Stock Risers + New Names from NOHS East Vs West Invitational
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The NOHS East Vs West Invitational brought out three of the top boy’s teams from northwest Ohio to face off with three of the top boy’s teams from northeast Ohio at STVM. The event also featured two girl’s games with…
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Continue ReadingThe NOHS East Vs West Invitational brought out three of the top boy’s teams from northwest Ohio to face off with three of the top boy’s teams from northeast Ohio at STVM. The event also featured two girl’s games with the same theme that proceeded the three boy’s games. In this article we’ll break down some stock risers and new names from the final three games of the event.
Lutheran West has been one of the surprise stories of the season and Meyer is one of their handful of players that have stood out early in the season. Getting the start at center as just a Sophomore, Meyer had an impact on the game early with an impressive and-1 finish off a dump off pass. Meyer has a good frame and was physical in the paint. I was also impressed with how calm Meyer was with the ball in his hands, showcasing a little potential perimeter-based play down the line. Matthew also has a twin brother Joshua who got some action for the Longhorns, this forward duo will be one to watch in northeast Ohio for the next couple seasons.
Kambomba is another player standing out for the Longhorns in their stacked 2024 class that also features guards Derek Fairley Derek Fairley 6’1″ | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH , Jayson Levis Jayson Levis 6’1″ | CG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH and Dylan Bartchak Dylan Bartchak 6’0″ | PG Lutheran West | 2024 State OH . Kambomba is the most impressive pure athlete on the Longhorns, with the athleticism to jump out the gym. Still figuring out how to play but Kambomba is gaining valuable experience contributing at the varsity level that will really help him later on in his development. While Kambomba didn’t make a jumper, his mechanics are solid, and he has the confidence to take open shots so I have confidence those will go in the more I watch him play. Kambomba will debut in our 2024 rankings during our next update as himself and Lutheran West are making a lot of noise early in the season.
Bakadisula is now with Lutheran East, a player originally from the Congo. A raw forward prospect, Bakadisula was held in check for three quarters and then EXPLODED in the fourth. In the first three minutes of the fourth quarter Bakadisula knocked down two open 3-pointers and had a two monster dunks that got the crowd going crazy. There’s a long ways to go in the development of Bakadisula but his physical tools are obvious, and he has some intriguing upside. This is a player that Division I schools will want to take a look at this spring and summer if they can’t catch the Falcons this season.
Tj Crumble
Tj Crumble
One of the top freshman in the state, Tj Crumble continues to show why he’s so highly regarded. Crumble runs the floor exceptionally well, which is rare for a player of his talent level and age. Getting easy points due to a high motor is simple but something most players don’t learn until later in their careers, if at all. Crumble has good touch around the basket and makes the simple reads to open teammates. Crumble has massive upside and already has six Division I offers with LSU being the latest.
Nate Miles
Nate Miles
Miles is another top freshman in the state and he also does a lot of little things that help you win. Miles was grabbing offensive rebounds, playing hard and getting loose balls. What Miles is most known for is his shooting ability and he knocked down a couple deep 3-pointers in this one as well. Emmanuel Christian has a ton of young talent and Miles is ready to make an impact right now for his team.
Kaeden Carruthers
Kaeden Carruthers
A new name for me, Carruthers got the start for Emmanuel Christian and was intriguing with his size and incredibly long wingspan. Carruthers moves well for his size and played hard. Definitely a player to watch for the future based on his impact in a game with so much talent on the floor and his physical upside.
Another new name from this event, Horton only got in during the second half of the STVM blowout of Toledo Central Catholic but flashed some intriguing upside. Horton still has a baby face which suggests he’s still got some growing and maturing left, also the son of a former overseas pro. I also was impressed by the touch Horton showed on his jumper. He’s still not ready to be a major contributor at the varsity level, Horton is a prospect to keep in mind right now and check back in on his progress a year from now.
Highlights
Toledo Central Catholic is playing without star Chico Johnson Chico Johnson 6’2″ | SG Toledo Central Catholic | 2023 State OH after he tore his ACL in June, but this has allowed Leach to take on a greater scoring burden which has helped his offensive development. While STVM got the better of Toledo Central Catholic, this was their first game of the season with many football players only having a few practices with the team. Leach made some outside shots and was confident in taking these when given the space. I also liked seeing Leach handle the ball in pick and roll and fast break scenarios. I’m confident that Toledo Central Catholic will look much better once their football players get up to basketball speed and if Johnson is able to make a return for a playoff push.