Ohio State Tournament: Mike's 2027/2028 Standouts

The Ohio State Tournament brought a ton of in-state talent to the Prep Hoops Circuit over Memorial Day weekend. In this article, I'm going to break down six 2027 and 2028 prospects who made their names known this weekend.    Playing up on the 17 U level with Elite Mentality, Bronston showed some flashes playing up two age groups this weekend. One of the more natural movers for his height and age in Ohio's 2027 class, it's easy to see the long term upside with Bronston. Knocking down a couple jumpers and working to protect the rim, Bronston is getting valuable experience going against more physically mature players. After playing in eight varsity games as a freshman, I expect Bronston to turn the corner this season and become an impactful piece for a Fairfield squad looking to re-establish themselves as one of the top teams in the greater Cincinnati area.          The offensive engine for the 15 U champions All H.E.A.R.T. basketball, Bowman was one of the most impressive passers I saw all weekend regardless of class. A point guard with a flair for creativity, Bowman can make the no-look pass and makes quick decisions with the ball in his hands. Defensively, Bowman turned defense into offense by jumping passing lanes and finishing easy breakaway layups. As a team, All H.E.A.R.T. passed the ball at an extremely high level and Bowman is the one who orchestrates that ball movement.     I was really impressed with the slashing ability McQueen showed me this weekend. Tough to keep in front when he was attacking downhill, McQueen had a nasty spin and-1 layup in transition during the semifinal battle with Nova Village. A consistent scorer all weekend for his team, McQueen was tough to keep out of the paint. Combine his slashing ability with a capable 3-point shot off the catch and there's a lot to like about this 2027 guard who will have to wait his turn at Moeller but could burst onto the scene as an upperclassman.     No player benefitted from the ball movement of his guard teammates more than Newman did this weekend. It seemed like whenever the defense was moving due to quick passes, Newman was waiting on the block to catch and finish on the block. A very efficient player who knew what his role was and played it effectively. It can be simple to make yourself available, finish at the rim and rebound but many players want to try and do other things on the court. Newman is a great example of playing your role and trusting your teammates which led to success for Newman as an individual and his All H.E.A.R.T. team as they wrapped up their weekend as champions of the 15 U bracket.     Cornett was getting busy for Nova Village in the semifinal meeting with All H.E.A.R.T. in a game that could've went either way. I love Cornett's length and ability to impact the game defensively. Nova Village wants to pressure the ball and force turnovers throughout basically all age groups as a program and Cornett is a big piece of their 15 U group's pressure defense. Combine that with timely shot-making from the perimeter and some clutch buckets in the paint and Cornett continues to impress me on both ends of the court.     Nova Village won the 16 U championship and Perkins playing up was an impactful piece this weekend. Always bringing defense and energy with his ball pressure and quickness, Perkins wants to push the pace and brings a spark to his team. With a couple steals that turned into layups and some nasty crossovers to get to the paint, Perkins helped turn a tight semifinal game in the first half into a running clock blowout for his team. Despite being one of the smallest players on the court, Perkins has found ways to be impactful playing up an age group and should help Westerville North this season with their deep guard rotation.

The Ohio State Tournament brought a ton of in-state talent to the Prep Hoops Circuit over Memorial Day weekend. In this article, I'm going to break down six 2027 and 2028 prospects who made their names known this weekend.