Stock Risers from Ohio Valley Hoops Classic
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The Ohio Valley Hoops Classic was the tip off of the OHSAA basketball season with three games at Mason High School on Friday. In this article, I’ll break down five stock rising performers from the evening of basketball. This event…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio Valley Hoops Classic was the tip off of the OHSAA basketball season with three games at Mason High School on Friday. In this article, I’ll break down five stock rising performers from the evening of basketball. This event continues on Saturday and Sunday with more all day action.
The host Comets were on point with a big time outing from their senior trio of Abib, Ben Menker Ben Menker 6’5″ | SF Mason | 2024 State OH (mentioned in top performers article) and Matt DeBrosse Matt DeBrosse 6’0″ | SG Mason | 2024 State OH . After barley getting any varsity minutes last season, Abib showed his summer growth was for real with an impressive outing after getting the start to begin his senior season. A capable shooter from the outside and a prospect who can put it on the floor and score at the rim, if Abib stays in the weight room, he has the chance to be an impactful college basketball player in a few years time.
Highlights
Turner has taken huge strides with his motor since the spring and has turned his effort and energy levels into a strength of his. For a Newport team with a lot of guys looking to score the basketball, he fits perfectly as a rim running, rim protecting and rebounding machine. With a couple blocked shots and putbacks against a frontline filled with scholarship talent, Turner competed all night in a big Newport victory. His signature moment came with about a minute to play when he threw down an alley-oop to put Newport up eight. One of the top 2026 prospects from Kentucky, Turner has a high upside down the road.
A move in transfer to Taft from Florida, Buchanan showed some intriguing abilities in his Ohio debut. A smooth athlete on the wing, Buchanan covers a lot of ground on the court and can turn on the jets when he needs to. A smooth shot coming out of his hand, Buchanan made a couple jumpers on Friday night. Developing chemistry with his new teammates and feel for the game will be key this season as his athleticism and shot making will have college programs interested.
It might’ve been a disappointing season opener for Taft but the high school debut of Torbert was a great one. A point guard with an advanced feel for the game and the quickness to blow by the first defender, Torbert looks like one of Ohio’s top 2027 guards. Able to get into the lane and decide to pass or shoot whenever he wanted, Torbert has a shifty handle and quick processing ability. Expect to hear a lot about his game throughout his high school career.
First time watching Rochelle and I left impressed. A prospect who catches your eye in warmups, Rochelle is an impressive athlete who moves well for his size. Key for Rochelle will be continuing to play hard and get second chance points, he had one putback layup on Friday. While he knocked down one 3-pointer, I wouldn’t expect that to be a regular occurrence. With his physical tools and size, JUCO and small college programs should take a look at Rochelle as an extra big to bring in their 2024 class. Rochelle also has football recruiting interest, including an offer from Tiffin on the gridiron.