Run N Slam: Saturday morning Ohio + Kentucky Standouts
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The Bill Hensley Run N Slam is a great event to see teams from a variety of different circuits. In this article I’ll break down standouts from Saturday morning action which includes teams from the EYCL, HGSL, UA Rise and…
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Continue ReadingThe Bill Hensley Run N Slam is a great event to see teams from a variety of different circuits. In this article I’ll break down standouts from Saturday morning action which includes teams from the EYCL, HGSL, UA Rise and more.
I wanted to catch the Ohio Buckets 16 U group so I started my morning in an aux gym 15 minutes up the road and Johnson made it worth it. A big time performance by one of the top guards in NW Ohio, Johnson impacted the game in a variety of ways. Started it off with a baseline drive and he made a nice feed to a big for an assist. Johnson then posted up a smaller defender to score. Able to use his open court speed to blow by defenders and then used a euro-step finish at the rim. In the second half, Johnson caught fire from the outside and knocked down three or four 3-pointers in quick succession. Relying on his quickness to beat the primary defender, I’d like to see Johnson show off some more counters off the dribble when he can’t get by on just his first step quickness alone. Regardless, Johnson was very impressive and should start to hear from some Division I coaches when they can directly contact 2026 prospects in the summer.
Another talented member of the Ohio Buckets 16 U group, Plantz impacted the game in a variety of ways on Saturday morning. I thought he was more active around the rim, blocking and contesting shots without fouling. Also I haven’t seen Plantz in person since the Fall, it looked like he was more filled out physically with stronger shoulders and overall better body. Combine that with a bit smoother of a jumper, despite not knocking down any 3-pointers in the game I was at, the release for Plantz looked more comfortable and quicker. Can tell Plantz has been in the gym working and living up to his ranking, Plantz has been a top 15 prospect since we debuted 2026 rankings on the site.
The game is simple for Cervenka, knock down shots. That’s exactly what he did on Saturday morning when TNBA -Ohio got a three point win over fellow HGSL member Moss Elite . TNBA -Ohio executed BLOB plays well and found Cervenka on multiple open looks from the corner for high percentage shots. Basically all my notes on Cervenka from this game centered around his ability to make himself available from 3-point range and catching and shooting with confidence. Continuing to prove himself as a 3-and-D shooting guard, Cervenka is one of a couple high priority small college prospects on TNBA ‘s 17 U group.
Highlights
The only unsigned 2024 prospect I’m spotlighting from the entire weekend, Williams had some bright moments for Griffin Elite this weekend. A high flying athlete from the wing guard position, Williams had a couple dunks and blocks above the rim that showed off his explosiveness. Wanting to get back to his left hand on drives, Williams used some crossovers and spin moves when originally attacking right to finish with his dominant hand. Also capable of catching fire from the outside, Williams can knock down shots from 3-point range when left alone. One of the highest upside available 2024 prospects in attendance, I had multiple scholarship programs inquire about the recruiting status of Williams over the weekend.
Another Griffin Elite wing, Blakeman also stood out in the game I caught. Playing at his own speed and under control, colleges will love that Blakeman plays off two feet in the paint. Nothing was forced in his game, he hit time and space shots, attacked off DHO’s and was patient in the paint. With his size, shooting ability and feel, Blakeman will be a hand in glove fit at the scholarship level, likely either at a Division II or NAIA program. Kentucky Christian and Campbellsville have already offered Blakeman and I expect more similar level programs to throw their names in the hat to try and secure his committment.
I’ve seen All Ohio Select for a couple games already this spring and Saturday afternoon Vs Griffin Elite was by far Holley’s best performance to date. Holley was straight up dominating the glass, getting every rebound that came near him. With his toughness and strength, Holley was a man amongst boys when it came to securing loose balls. Also showing some flashes offensively, Holley had a couple second chance buckets, threw down a dunk from the dunker spot and hit a spot-up wing 3-pointer. One of the youngest players in Ohio’s 2025 class, Holley has a ton of upside down the road. Still learning how to consistently impact the game, Holley is a kid I think will be better later in his college career and should continue to rise as he matures and develops. One of the hidden gem prospects across northeast Ohio, I expect his stock to explode between now and July if he plays like he did on Saturday on a consistent basis.