The Platform: Buckeye and Hoosier Standouts

As I stated in previous coverage. Due its location just off the runway of Midway Airport. The Platform had a distinct Chicago and Southern Wisconsin feel to it. That did stop the rest of the Midwest from getting involved in the high-level action. Particularly from the states of Indiana and Ohio. Following are seven prospects that caught my eye broken down by class from the neighboring states   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2027 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2125696' first='Malachi' last='Ransom'] 5-11 Valparaiso (IN) Played well for a talented [program_tooltip program_id='2075551' first='Indiana' last='Game'] UAG squad that didn't have their best weekend. Towards that measure, as well as Ransom played. I've seen him play better. Really stood out in Sunday loss to Wisconsin Breakaway. Got absolutely red hot from beyond the arc. Hitting five second half threes after a sluggish start. While the lefty is a good shooter from deep. He excels on penetration. Can go both directions and plays well in pick and roll situations. A sub six-foot prospect (maybe 6-0) but elevates like a much bigger player. Finished with 19 points in the aforementioned loss.   [player_tooltip player_id='2392357' first='Erick' last='Graham'] 6-2 Cardinal Strich (OH) (pictured) Explosive and tightly wound lead guard from the Toledo area. I only caught Graham on Saturday as I believe an injury took him out of Sunday play. But I saw enough. Big bounding steps that covered a lot of ground. Got to basket from top of the key with only one or two dribbles. Good body control and could score from unique scoring angles. Tight handle gives him potential as a point guard. If he can develop more as a distributor, 6-2 is excellent positional size for a point guard. Also, I wouldn't call him skinny or wiry. Has a thick upper body that both absorbs and finishes through contact.   [player_tooltip player_id='2792017' first='Ashton' last='Wortham'] 5-11 Toledo Whitmer (OH) This compact point guard did double duty for Ohio's [program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite'] On Saturday, was a point who allowed Graham to venture off the ball. On Sunday took on a scoring load in Graham's absence. Has low center or gravity and very tight handle that makes him difficult to turnover. Good penetrator who did not need a ball screen to blow past his defender. Seemed to show good leadership and wanted the ball in his hands late. Had matching 15 point clutch outings in wins against Show Me Elite and 88 West Elite respectively.   [player_tooltip player_id='3688073' first='Azarion' last='Lemons'] 6-4 Michigan City (IN) Prospect who check all the boxes to fall into the category of "plays bigger than his listed height." The program will say 6-4 forward, but that is just a number. Passes the eye test in a major way. Has a condor like wingspan that I would like to see the measurements on. Complements it with quick and sudden elevation. Is a major lob threat and lives above the rim on both ends of the court. I haven't seen much of a perimeter game yet. That doesn't mean it isn't there or it can't be developed.   [player_tooltip player_id='3576919' first='Aiden' last='Boschen'] 5-9 Toledo Bowsher (OH) Not a very big prospect but competes hard and is loaded with winning intangibles. Showed it on Saturday night after a top player for [program_tooltip program_id='2075517' first='Hopson' last='Elite'] went out with an injury. That was an unexpected absence. He knew his teammate would be out on Sunday. Acordingly stepped up in a major way through four quarters in a closing Sunday victory. Scored 15 points in the Sunday victory. Also drew a late and crucial moving screen foul with his aggressive defense. Attacks the basket without fear or regard for contact. Has the requisite on deep range on the perimeter for a prospect with his size.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2028 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2879163' first='Levi' last='Carr'] 6-1 Northview (IN) Clutch performer for a good Indiana Elite Gold squad. Showed the ability to play both on and off the ball. Played on the ball during "regular" time. In the clutch moved on the ball as a penetrating lead guard. This was seen in close victory against Chicago area Geek Squad on Sunday morning. The game ended with him at the line after he aggressively drew a foul. Has a good frame that helps him on penetration. Lived at the line in the Sunday morning victory. Showed a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc in other contests. Played similarly to players listed above the list. However, is a grade level younger with more long-term potential.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2029 </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='3663503' first='Karson' last='Gladhill'] 6-7 Edgewood (IN) With Carr out on the perimeter. Gladhill banged and competed down on the block. I was impressed with how he sealed off defenders to establish deep post position. Showed good hands and soft touch around the basket. Has a wide frame and set punishing screens that got his squad plenty of open looks. Despite the wider lower base, moved well laterally and got up and down the court quickly. I hate to pour water on my evaluation, but my program listed him as a 2029 prospect playing up a division. As I peruse the internet, it sems that might not be correct. I'm keeping him here as that is what the program said, and bigs always develop later than wings. Obviously the ceiling is higher if he is a 2029 prospect. That being said, there is enough merit to mention even if that is incorrect.

As I stated in previous coverage. Due its location just off the runway of Midway Airport. The Platform had a distinct Chicago and Southern Wisconsin feel to it. That did stop the rest of the Midwest from getting involved in the high-level action. Particularly from the states of Indiana and Ohio. Following are seven prospects that caught my eye broken down by class from the neighboring states