Play-By-Play Classic Top Players
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This past Saturday I was at Reynoldsburg for Jared Sullinger’s Play-by-Play Classic. I went to three games from the all-day-long event. I watched Olentangy Liberty for the time this year as they beat Iman Christian (PA) 81-64. Next was the…
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Continue ReadingThis past Saturday I was at Reynoldsburg for Jared Sullinger’s Play-by-Play Classic. I went to three games from the all-day-long event. I watched Olentangy Liberty for the time this year as they beat Iman Christian (PA) 81-64. Next was the premier game of the day as Garfield Heights beat host team Reynoldsburg, 74-59. Lastly, I watched the unbeaten remain unbeaten as Olentangy Orange had a dominant win over Walnut Ridge, 66-48. This article will be recapping the top players I saw from these three games.
Johnson has been on a tear this season and has moved his ranking to the top player in the state for his class. This past Saturday was my fourth time seeing him play this year and he has gotten better. He has taken his game to the next level in small ways. He seems to have gained some muscle and gotten stronger, along with adding athleticism. This has allowed him to be able to get to the rim with ease. He is good at changing his speed and exploding to the rim when the lane opens up. Johnson is one of the best shooters in the state, which has only improved because his shot doesn’t even touch the rim anymore. He doesn’t need to rely on it anymore. He can get buckets in more than one way. His hands have improved defensively making him a good defender. He has a smooth and controlled game and will only get better. Which is going to be scary.
Brown has been on a tear this season and has started to get noticed as he gained some of his first Division 1 offers after the game on Saturday. He has gotten so much better this year than last year. His playmaking ability is getting better and better. He is playing this year like he is a 6’6 point guard. He creates so much for Olentangy Orange but also never forces. He is leading one of the few unbeaten teams in the state to a great season. He is so consistent with how he plays. He is tough to stop from scoring and if you do he is a great passer who can dish it to other players on his team. Brown is having a breakout season and should expect the offers to continue to roll in.
I am a huge fan of Jones’ game. Not many other big kids I’d take over him. He is freakishly long and has some strides that are great for rim running. He can get into great positioning for rebounds. He is a monster on the boards because of his athleticism and length, he gets his hand on every loose ball. He is one of the best tip-back bucket-getters I have seen this season. He does well at contesting every single shot. He is a high-level rim protector. He can block the ball at points in the air that no one else can. He has a great motor. Jones is the player you want.
Kropp is someone stuck out like a sore thumb during Liberty’s game against Iman Christian. This is because of his size. He is a big kid – a strong and big body with a tall frame. He is what you want in your forward. He has seemed to slim up and build some serious muscle and strength. He is moving better and getting to his spots with ease. Not many can match his size and athleticism. His basketball bag has gotten deeper as well. He operates in the mid-post as well as anyone. He has a good touch around the rim. He makes quick, decisive, and strong moves when he gets the ball. He understands the game better. Kropp is starting to turn into a dominant big man.