Mike’s standouts of the week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past week and a half I've been to three standalone games in the state of Ohio. In this article I'll break down my standouts from Cincinnati La Salle @ Hamilton, Delaware Hayes @ Big Walnut and Lakota West @ Cincinnati Fairfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1489747"],"_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":"A prospect I've seen plenty thanks to his team being on the Prep Hoops Circuit this spring and summer and he's continued his upward trajectory. One of the most impressive athletes in the state of Ohio, Holden is a perfect small ball center who is going to the right level at Tiffin with a chance to potentially make an impact right away. Throwing down some highlight-reel dunks and protecting the rim with a few backboard tapping blocks, Holden makes his presence felt in the paint. I thought Holden did a nice job of protecting the rim without fouling, a skill that will be key at the next level. One of the most impactful players in the GMC, Holden is a big reason why Hamilton is tied for second in the conference.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1832084"],"_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":"In a game that featured a ton of upperclassmen talent, it was the Sophomores who stole the show for Delaware Hayes. An impressive shooter with good touch, Griggs got the friendly roll on a key 3-pointer to extend the Pacers lead. A scrappy guard, Griggs also had a key and-1 layup after an offensive rebound. Just knows how to play, Griggs won't blow by you with his speed or dominate the ball as a facilitator, but his basketball IQ and toughness makes him a valuable piece to one of the top teams in Columbus.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2205099"],"_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":"Recently making his debut in our 2026 rankings after a strong showing at the Midwest Fall League, Russell continued his impressive season with a strong performance against Big Walnut in a big spot on the road. Opening the game Russell had a nice extension step layup and then had a patient drive that left the hedge defender in the dust. The pace Russell plays at with the ball in his hands is advanced for a Sophomore. Becoming a more consistent shooter from the outside is an area of improvement for Russell, he knocked down one contested 3-pointer from the top of the key but missed a pair when he was given time and space. If Russell is knocking down open looks at a high rate, watch out for him next season when the Pacers rely on him even more than they do right now.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2172061"],"_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":"Another kid who made his debut after playing in the Midwest Basketball Club Fall League, Meade-Moss was a part of the Cincy location. One of the more efficient performances I've seen all season, Meade-Moss was 4/5 from 2-point range and 5/6 from 3-point range. Knocking down basically everything he threw up, this was his season high for scoring and the fourth time he's been over 15 points in a game. His teammates did a good job finding him when he was open and Meade-Moss hit some tough shots as well. Also moving well without the basketball, a couple backside cuts allowed him easy layups at the rim.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2125748"],"_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":"A kid I saw for the first time at our Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase, Tyson was everywhere on Friday night. Just active on both ends of the court and consistently making me write notes about his game, Tyson impacts the game in a variety of ways for a Freshman. Defensively, I loved how active Tyson was and how he flew around the court. Finishing with a block and a steal, Tyson's defensive presence was shown. He'll need to be a bit more careful defensively as he matures but that will come with game reps, his willingness to defend and effort levels are more than enough right now. On the offensive end, Tyson just has a nose for scoring. Whether it's leaking out for a layup or spacing himself on the 3-point line to get a good look, Tyson was efficient with 15 points on 5/9 shooting and 3/4 from the free throw line. One of the top freshman in southwest Ohio, Tyson is a name to know in Ohio's 2027 class.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b53a0a1c914"} /-->