Run N Slam: Mike’s 2024 new names
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The Bill Hensley Run N Slam is one of the best events to learn about new players in Ohio. In this article we’ll break down some new Ohio 2024 names that stood out last weekend in Fort Wayne. Jack Zapolnik…
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Continue ReadingThe Bill Hensley Run N Slam is one of the best events to learn about new players in Ohio. In this article we’ll break down some new Ohio 2024 names that stood out last weekend in Fort Wayne.
An impressive weekend for TNBA ‘ last=”]-Select, winning their pool before losing in the platinum semifinals. Zapolnik was the engine to their success this weekend with a huge 3-point shooting display. Zapolnik was hitting step-backs, spot-ups and running off screens to fire from long distance. His athleticism was also a tier above the competition in the game I watched, with nobody on the opposing team being able to stay in front of him. Defensively I thought he used active hands to pressure ball handlers and was one of the more impactful guards I watched all weekend. Small college programs should check Zapolnik out over these next few months with TNBA ‘ last=”] Select or Saint Ignatius.
Not a new name for me but my first opportunity to scout Dragas in person, I walked away impressed with one of the top small school scorers in the 2024 class. Hitting a 3-pointer on the first possession of the game was a sign of things to come for Dragas as a scorer as he was aggressive attacking downhill. With solid burst and the ability to create for himself, it’s easy to see why he puts up video game numbers for Madison during the high school season. After that early 3-pointer, Dragas was clearly looking to drive instead of shoot from the outside, I’d like to watch him a couple more times to know what level of outside shooter he is, because his slashing ability and quickness is quite intriguing. I’m also not sure if he’s best used on or off the ball, fitting the combo guard position to a tee. Scholarship and Division III programs should be checking out Dragas if they are looking for a guard to add a scoring spark to their program.
I watched Fleishour a couple times but this was his most impactful performance and I walked away really impressed by how he competed on Saturday morning for Midwest Basketball Club Cleveland. Hitting a one dribble pull-up 3-pointer and a couple two foot finishes off the bounce, Fleishour was bringing a scoring spark in the half court to his team. He also helped lead the break after defensive rebounds or steals to get easy looks for himself or teammates. Not the only Stow player to impress this weekend, we already discussed Reece Raymond-Smith Reece Raymond-Smith 6’5″ | SF Stow | 2024 State OH , the Bulldogs have the potential to be one of the better teams in northeast Ohio again even after graduating a strong senior class.
Highlights
Braddix got onto my radar during the OHSAA playoffs after making three 3-pointers against Loveland. Princeton was in total control of that game so I wanted to see him again before profiling him. On Saturday evening, Braddix really impressed me for Queen City Prophets . Braddix has a long wingspan and good size from the wing guard position. An impressive shooter from the outside, the lefty was knocking down shots from 3-point range consistently. I also liked some of the passing flashes that Braddix showed in the pick and roll. I expect him to have a breakout senior season for the Vikings in one of the most competitive conferences in Ohio.
Playing on a Shining Star Price squad mostly led by Kentucky prospects, Ehlers stood out as a wing shooter who just knew how to play. His off-ball movement got him open with the impressive ball movement his team showed and he wasn’t shy about letting it fly off the catch. After finishing top five in the GCL Co Ed in scoring as a Junior, I expect Ehlers to have an even bigger senior season for McNicholas. A wing shooting prospect for small college programs to check out.
The second new name from TNBA ‘ last=”] Ohio and the third TNBA ‘ last=”] program prospect to be featured in this article, this is why the Run N Slam is such a great event for small college programs and evaluators. Minor really surprised me with his shooting ability, knocking in three 3-pointers and a mid-range shot in the first 8-10 minutes of the Friday night game he played. With his size he rebounded well as well. I’d want to see him show a little more offensive versatility but watching his high school highlights shows some impressive post moves. Another example of why watching players with different situations can help you visualize how he’ll be used at the next level.
The most impressive new name from the weekend, I was so impressed by Kendall for Nova Village this weekend. A southeast Ohio prospect, Kendall was very skilled and impacted the games in a variety of ways. First, he’s around 6’7 with a decent body to battle on the inside. He also showed soft hands and was making the right reads passing the ball. Kendall also knocked down a couple of open 3-pointers, showing he can stretch the floor from the outside. His production and translatable skills stood out to me playing for a circuit team. I think scholarship programs should be checking out Kendall and this Nova squad that plays really well together and has a lot of targets for small college programs at a variety of levels.
Stidham plays for the other Shining Star Price squad and is with coach Price during both the high school and grassroots seasons. A big body in the paint, Stidham has the frame of a linemen as he also stands out on the gridiron for Oak Hills. With soft touch and impressive moves with his back to the basket, Stidham is a load to manage in the paint. After finishing second on the Highlanders in scoring as a Junior, expect Stidham to be the main focus as a senior for Oak Hills.