OSU Team Camp: Underclassmen Standouts
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The Ohio State team camp brought out some of the top teams in Ohio to compete for two days, in this article I’ll break down the underclassmen standouts from the event. Marco Mattucci OH #29 SG #6 HEIGHT 6'3" POS…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio State team camp brought out some of the top teams in Ohio to compete for two days, in this article I’ll break down the underclassmen standouts from the event.
An elite shooter, Mattucci was hot for New Albany as their whole team impressed under new head coach Tim Casey. With crisp ball movement, Mattucci was getting open looks and he usually makes the defense pay when he’s able to spot-up and launch from deep. A prime candidate to make a big leap this season, I expect Mattucci to make a big varsity impact this winter for a New Albany team that could catch some people by surprise.
Walnut Ridge has a lot of new faces and Lucas was incredibly productive in a victory over a talented out of state squad from Buffalo. A strong forward, Lucas can move defenders around the basket with his strength and aggressiveness. A tough finisher around the rim, Lucas was finishing through contact early and often. Even stretching out and hitting 3-pointers as well, it was a complete scoring effort. A multi-sport athlete, Lucas will likely end up playing a different sport in college but is a tough and productive high school basketball player, he’ll be a big part of Walnut Ridge’s success this winter.
Smith has grown to at least 6’7 since I last watched him and is making strides defensively. His length was impacting shots at the rim and allowed him to get into passing lanes. A shooting specialist offensively, few players have the floor spacing ability that Smith has at his size and age. One of the most talented prospects to come out of Upper Arlington, Smith has a ton of long term upside and will be on Division I radars soon.
Shawn Foster Shawn Foster 6'0" | PG Lima Sr | 2027 State OH
Shawn Foster Shawn Foster 6'0" | PG Lima Sr | 2027 State OH
One of the most productive freshmen I’ve seen this June, Foster is a tough guard who impacted the game on both ends. With quick feet, Foster really hounds opposing ball handlers and covers a lot of ground defensively. On the offensive end, Foster makes quick decisions with the basketball and can pass with either hand off a live dribble. Also, a capable shot-maker from the outside, there’s a lot to like about his game right now. Expect Foster to play a major role for the Spartans this winter.
Isaiah Mack-Russell Isaiah Mack-Russell 6'5" | SF Toledo Central Catholic | 2027 State OH
Isaiah Mack-Russell Isaiah Mack-Russell 6'5" | SF Toledo Central Catholic | 2027 State OH
One of the more intriguing long-term prospects I saw this weekend was Mack-Russell. Showing some upside as a creator for his size, Mack-Russell had some wiggle and burst with the ball in his hands and was confident to shake defenders from the triple threat. Knocking down mostly mid-range shots, there’s some shooting upside for Mack-Russell sooner rather than later. Toledo Central Catholic has some interesting young talent with Manny Johnson Manny Johnson 6’2″ | CG Toledo Central Catholic | 2026 State OH also standing out for the Irish. These two will be names to follow in Northwest Ohio for years to come.