Herron Holiday Hoops Classic Standouts

The Herron Holiday Hoops Classic brought five games to Brunswick High School for one of the best attended holiday showcases in Ohio! In this article I'll break down the eleven standouts from the five games.    In a weird game that saw Goran foul out in the third quarter, Goran was still one of the most impressive players I saw all day. An elite perimeter shooter, Goran hit some deep shots off DHO's and running off elevator screen actions. I also was impressed by Keystone's set on the first play of the game, getting a backdoor cut layup for Goran. Keystone plays a physical brand of basketball and won't turn down the intensity no matter the opponent or way the game is being officiated and Goran's performance on Tuesday is a perfect example of that.     The robin to Goran's batman for the Wildcats, Cowing is an elite perimeter shooter who can knock down shots off movement. I also enjoyed watching Cowing attack the basketball in mid-air, getting some contested rebounds over taller players. With so much young talent getting minutes, Keystone could be even better next season and that's a scary thought for their opposition.     A new name for myself, McMullin immediately caught my eye when the 6'7 stretch forward hit an above the break 3-pointer on the first possession of the game. McMullin made a handful of perimeter shots throughout the game. Able to play with the ball in his hands as a primary hub, being tasked with hitting cutters and getting Walsh Jesuit into their offense in the half-court. McMullin also hit a couple tough shots with his left hand. McMullin is a name region small college programs should be recruiting.     North Ridgeville came out the gates firing in their victory over Medina Buckeye and stretch big [player_tooltip player_id='3269120' first='Cole' last='Miller'] caught fire from the corner. A strong big man who has broad shoulder and a low center of gravity, Miller has a low-arching 3-point shot that was connecting at a high percentage on Tuesday. Impressed by the guards from North Ridgeville as well, Miller was the beneficiary of the attention they drew on their drives and took advantage. Miller was a first team all-Ohio selection on the gridiron this fall and recently was offered by Lake Erie College for football.     Another stud quarterback, Dolata is a physical forward who has impressive ball skills for a player with his strength and height. Able to make plays off the bounce, Dolata had a nasty split and and-1 finish late in the first half. In a straight-line Dolata is a very impressive athlete and if you don't force him to change directions he will go right through your defense to the bucket. While he was recently offered by NAIA program Lawrence Tech for football, Dolata would be a monster at the Division III level on the hardwood if he wanted to focus on that sport at the college level.     Medina has a deep senior class and despite still missing [player_tooltip player_id='3269122' first='Lucas' last='Hogan'] to injury, the Bees found a way to get a tight victory over North Royalton. Myers had a slam dunk in the second half that swung some momentum his teams way and used the pump fake to create space to score in the paint. On a team that moves the ball so quickly, Medina players process the game quickly and usually find their way to the floor sooner rather than later at the college level.     This day was headlined by impressive performances by multi-sport athletes as Klingbeil is an impressive pitcher during the spring for North Royalton. I was impressed by Klingbeil's footwork in the paint, being patient with the ball in his hands and making advanced moves with his back to the basket. North Royalton guards did a nice job of finding Klingbeil in the paint where he could catch and finish or kickout to a shooter when he was double-teamed. After winning the region last season, North Royalton has another talented team this year.     A power athlete from the wing guard position, Knox was driving to the rim and moving defenders with his physicality and athleticism. Knox had a couple strong drives where he finished off two feet and another couple buckets off steals defensively. Knox is a player who continues to improve and a skilled Saint Edward roster around him should allow him to thrive this season.     Vlosich was making it rain on Tuesday with a flurry of 3-pointers from different areas on the court. I loved how Vlosich used pump-fakes to cause defenders to fly by him before he takes a sidestep dribble to fire away. Vlosich's first bucket of the game was off a curl cut, where he used the threat of his 3-point shot against the defense. To end the first quarter Vlosich hit a nasty dribble combo into a mid-range pull-up. I think Vlosich has the skillset to be a day one contributor at Ashland next season.     One of the most skilled players in Ohio, Drexler's ability to stop and start makes him an impossible cover because the second the defense is on the back foot, they have already lost. Drexler did an excellent job getting to the paint by changing speeds off the dribble and his back-court partner [player_tooltip player_id='2288543' first='Sean' last='Barnett'] was making it rain from long distance. This Brunswick team is clicking and has a ton of marquee games left in their season to grab the attention of the entire state.     Rhodes was scrappy and gave a good effort against the hosts for well over a half. Dye is Rhodes most talented offensive player as the stocky lefty wing guard has some deceptive change of direction and burst on the basketball. A talented shot-maker from the outside as well, Dye made some deep shots off the dribble out of isolation sets. While Glenville is still the favorite in the Cleveland Senate league, this Rhodes team is scrappy and is currently one of three unbeaten teams in conference play.

The Herron Holiday Hoops Classic brought five games to Brunswick High School for one of the best attended holiday showcases in Ohio! In this article I'll break down the eleven standouts from the five games.