Grit Region Memorial Classic: Saturday Superlatives

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the Grit Region Memorial Classic produced a bevy high level play and competition in the class of 2025. Following is a breakdown of the action by using skill set superlatives for categorization. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Point Guard- Xavier Rogers 5-10 Gahanna Lincoln</strong> <strong>(OH) </strong>I have been thoroughly impressed with the entire Ohio United squad this weekend. Rogers is not the headliner of the bunch. However in some ways he has been the engine that has made the machine run. If that engine that had a gear it would be in constant overdrive. As he possesses some serious speed. Showed his shooting touch in a Saturday night victory against [program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite']. Hit a few threes and finished with 10 points in that contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Post Prospect-</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1432059' first='Jayquan' last='Stubbs'] <strong>6-7 Cleveland Heights (OH) </strong>While his MAC Basketball squad didn't have the results he probably hoped for. Stubbs showed a versatile a varied post skill set that was impressive. A “grab and go” post. Meaning skilled enough to snag a board and start a break all by himself. Accordingly showed good ball handling ability. Was able to initiate offense out of the high post. On the block was able to pass out of the double teams decisively and find the open man. When he wasn't passing showed a soft touch. Both at the basket and from the perimeter. Displayed a well schooled “Dirk” fadeaway on Saturday morning. All of this was done in a naturally wide frame that I would say pushes the 250-260 range. As he grows into that frame and possibly bulks up even more. This could be a high upside late blooming prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Post Battle-</strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1503915' first='Nehemiah' last='McMorris'] <strong>6-6 Columbus Northland</strong> <strong>(OH)</strong> vs [player_tooltip player_id='1691977' first='John' last='Whorton'] <strong>6-7 Akron St Vincent-St Mary (OH) </strong>The game of the day featured arguably the matchup of the weekend as well. In a game that was ultimately decided by the guards. I was struck by the matchup going on down at the blocks. Whorton is a wide bodied lefty with a soft touch. When he established deep position he was basically a bucket. Just too broad of frame to get an angle to block a shot. Additionally seemed to be well schooled in establishing this position and did not seem to mind contact. His play allowed OBC to take an early lead. However Nova Village UA Rise was able to storm back in the second half with the help of McMorris. McMorris possessed much of Whorton's low block skill set. Just has it packaged in a slightly more athletic and bouncy frame. Displayed this by easily finishing above the rim multiple times out in transition. Also showed the ability to finish with both hands around the basket. So much so. That on first viewing I am not completely sure what is his dominant hand (pretty sure it's the right) Absorbed contact and shot it well from the line. Finished with a game high 16 points in the dramatic victory. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Slasher- </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1300916' first='Zander' last='Nash'] <strong>6-7 Imaly City (MI) (pictured) </strong>The Michigan based program [program_tooltip program_id='2076445' first='The' last='Process'] has gotten off to an outstanding 2-0 start on the weekend. While they have been quite balanced. The main catalyst on Saturday was the strong drive game of this long forward. Nash used a good handle and slender frame to find lanes where they did not appear to be present. Once at the rim finished without fear and goes up strong. Not necessarily an above the finisher. But is able to modulate between just straight ahead finishes and floaters. Scored 14 and 11 points in his two games. Will be interesting to see him go up against increased length and strength on Sunday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Most Versatile- [player_tooltip player_id='1827243' first='Jayden' last='Jones'] 6-3 St John's Jesuit (OH) </strong>I am going to go with “versatile” because of the various ways that Jones impacts a game. Additionally if you were to ask me what position he plays. I would just say “basketball player”. Jones main avenue of scoring were aggressive drives to the basket. Has the type of frame that allows him to finish through contact and shed defenders. Good ball handler who ran the point at times for [program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite']. Played hard and showed a high level of competitiveness. Kept coming as the margin widened against a very good Ohio United squad. Finished with a game 16 points in that contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Best Shooter- [player_tooltip player_id='1438244' first='Drew' last='Blanton'] 6-2 Chelsea (MI) </strong>While Nash was streaking to the basket for [program_tooltip program_id='2076445' first='The' last='Process']. Blanton was long range marksmen. Has an efficient and repeatable release with little wasted motion. Had 15 points in an opening victory against MAC Basketball. Followed that up with 10 against DG Warriors. However Blanton is much more than a just a shooter. Good ball handler who ran the point at times. Not some type of reckless pump. Fundamentally sound and takes good shots. Finds the open man when said shot isn't there. Plays for a regular season program that will have one of the better backcourts in the entire state next year. If Blanton continues to play like he did Saturday. It is going to be hard to keep him off the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->