Shane’s Top Underclassmen – Week in Toledo
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This past week was my first a few in covering NWO basketball this 2023-24 season. I went to four very good and competitive games. On Tuesday I was in Lima and watched one of the best matchups in NWO. As…
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Continue ReadingThis past week was my first a few in covering NWO basketball this 2023-24 season. I went to four very good and competitive games. On Tuesday I was in Lima and watched one of the best matchups in NWO. As Whitmer beat Lima Senior in OT 78-74. On Thursday I watch Southview get a conference win against Perrysburg, 49-46. Friday night I watched my first CLHS battle as St. Francis picked up the road win at Toledo Central Catholic, 43-41. Then on Saturday night, I got to watch a TAAC matchup and see Maumee Valley pick up an impressive 63-57 win on the road against Toledo Christian. I saw a ton of talent at these games and this article will cover the Top Underclassmen I saw this week.
Friday night was the first time I watched Mack-Russell and I loved what I saw from this freshman. He has it all physically – tall, length, and physical. He has good athleticism that allows him to be a versatile player on both ends of the floor. He can guard almost every position on the floor and play almost every position on offense. He got to the rim whenever he wanted and finished. He was doing a great job of exploiting mismatches all night. He was posting up and attacking the chest of shorter guards. He is strong and an ultra-physical player.
Highlights
Stokes made winning plays for Maumee Valley. He only scored seven points but made a massive impact on the game. He is a lightning bolt of energy and quickness. He plays with a high motor all game and flies around on both ends. He has some great hands defensively as he caused so many turnovers. He was a pest for Toledo Christian’s guards to deal with. He made very good decisions and passes for the Hawks on offense as well. He made a huge three late. Stokes showed he is a freshman with a bright future.
Noah Simpson Noah Simpson 5'10" | PG Lima Sr | 2027 OH
Noah Simpson Noah Simpson 5'10" | PG Lima Sr | 2027 OH
Simpson provided a much-needed spark off the bench for Lima Senior on Tuesday. In a game where the bigger names on his team were not doing much the Freshman came in and made an instant impact. His shot was falling consistently and in big moments for Lima. He hit back-to-back threes to end the 3rd quarter including a buzzer beater. This gave them a ton of momentum. He was super solid and a good decision-maker on offense. He was playing hard and with energy. He finished the game with 14 points.
I like Manny Johnson Manny Johnson 6’2″ | CG Toledo Central Catholic | 2026 State OH ‘s game. He is a smooth guard who is a very fluid athlete. He plays the game at a controlled and good pace. He doesn’t get sped up too much and has a good feel for the game. He is a good finisher with both hands at the rim. Can do a little bit of it all, nice skill set. He is a long and sophomore with a bright future.