Stock risers from 5 C’s Classic
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The Capital City Coaches for a Cure Classic brought an action-packed day of basketball to Capital University. In this article we’ll look at some players who improved their stock with impressive performances. Jonathan Whiteside OH #146 C #15 HEIGHT 6'6"…
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Continue ReadingThe Capital City Coaches for a Cure Classic brought an action-packed day of basketball to Capital University. In this article we’ll look at some players who improved their stock with impressive performances.
I was a big fan of what I saw from Whiteside in this game. Whiteside is a good athlete, with vertical pop and a long wingspan. What I love most about his game is how well he runs the floor, he gets a bucket or two each game simply by beating the opposing big down the court. Whiteside also passed the ball well out of the post. Look for Whiteside to continue to improve as he matures his game.
Wearing the Gahanna number 5 jersey right after Sean Jones, Reynald has done a good job as the new floor general for Gahanna. I was impressed with how quick he was with the ball in his hands and his ability to get into the lane off the bounce. If Reynald can become more of a threat from behind the 3-point line, he could see his scoring average skyrocket next winter. Gahanna has an intriguing team with a lot of pieces capable of beating you on any given night.
Vickers showed off his skill as a playmaker and distributor for a New Philadelphia squad that gave Gahanna a tight game. Vickers plays with good pace on the ball and runs the Defacto point guard position for his team. The lefty plays off two feet and made multiple drive and kick plays to guards that were ready to catch and shoot. If Vickers can become more of a scoring threat, his upside at the college level will grow because there aren’t many small college prospects with his size, ball handling and passing ability.
Ruth had a big game as Bishop Ready dominated Detroit U Prep with a convincing victory. Ruth continues to show his ability to produce in a variety of settings for different teams. Ruth cuts well off the ball and got a few easy layups with backdoor cuts. I also thought he shot the 3-ball with some confidence, with an impressive pull-up off the bounce. Moving up to Division II from Division III will be an adjustment come playoff time, but Bishop Ready is proving they can compete in a higher Division with strong early season success.
Amapps is one of the more productive seniors in central Ohio and had a big game doing a bit of everything for the unbeaten Panthers. Amapps impacts the game beyond the box score but also grabs a lot of offensive rebounds and causes turnovers on the defensive end. His motor is always running high and he uses his strength to finish around the basket. Amapps is a perfect small ball power forward at the Division III level and could have early success in college similar to Obed Achirem, another undersized forward from central Ohio who has already carved out a nice role with Wilmington as an underclassman.
Highlights
Richmond Heights has a lot of star talent but Salters is a new name who just popped to me at this event. Salters was handling the ball with some confidence and shot it efficiently from the outside. With so many guys looking to score, Salters played his role well and took opportunities when they came to him. Richmond Heights is one of the most talented teams in Ohio but Salters is a sleeper who could play a key role later in the season.
Very few players in Ohio can shoot it like Wilson as the 6’4 wing is almost automatic when he’s left alone from outside. One of the prettiest jumpers in the state, Wilson has a quick release, and his feet are always ‘shot ready’. If Wilson can continue to improve on the defensive end, he will have the ability to play a role at the next level because college coaches are always looking for shooters with size and few fit the bill like Wilson.