Standouts from Pick North Thanksgiving Showcase
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The Pickerington North Thanksgiving Showcase Scrimmage brought out a handful of teams, mostly from central Ohio, with a few out of region squads as well. In this article we’ll break down the top performers from the afternoon of hoops. Manny…
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Continue ReadingThe Pickerington North Thanksgiving Showcase Scrimmage brought out a handful of teams, mostly from central Ohio, with a few out of region squads as well. In this article we’ll break down the top performers from the afternoon of hoops.
A clear breakout candidate in Ohio, Johnson had a big month of June with the Irish and looks to have taken another step since my last evaluation of him. Making a handful of 3-pointers off the catch, Johnson shot the ball with confidence when the ball was swung to him. As a slasher, Johnson plays with good patience for his age and found teammates off live dribble passing looks. Johnson also had a couple tough finishes in the paint when he decided to look to score on basket attacks. Toledo Central Catholic will again be one of the top Division II teams from NW Ohio with guys like Johnson in their program.
Both Calloway brothers stood out but I’m spotlighting the older Jaden for his efforts with Bishop Hartley on Friday afternoon. One of the top defenders in his class, Calloway is a perfect fit for a run and jump full court pressure system that Bishop Hartley runs. Able to slide his feet and get his hands on the ball, Calloway forces a lot of turnovers with his relentless pressure. It also seems like he’s taken a leap athletically with a couple above the rim finishes including almost throwing down a poster dunk on a defender. Calloway also showed off his ability to finish with his left hand at the rim on drives as well. If he can become more consistent as a perimeter shooter, Calloway should see a lot of recruiting interest next spring and summer.
Highlights
Solon was one of two northeast Ohio teams making the trip down to Columbus and Brown looked very comfortable playing for the Comets new head coach. A long wing who can use his length to finish at the rim around and over rim protectors. A good shooter with his feet set, Brown has the prototype 3-and-D wing body and skillset. I expect a lot of small college interest to be shown to Brown sooner rather than later if he continues this level of play.
Maybe the most impressive overall team on Friday morning was Licking Heights. Licking Heights sometimes goes under the radar playing in the Licking County League, but the Hornets were playing with a lot of confidence. While a couple of their guards and wings impressed, it was Lovinsky who really caught my eye. A big body in the paint, Lovinsky can protect the rim by going straight up and rebound to start the fast break. Offensively, Lovinsky kept it simple with quick decisions to go up with the ball when he received it in the paint. Finishing through contact and when he got room to elevate, Lovinsky threw down a couple slam dunks that his guards helped create for him. If Licking Heights can continue to play at this level, they might be a sleeper playoff team when they face off against the OCC’s best.