Cincinnati D1 Playoff Standouts
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On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I traveled out to Cincinnati to cover some playoff doubleheaders in the SW region. The first night I caught Princeton Vs Loveland and Kings Vs Western Hills. On the second night the two…
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Continue ReadingOn Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I traveled out to Cincinnati to cover some playoff doubleheaders in the SW region. The first night I caught Princeton Vs Loveland and Kings Vs Western Hills. On the second night the two games were Mason Vs Milford and Anderson Vs La Salle.
Cass has had a breakout season for Head Coach Bryan Wyant and the Vikings, scoring 9.5 PPG and having an efficient 13 point outburst in the playoff victory on Tuesday. Cass is a skilled guard who is a capable shooter from 3-point range as his 33% mark on the season shows. Princeton is undersized but their defensive ball pressure and floor spacing makes them a tough team to match-up with and Cass is one of the many talented guards on their team. Princeton plays with a fast tempo and what I liked about Cass was his unselfishness to throw it ahead to teammates to start the fast break and how the ball didn’t stick in his hands. I expect Cass to be in the 13-16 PPG range as a Junior and start to establish himself as one of the top guards in the GMC.
A prospect I had heard a lot of good things about but this was my first viewing of Clark in person. I was impressed by how smooth Clark’s 3-point shot is, with a quick and pretty release, Clark has the numbers to back it up with 47 made 3’s on 38% on the season. Clark is also a good transition athlete with a head of steam and despite missing a dunk attempt, I was impressed by his explosiveness when he got a head of steam. Another aspect of Clark’s game that I enjoyed was his defensive activity on or off the ball. Would like to see Clark create shots for his teammates a little more often, he had four games with 4+ assists, improving that figure next season should be a priority. I’m excited to monitor Clark’s development over the spring and summer as he heads into his Junior season.
Highlights
Payne made a big impact in a variety of ways as Western Hills pulled off the upset over higher seeded Kings. Payne had two clean swipes of the ball against a Kings ball handler that led to a transition opportunity and led the game in assists with five, including a sweet no look pass to a cutting teammate. Payne also knocked down two 3-pointers in the second quarter to help build a lead for his team. Payne is one of the top guards from the CMAC and has interest from Division III, NAIA and JUCO programs.
Golan was flat out productive for a Mason squad that got behind early and had to rally late to avoid an upset. Golan finished with seven offensive rebounds and a game-high 21 points to help his team get the win. The duo of Golan and Jack Ullom Jack Ullom 6’5″ | SF Mason | 2023 State OH , who had some powerful dunks to help change momentum have been a key force all season for the Comets as they adjust to a more up-tempo style under new Head Coach Adam Toohey. Golan’s game is not flashy but he’s productive, strong, tough and has been consistent all season long. Division III programs should check Golan out as an undersized power forward who will grind every opportunity he has on the floor.
Highlights
Starks was dominant on both ends early as he scored a over half of his 10 points in the first quarter and had a couple big time blocks to help set the tone early. While Starks will be playing football at West Virginia, he’s had quite the impressive senior season on the hardwood and has soft touch and is a smart passer. On the defensive end there are few more menacing players in the state as Starks is stronger than just about anybody he crosses on the hardwood and isn’t afraid to use his physicality. I was impressed with Starks and the senior laden group that Anderson has, playing a disciplined and efficient style of basketball.