Step Higher Tip Off: 2027/2028 Standouts

The Step Higher Tip Off Classic brought two days of action to Holmes High School in Covington, Kentucky. In this article we'll break down the 2027 and 2028 standouts from the event.    Taft was missing some key players due to their football team still being alive in the state playoffs but Griffin was a familiar face to see. A very talented prospect, Griffin has an excellent blend of shooting, quick-twitch athleticism and speed. Griffin made some tough shots from the perimeter, including a crazy end of quarter buzzer-beater. Griffin also played above the rim on a couple layups and dunks, he almost had the highlight of the day with a poster attempt to end the game. For Griffin, being engaged defensively and making plays on that end will be the key. Taft wants to press and force turnovers so if Griffin can make an impact on that end, he'll make a big difference as Taft tries to get back to the top of the CMAC.     A warrior defensively, few players pressure the ball as well as Jones does. At his size, Jones is always going to be low to the ground and in the grill of opposing ball handlers. Jones forced numerous turnovers and usually either he or a teammate turned them into buckets on the other end. I was also impressed with how Jones scored at the rim, he had some acrobatic finishes around rim protectors. Add on a couple 8-12 foot mid-range shots and floaters, Jones was productive on Sunday in helping his team win.     One of the top 2028 prospects in Ohio, Jointer had a dominant performance on Saturday and when I was there on Sunday stood out once again. Since watching him in June, Jointer has taken clear steps as a ball handler and shooter, gaining confidence in both skills. Knocking down multiple step-back 3-pointers off the dribble show that progression as a player. Already very physically developed for his age, Jointer made some plays using his strength just outmuscling guys in the paint. Jointer is a prospect we will be tracking very closely throughout his high school career.     One of the more talented point guards in Ohio's 2028 class, Hill has already shown his ability to perform against older competition as he was excellent on the 3SSB circuit playing 15 U. Going against older high school talent has also not appeared to be an issue as Hill was productive on Sunday to lead Cincinnati Hughes. Hill can run the pick and roll at a high level as a ball handler and set up his teammates numerous times for open shots. After getting his teammates involved to start, Hill started looking for his own shot and was knocking down 3-pointers efficiently. Expect to hear a lot about Hill over the next four years.     Lakota West has an elite 2027 guard duo and both Curry and [player_tooltip player_id='2125748' first='Joshua' last='Tyson'] were getting after it against Huntington Prep. Curry is a big time athlete and has excellent positional size. Curry knocked down a couple jumpers off the dribble on Sunday, looking confident in his ability to create for himself even against a shot contest. Defensively, Curry has all the physical tools you look for with his length, quickness and vertical explosiveness. Curry has been on an upward trajectory after a strong second half to his freshman season and solid grassroots season. One of the top players in Ohio's 2027 class.     One of the most hyped 2028 prospects in the country, Mercer left Cincinnati for Huntington Prep prior to his freshman season. He returned to the city for a preseason contest and stood out as a top performer. I thought the passing of Mercer really stood out on a Huntington Prep roster that needs him to set the table for his teammates. An impressive athlete, Mercer threw down a dunk from a standstill, showing his explosiveness. Defensively, Mercer had a pair of impressive blocked shots including one chase down block. We'll be sure to follow Mercer as he develops as a prospect, especially since he's from Ohio and will be a name people know on a national scale.

The Step Higher Tip Off Classic brought two days of action to Holmes High School in Covington, Kentucky. In this article we'll break down the 2027 and 2028 standouts from the event.