive defending the rim and post. Wells is a name I’ve had issues determining what level he’s at, but his continued play shows me he could be a scholarship athlete for the right program.