Stock Risers from Cleveland Basketball Classic
In this article:
The Cleveland Basketball Classic was a two day event hosted at Baldwin Wallace University, Saturday featured top girls programs around northeast Ohio while Sunday was the boys turn. In this article I’ll break down the five stock risers from Sunday…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Cleveland Basketball Classic was a two day event hosted at Baldwin Wallace University, Saturday featured top girls programs around northeast Ohio while Sunday was the boys turn. In this article I’ll break down the five stock risers from Sunday at the event.
Hayes has some intriguing physical tools with a gigantic wingspan and some fluid athleticism for his size. The biggest highlight of the day was when Hayes put one on a defender’s head by reaching over him for a big-time dunk. There’s still a way to go for Hayes on the offensive end, but he’s becoming a more impactful high school player and Padua will need him to continue to dominate in the paint with their younger squad this season.
Medina came out firing early and ran out of gas late in the game and couldn’t hold onto a lead against Saint Ed’s, but Smith was a bright spot in the second half. Smith was using his size to finish over smaller defenders in the paint and look over the defense to make the right passes. Smith has good grades and can space the floor, which are two things that small college programs are always searching for with recruits.
Perusek waited his turn to make an impact for the Eagles but he’s going to have a huge senior season as the floor general for Saint Edward. Perusek had some impressive finishes around the rim and is a tough customer on the defensive end. The Eagles don’t have a superstar like they’ve had in the past, but they have a very balanced team and Perusek has the ability to beat you in a variety of ways. I expect Division III programs to be very interested in Perusek when they watch him this winter.
Brown came out firing early for Solon and his hot shooting from the outside helped the Comets stay competitive throughout the first half of play against the favored Richmond Heights Spartans. Brown has good size for a wing guard at 6’3 with a plus wingspan and used his size to attack the offensive glass and get a few put backs. Brown is a prospect for Division II, III and NAIA programs to have on their radars heading into the spring and summer.
Steele looks comfortable with his new team after transferring from Cleveland Heights to Richmond Heights. Steele was doing more ball-handling and while he did get ripped a few times, I saw Steele flash some crossover and counter moves I haven’t previously seen him pull off in game action. If Steele can become more of a wing guard, everything else that he does on the floor with rebounding, energy and hustle get amplified even more. I expect Steele to be a high priority Division II recruit next spring and summer.