Standouts from the past week
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Over the past week I’ve attended three individual games, the first was Princeton’s 51-31 victory over Archbishop Moeller. The second game I caught was Kettering Alter’s 66-40 win over Bishop Fenwick. Finally, I saw Perrysburg defeat Sylvania Northview 69-40. In…
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Continue ReadingOver the past week I’ve attended three individual games, the first was Princeton’s 51-31 victory over Archbishop Moeller. The second game I caught was Kettering Alter’s 66-40 win over Bishop Fenwick. Finally, I saw Perrysburg defeat Sylvania Northview 69-40. In this article I will break down the standouts from these games.
Adorno helped lead Coach Bryan Wyant to his first victory over Moeller in dominating fashion. Adorno was knocking down shots from everywhere and has such great touch on his jumper. Adorno finished the game 6-10 from the floor and 3-4 from 3-point range. Adorno plays with good pace on the ball and got after it defensively with three steals. Adorno is now a senior so he will be added to our 2023 rankings when those get updated within the next few weeks. Princeton also got production from guards Jaiden Arnold Jaiden Arnold 5’10” | PG Cincinnati Aiken | 2025 State OH and Cliff Cass Cliff Cass 5’11” | PG Princeton | 2025 State OH , as both players were efficient from the floor in the win.
McBride played injured and came off the bench but his impact was tough to miss. McBride knocked down a 3-pointer off movement and had a couple impressive takes to the basket. His finish on the left side through contact was the most impressive play of the night. Moeller is struggling early in the season with some injured players and new pieces, I’d bet on them looking like a completely different team come playoff time.
Ruffolo keeps getting better and his start to his senior season has been impressive to watch. Ruffolo plays with great pace and figures out a way to get by defenders despite not being the quickest guard. I was impressed with how Ruffolo uses his body to create leverage against the defense and finish around the basket against taller shot blockers. The most impressive skill Ruffolo has is his outside shooting ability, Ruffolo is averaging 23.5 PPG though his team’s first four games and is shooting 44% from 3-point range and 90% from the free throw line. Ruffolo has all the skills to be an impact player at the Division II level.
Highlights
If there’s one thing Alter will do this season, it’s shoot the ball from behind the 3-point line. Against Bishop Fenwick it was Ruffolo, Leen and Gavin Geisel Gavin Geisel 6’0″ | SG Alter | 2023 State OH combining for 11 3-pointers made on the evening. Leen hit some tough ones too, including a one dribble pull-up in a defender’s face. When Alter shoots the ball with this much confidence, not many teams can slow them down. The question that the Knights will have to answer is can they get enough stops defensively to compete with the top teams in Division II.
One of the tallest players in Ohio’s 2024 class, Temming was the main reason I wanted to see Alter and Fenwick battle. Temming had a low scoring game but I left impressed with his upside. Standing at 6’9, 6’10, Temming is a force in the paint and swatted a couple shots with authority. Temming also drew fouls on whatever defender Alter threw at him in the paint. I was also impressed with his soft hands and ability to pass out of the post. Temming still has plenty of development to go through, with his biggest improvement being in the weight room. Temming has the upside to be a Division I prospect and this upcoming spring and summer on the grassroots circuit will go a long way in determining if he realizes that potential.
Highlights
Watkins was the most dominant player on the court in a huge conference showdown that saw Perrysburg defend home court against rival Sylvania Northview. Watkins was getting after it defensively, not letting whoever brought the ball up the court for Northview get a second to breathe. I also liked seeing Watkins confidently pull-up from 3-point range a few times. While Watkins will also be best used at the next level playing off the ball, his team doesn’t have a natural point guard so he fills that role for his team. A player who will do anything to win, Watkins will be one of the highest ranked new additions to our 2023 rankings update coming soon.
This prospect has a burner! Shultz is proving himself to be one of the top shooters in Ohio’s 2024 class with another efficient outing from 3-point range once again. His most impressive play of the night was when he ran off two screens and hit a fallaway 3-pointer just before the first half horn. While Shultz isn’t a natural point guard just yet, he does have the ability to attack a closeout and get to the basket. Perrysburg has a solid team with seniors like Watkins and the Hunt twins, but Shultz adds a different dynamic with his scoring ability.
Alan Horton
Alan Horton
Horton is just a freshman but he’s already an impact player at the varsity level. Horton was very comfortable scoring with his back to the basket and is able to finish with either hand around the rim. Despite shooting jumpers with his right hand, he has more natural touch and confidence going up with his left with his back to the basket. Horton has a great skill set for a player his size and age and should have some more growing to do in the next couple years. This will be one of the most discussed prospects in Ohio’s 2026 class.