Ohio Play By Play Classic Glue Guys
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The Ohio Play By Play Classic featured some big names with Division I talent in every game. This article however will focus on some of the glue guys who might not lead the team in scoring, but still found ways…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio Play By Play Classic featured some big names with Division I talent in every game. This article however will focus on some of the glue guys who might not lead the team in scoring, but still found ways to be productive and help their team.
Chapman has the charge card badge and took a couple to help Olentangy Orange remain unbeaten. I was impressed with the defensive unity that Orange played with and Chapman is a key piece to holding their defense together without much size to protect the rim and rebound. One way to protect the rim without shot blockers is by being ready in help-side and taking charges and there’s few guys better than Chapman. I also was impressed with how Chapman moved without the ball in his hands, finding himself open for some layups and he knocked down a 3-pointer. This is a prospect that Division III coaches will fall in love with when they watch him play and a key piece to an unbeaten Olentangy Orange squad.
Marshall is another prospect who did the dirty work for a Garfield Heights squad that hung around throughout the whole game before falling short to Division II state title favorite Chaminade Julienne. I was impressed with Marshall’s motor on the offensive glass and his effort levels were extremely high on both ends. I’d like to see Marshall play with more aggression with the ball in his hands as I continue to watch Garfield Heights later in the season but I loved the little things that he brought for his team on Saturday.
Rakestraw came off the bench but was one of the more impactful guys for CJ in their victory. I was impressed with his physicality around the paint, not afraid to use his weight to throw around smaller guys around the basket. Rakestraw also has good touch around the basket offensively, finishing most of his layup opportunities. I think Rakestraw could be a big piece for Chaminade Julienne as they look to make a state title run in a wide-open Division II field.
Jayson Walker
Jayson Walker
Walker played out of his mind when the lights shined the brightest against Sierra Canyon, helping lead the Irish to a monumental upset. Walker had a couple transition layups, knocked down some open jumpers and hit some floaters as well. I was impressed with the calmness Walker and the rest of the Irish played with, handling the pressure of an extremely athletic Sierra Canyon squad as well as you could’ve expected. When the team needed a big play, Walker, Kevin Hamilton Kevin Hamilton 5’8″ | PG St Vincent St Mary Hs | 2023 State OH and Torell Hopson seemed to always step up and make some magic happen and the Irish held on for potentially the biggest upset an Ohio team will make all year. Time and time again Dru Joyce has his team ready to play in the biggest moments and reminds you of his excellence as a coach, Saturday night at Nationwide Arena was just another reminder of how elite of a program the Irish are.
Maybe the surprise performer of the day, Dulguun Gankhuyag Dulguun Gankhuyag 6’7″ | C Centerville | 2023 State OH also referred to as ‘Tommy’ was maybe the most productive offensive player for Centerville in their victory over Pickerington Central in a state title rematch. Gankhuyag played a complete game by knocking down some mid-range shots, making the smart pass as a short roll man and grabbing key rebounds on both ends. Gankhuyag is a guy I didn’t really know anything about heading into the event but left a huge fan, his play even had a section of fans chanting his name after every bucket he would make. We’ll see if Gankhuyag continues this impressive effort as the season moves along but he will debut in our 2023 rankings during the next update.