Battle in the 740: Sunday Standouts
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The Battle in the 740 brought out some of the top talent from southeast Ohio to Shawnee State University for a day filled with quality action. In this article I’ll break down the five standout performers from the day of…
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Continue ReadingThe Battle in the 740 brought out some of the top talent from southeast Ohio to Shawnee State University for a day filled with quality action. In this article I’ll break down the five standout performers from the day of action.
Leading his team to a big-time victory, Cottrill scored 32 points in a victory over Lucasville Valley. A very quick guard, Cottrill uses his lack of size to his advantage with his change of speed and direction. Able to get in the lane and either kick to a shooter or cutter or decide to pull-up, the Lucasville Valley defense was on skates trying to contain Cottrill. Combine his dribbling ability with his ability to finish at the rim, including one impressive scoop lefty layup past a rim protector, and Cottrill is a scoring machine in southeast Ohio. Defensively, Cottrill gets after it with a couple pickpockets from opposing ball handlers. A legit small college prospect, Division III schools from around the region should check out Cottrill this season.
Already committed to play at the NAIA level, Copley is one of the top talents in southeast Ohio. An athletic guard, Copley made an impact defensively with a couple blocks and deflections. With his size, strength and athleticism, Copley scored with his back to the basket a few times just overpowering defenders in the paint. One of the few creators on his team, Copley was forced to some difficult jumpers but did make a couple impressive 3-pointers. Establishing himself in southeast Ohio as a top regional talent, expect Copley to put up big scoring numbers as a senior before making his mark at the next level as well.
Highlights
This was a new name for myself as Campbell got more minutes as the year went on for Harvest Prep as a freshman and has hit the ground running this season. An athletic forward who can finish above opposing rim protectors, Campbell has good size, length and explosiveness. His most impressive finish was an off hand layup where he reversed around the rim for the bucket. The lefty also showed some touch in the mid-range area as well against the Wheelersburg zone, finding the soft spots from 10-12 feet. If Campbell can continue to develop as a decision maker with continued reps and work, he’ll have a chance to be an all-state caliber player by next season.
Highlights
Wheelersburg battled all game with Harvest Prep, even taking the lead in the middle of the fourth quarter before falling short. A huge second half charge by McGraw fueled the comeback for the Pirates. I was impressed by McGraw’s feel for the game, able to get in the lane and make plays happen off the bounce and move without the basketball. A skilled scorer from a variety of spots on the court, McGraw knocked down a couple spot-up 3-pointers and got low on a split for an and-1 floater. McGraw looks like he’ll be one of the top players in southeast Ohio by the time he’s a senior.
Highlights
Fairland continues to be one of the dominant programs in southeast Ohio and Allen is the engine that runs the machine for the Dragons. A playground style guard, Allen came out aggressive with 11 first quarter points with some impressive moves off the bounce. While being held in check the rest of the game, Allen used the extra defensive attention to make plays off the bounce before kicking to teammates for open looks. Another prospect that should have a lot of small college interest from regional programs.