17 U wing/forward standouts from Midwest Jamfest
In this article:
The Midwest Jamfest brought many top programs from Ohio to Westfield, Indiana for a Hoop Group ran event during the second live period. In this article we’ll break down some of the standout wing and forward prospects from the 17…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Midwest Jamfest brought many top programs from Ohio to Westfield, Indiana for a Hoop Group ran event during the second live period. In this article we’ll break down some of the standout wing and forward prospects from the 17 U age group at the event from Ohio.
One of the elite shooters from Ohio, Tumbridge was letting it fly for Indy Heat Red this weekend. Able to catch and shoot well beyond 3-point range, Tumbridge is a specialist and does his one skill at a high level. A limited athlete, Tumbridge shouldn’t be asked to do much more than spot-up and move the ball at the college level but with his off-ball movement, IQ and body, he should still find ways to be productive at the next level early in his career. Tumbridge also had some big-time shooting outbursts for ISA this winter and projects to be a key returner for them next season.
Highlights
A new addition to Team Wildcat Silver, Long is an impressive athlete who put up good numbers for Marion Harding as a Junior. Scoring 16 PPG and being named All Ohio honorable mention in Division I got him on my radar and this was my first chance to watch him in person. I was impressed by how hard Long played on both ends, going after loose balls and attacking the rim with aggressiveness. While he made one spot-up 3-pointer in the game I caught, it was clear Long is more confident attacking the rim than shooting from the outside. With his physical tools there’s also no reason why Long can’t be an impact defender down the road at the college level.
A teammate of Long’s during both the high school and grassroots seasons, Cady once again shot the ball at a high level from the outside. He’s proven that this skill is a major strength for his game with his size and ability to get off his shot over smaller defenders. For Cady to take the next step in his development, he needs to bring consistent effort on both ends of the court and impact the game in ways besides perimeter shooting. The talent is there for Cady to take that next step and help him get on the radar of college programs. Long and Cady are a pair of prospects for small college programs to check out in Fort Wayne next weekend.
Highlights
Ohio Buckets – Young was the first team I caught on Saturday and the 8:00 A.M. game was thankfully worth me getting up early to watch as both teams brought out good competitiveness in a tight battle. I was impressed with Martin’s scoring talent as he knocked down a couple spot-up 3-pointers and made a contested mid-range shot after attacking a closeout. A solid athlete, Martin was quick off his feet and has a strong build as he stars for Bellevue on both the hardwood and the gridiron.
A teammate of Martin’s, Kruse was knocking down shots from everywhere on the court Saturday morning. Kruse was knocking down spot-up 3-pointers, turnaround jumpers, contested mid-range shots and 3-pointers running off screens. It was a very impressive shot-making display. A solid athlete when he gets a head of steam, I’d like to see Kruse continue to work on his lateral quickness to help him on both ends against smaller and quicker players. This would also make it easier for Kruse to finish at the rim, where he missed a couple layups he’d like to have back. Recently offered by Kentucky Christian, they won’t be the last school to get involved with Kruse if he continues to play at this level.
Highlights
Meister impressed for an Ohio United squad that went 3-1 this weekend. A unique style of play, Meister uses his big frame and ball-handling ability to attack downhill relentlessly. Not afraid to throw his weight around, Meister will overpower defenders and also prone to having charges set on his drives. I also thought Meister’s effort levels were off the charts on Saturday. A kid who plays hard every time I see him, he was giving the extra effort in front of a handful of college coaches on Saturday. Meister also knocked down a couple triples which could help improve his offensive ceiling at the next level. I think Meister projects to be a mis-match nightmare at the small college level.
The most consistently productive player for Ohio Buckets this weekend, Bruskotter showed exactly why some Division I programs have already offered the 6’7 stretch forward. Almost having the highlight of the weekend, Bruskotter came close to throwing down an and-1 poster dunk that just grazed off the rim. As a screener, Bruskotter has developed great chemistry with Luke Skaljac Luke Skaljac 6’2″ | PG Brecksville-Broadview Hts | 2024 State #162 Nation OH as Bruskotter is dangerous as both a pop and roll man. In the final minute of a tight game I caught, Bruskotter had a tough finish in traffic to help give the Buckets some breathing room late.