Winter Breakout Candidates: Central Ohio

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the next two days I'm going to be breaking down some potential breakout candidates this winter in each region of Ohio. In this article we'll take a look at five players from central Ohio who could breakout this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2877445"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9667b51e1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The leap in toughness that Kolar showed from the end of his junior year to the end of the summer was night and day and the biggest reason why I think he's ready to take New Albany to the next level as a senior. Kolar is an explosive athlete who can play above the rim and when he gets going with his left hand he's tough to stop. New Albany has the pieces to make a deep run in Division II after falling short of a regional title each of the last two seasons. Kolar also just announced a commitment to Denison, a school that's had some incredibly impactful central Ohio prospects.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3196472"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9667b51e57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Groveport-Madison has had some strong seasons the last two years with toughness, size and defensive unity as their main calling cards. Taylor will provide all of those things for the Cruisers this year and they have a strong 2028 core that's been waiting to have their opportunity in the spotlight. Taylor's addition could be what pushes them over the top this winter as they will again have the size advantage on the interior against most of the OCC teams on their schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2395673"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9667b51e7b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Columbus DeSales have been a consistent tough team to play against and have been looking for a deep run since the graduation of star Des Watson. I think the Stallions might have maybe their best team since Watson was with the program this winter and Weakley is a big piece to that puzzle. Weakley was very impressive at the Ohio State team camp as he made a two-way impact and a lot of the offense was ran through Weakley. With his impressive footwork, Weakley can move through the defense with ease and Weakley crashes the offensive glass at a high level. A name to watch for small college programs in central Ohio!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3767292"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9667b51e9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A prospect who stood out during the Pumas Fall League, Joseph immediately stands out due to his length, rim protection and movement skills. Earning his first JUCO offer this week, Joseph is on an upward trajectory and looks ready to break out for Hilliard Darby this winter. Joseph has a ways to go offensively but he has the physical tools to finish at the rim and could eventually become a floor spacer with continued skill work. Joseph will be a name added to our 2027 rankings during the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2684882"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad9667b51eb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The youngest player on this list, Cantrell burst onto the scene as a freshman with a buzzer-beater to upset New Albany. Cantrell was also on the MHC championship team. Cantrell has good positional size on the wing and is an impressive perimeter shot-maker. Cantrell attended our Prep Hoops freshman showcase, getting on our radar before playing a high school game. Expect the rest of Columbus to find out how talented Cantrell is this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->