Peach Jam 17 U Ohio Prospects Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Peach Jam brought out the top teams from EYBL's 15, 16 and 17 U regular season to compete for the Peach Jam championship. In this article we'll break down the Ohio prospects from the event and also highlight the 17 U prospects playing in the PIT which is also being held at the same facility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1222354"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Indy Heat brought three Ohio players at the 17 U PIT level and it's been a struggle as a team going 0-5 with a shorthanded group. McCulloch has flashed why he's a high major prospect with three 3-pointers including a pick and pop in the first game I was able to catch. Had a couple nice moves in the post where he used fakes and pivots to create space. Was limited with an ankle injury in the second game I watched and has played limited minutes in the past couple contests. The one thing McCulloch has done at a high level is protect the rim, with 8 blocks in 85 minutes at the PIT.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1763811"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Kuany is now a teammate with McCulloch during the high school season with Lutheran East and continues to have moments where his upside is obvious. An impressive lateral mover of his feet for his size, Kuany can guard the perimeter and defend in a variety of ways. With five blocks and four steals in just over 90 minutes of action, Kuany is averaging about one defensive stock every 10 minutes he's on the floor. Offensively he's a role guy with the occasional jumper, he's 0-4 from 3-point range on the week so far. With more rebounds than points, Kuany doesn't take many shots and is mostly looking to rim run and catch passes on the lob or short roll.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1222376"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Aekins is one of the smallest 17 U players at the PIT or Peach Jam and has had some moments with his quickness and ability to get into the lane. Watching the All Ohio Red 17 U team twice on Monday, Aekins was able to get into the lane and typically looked for the floater as a shot. Struggling from the perimeter to make jumpers, Aekins will look to be more efficient on the perimeter. Defensively, Aekins was really getting after ball handlers and making their lives tough. With nine steals in 68 minutes, that's been the one area of the game where he's had a real positive impact for his team. I expect low major coaches to have close eyes on Aekins this weekend.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1426736"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Njie is a guy who has brought a ton of energy to the All Ohio roster and provides a spark when he's in the game. Not a high volume offensive player, Njie has shot 50% from the field on 12 attempts through four games. With 14 rebounds, a 5/2 A/TO ratio, 4 blocks and 5 steals in 48 minutes, Njie has made the most of his time. I expect Njie to wind up as either a Division II priority or get some low major interest over these July live period weekends. Great example of a prospect who doesn't need to score to impact the game and does a little bit of everything.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1222353"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Buckner recently announced his move to NIBC powerhouse La Lumiere but he's included in this article for past Ohio ties playing with Saint Ignatius. Buckner has really impressed as a passer with a 12/4 A/TO ratio and has made passes in transition, against pressure and drive and kicks. Hitting a couple spot-up shots from the perimeter, he's had more success off the catch than bounce in the two games I watched. Also finding ways to score in transition with a couple slam dunks and fast break layups, getting into offense before the defense can set up has been beneficial to Buckner. With a lot of mid major offers and interest, look for Buckner to continue to raise his profile with La Lumiere as a senior.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1491436"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another forward for All Ohio who's been a consistent scoring option in the paint all season. Robinson had a couple buckets on rolls to the rim and offensive rebound putbacks. Biggest area of improvement for Robinson is going to be limiting his fouls, with 12 in 63 minutes, that's one foul every five minutes he's on the court. Being in the right positions earlier will allow him to lower this number and be available to stay on the floor for longer stretches. Despite the lower minutes numbers, Robinson is second on the team with 24 rebounds and has done that every time he's stepped on the floor this week.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1688316"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"A prospect who has just been brought on for the PIT with All Ohio, Mahaffey has played with a ton of energy with a new team. Fitting right in athletically, Mahaffey has been flying around the court on both ends getting deflections, tipping passes and hustling for offensive rebounds. The half-court offensive has been a major work in progress but Mahaffey is adjusting to the new speed of the game and figuring things out on the fly. His best basketball is going to come later in his college career but Mahaffey has been one of the fastest risers this summer and is showing why he's picking up lots of Division I interest after Akron recently became his first offer.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1352459"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Richmond Heights had three new faces on this All Ohio 17 U squad and Steele is the first one to highlight. A high energy forward who uses the left to right crossover to attack downhill has made some plays in the limited action he's seen. Flying around the court for rebounds and using his dribble drive game to set up teammates, Steele has a 7/6 assist to turnover ratio. Knocking down a couple jumpers from the wing and corner, Steele has done his best offensive work in transition and on putbacks.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1679931"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"The second Richmond Heights player to join All Ohio this weekend, Wilson has made an impact as a stretch big hitting a couple mid-range shots and spacing the floor. Wilson also has the second most blocks on the team despite playing just 50 minutes. Struggling to finish on the inside, Wilson is very undersized for a big in this environment.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1432015"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Moving up from 16 U to 17 U, Jones had one of the best games all weekend I saw during the opening game of the event against Indy Heat at 9 A.M. on Monday morning. Jones was flying around defensively, hitting open shots and getting out in transition. Unfortunately, Jones did something to his shooting hand and had tape on two fingers and hasn't been able to find the range playing through the injury. Defensively he's still made an impact but without the reliable threat of a jumper he hasn't been the same offensive scorer in the half-court.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1432014"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Easter has been very up and down this weekend with a struggle against Howard Pulley but big-time efforts against Indy Heat and City Rocks. When Easter is driving downhill and looking to pass first and score second, he's been setting teammates up with good looks. The leading rebounder and minutes guy on the team, Easter has been a leader for his team as the point guard. The most noticable area where Easter laps everybody else on the roster is his ability to get to the free throw line. Easter has shot 31 free throws while the entire rest of the team has shot just 35. With well over a dozen high major offers, Easter will look to continue to make a national name of himself with his move to La Lumiere in the NIBC for his Junior season.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1110114"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"The Ohio State commit and guard who played his pre high school ball in Columbus has been really impressive for a Vegas Elite team that's looking to win the whole thing. Mobley's shooting numbers are absurd as he's shooting 55/45/100 from the field through three games. His three assists also don't do justice the type of passer he's been this week with a bunch of quick decisions and hockey assists as Vegas Elite's wings do a great job making the extra pass for a bucket. Really the biggest question for Mobley at the next level will be how well he can defend and that won't be something he'll be able to show until he starts playing in the Big 10. Next up on his checklist will be a Peach Jam title with his stacked Vegas Elite squad.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["1222345"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"After moving on to Link Academy from Walnut Hills, McKinley has had an impressive 17 U season with Mokan Elite, one of just five teams that sit at 3-0 in 17 U peach jam pool play. Looking slimmer than he was in the spring, McKinley continues to work on his foot speed and ability to defend on the perimeter. That's been where he's made the biggest impact this weekend as a defender who has been able to switch onto guards and communicate in pick and roll coverages. Offensively, McKinley makes smart decisions as a mover and is still developing his perimeter shot. Shooting 47% from the field, McKinley has been able to score around the rim when asked. I also saw McKinley move faster that I've ever seen him before on a transition opportunity where he was fed a bounce pass that got him a slam dunk. McKinley is a starter for a Mokan squad that has expectations of winning at the Peach Jam once again.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["1173989"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"One of the youngest prospects in the 2024 class and the newest top member of Ohio's 2024 class, this was my first opportunity to scout Parham in person. The Team Durant forward will be playing at Western Reserve Academy for his senior season and added to our Prep Hoops Ohio rankings during the next update. I was really impressed with the athleticism, consistent production and ability to score in the paint. With a couple dunks in the half court where he got up easily, Parham is tough to stop in the paint. Shooting 58% from the field, Parham is efficient with his shots and doesn't make the game complicated. Biggest area of development for Parham is the outside shot and he's 1/4 on 3-pointers and 11/19 from the free throw line. That will be the swing skill for Parham at Marquette. Really big fan of his game and he's shown why he's regarded as a top 100 prospect this week.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["1747653"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"The last prospect in this article and only PIT prospect outside of All Ohio and Indy Heat. Owens is shooting 50% from the floor and 38% from 3-point range on high volume through five games in North Augusta. Rapidly developing his 3-point shot and continuing to use his impressive physical tools defensively and in transition, Owens continues to show why he's currently ranked as Ohio's top 2024 prospect on our website. Averaging two steals a game, Owens will bring his havoc style of defense to Shaka Smart's system. I'm a huge fan of Owens' game and think he's only going to get better and better as he gets older and continues to develop. A big time talent in Ohio's 2024 class.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":15,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a6d6b461c5c"} /-->