Standouts from Columbus D1 District Finals
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The Columbus D1 district finals featured four games at Ohio Dominican University, Olentangy Orange, Newark, Pickerington Central and Westerville South all advanced to the regional stage of the tournament. In this article we’ll feature some top performers from the day…
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Continue ReadingThe Columbus D1 district finals featured four games at Ohio Dominican University, Olentangy Orange, Newark, Pickerington Central and Westerville South all advanced to the regional stage of the tournament. In this article we’ll feature some top performers from the day full of games.
Edwards got to the lane whenever he wanted as Delaware Hayes had nobody who could stay in front of him with the ball in his hands. One of the quickest guards in the state, Edwards is maybe the best passer in Ohio as well. All game Edwards would drive and either look to finish or find an open teammate on the outside. If Edwards can ever get a reliable jumper, he has a chance to be an all-conference player for GMAC power Ashland who just won the conference tournament with a group of former central Ohio standouts.
March and Newark basketball go together and in front of a frenzied crowd, Burkholder gave the fans a lot to cheer about all game long. Controlling the pace of the game, Burkholder did an excellent job playing with pace and getting to his spots. An improved athlete and pull-up shooter, Burkholder has taken clear steps as a scoring threat that will make him a tough player to defend in college. What Newark is known for is their defense and ability to do all the little things right and few players are as good as Burkholder at the little things. Burkholder is a winner from the point guard position and will help a small college program win games at the next level.
This was my first time watching Kropp since the summer as he was out injured during the first game I caught of Olentangy Liberty. Kropp is has grown to 6’8 and has a big frame that will only continue to fill out as he gets older and spends more time in the weight room. Kropp is a capable shooter from 3-point range and finished around the basket as he had a height advantage on whoever Newark threw at him. Kropp showed soft hands and the ability to finish at the rim with his back to the basket. This is a stock rising Sophomore who looks like a future Division I talent.
Spiva was the most impactful player on the court as Pickerington Central once again survived a district final scare. Spiva is an excellent defender and gave Hilliard Bradley star Cade Norris Cade Norris 6’3″ | PG Hilliard Bradley | 2024 State OH fits after Norris started the game hot from the floor. A big-time athlete in transition, Spiva threw down a pair of dunks to bring the crowd to the feet. Spiva is another prospect who could change his trajectory with an improved jumper. Right now, Spiva doesn’t really look to shoot from the outside very often but does pretty much everything else on the court.
Highlights
Maybe the biggest stock riser of the event, McClure has been playing at a very high level this season and has only taken that to a next level in the playoffs. McClure recently grew to 6’4 and has a lot of defensive upside. Shooting the ball at a high level from 3-point range all season, McClure made some impressive moves off the bounce as well. Next rankings update will see McClure make a big jump after an eye-catching Sophomore season.
Highlights
Cunningham was making plays on both ends of the court as he made some big time passes, setting up his teammates in good positions to score. Cunningham is another player who has grown and has room for physical development once he gets in a college weight room. Maybe the highlight of the game was Cunningham’s and-1 3-pointer at the end of the first half to give Westerville South some momentum heading to the locker room. I think Cunningham could be a player small college programs take time to develop, and it pays off in a couple years. Westerville South are district champs once again because of their elite guard play on Saturday night.