Top 10 Columbus City League Juniors
This writer often compares junior year of high school to a Thursday night in college, it’s the beginning of the end and students begin to ask themselves, “are we there yet?” Officially half-way through their high school basketball experience, players…
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Continue ReadingThis writer often compares junior year of high school to a Thursday night in college, it’s the beginning of the end and students begin to ask themselves, “are we there yet?” Officially half-way through their high school basketball experience, players are ready to get a deep dive into college programs just to have another year of doing it again. Young minds racing if they should find a school they love early and commit or take it slow and weigh out every option, when you’re in the 11th grade and a good athlete, things come fast. The Columbus City League class of 2022 is loaded with talent that will carry teams to playoff runs, and become very good college athletes as well. This order of this list is based on the players’ entire resume, not just their sophomore season.
10. Zion Blevins-Walnut Ridge: Blevins is an unheralded talent that many people do not know about yet, but his wealth of experience and his knowledge of the Walnut Ridge system will get him over the hump this season. Starting alongside Ohio’s Mr. Basketball and a point guard who is going to play Division 1 football has hardened him for his shining moment that is sure to come. With a season-high of 16 points and scoring double-digit points in multiple games, Blevins has shown that he is ready to assume the spot left by Magwood and Von Cameron Davis. His guard skills should be utilized more than they were last year because the ball will be in his hands more.
9. Javo Jordan- Beechcroft: One of the best guard defenders in the Columbus City League, this young man is intent on making sure your team will have a tough time trying to score. His on-ball defense is tremendous, even with his diminutive size, he gets into other guards hip pockets and does not let them get around him. He can take care of ball handling duties while Simmons plays off-ball and the offense will not miss a beat. He has a calmness and smoothness to his game that reminds his coach of the Pistons’ Isaiah Thomas.
8. Alonzo Thorpe-East: One of the most physically impressive looking athletes in the Columbus City League, the 6-foot-6 Thorpe can wreck an opposing game plan given the chance. Upside and potential land him on this list because if the East High School Tigers can surround him with more talent to free him up so teams cannot key in on him. A gifted athlete, Thorpe can change a drivers mind in more fear of rejection than getting off the television show “NEXT” Bus. He needs to learn how to use his athleticism to score in more efficient manners.
7. Josiah Smith-Africentric: Just scratching the surface of his potential, this 6-foot-3 swing guard looks to make a sizeable leap this year with his offensive game, he averaged 6 points per game last season. Defensively though, Smith shines, guarding the other team’s best guard every Tuesday and Friday. Long arm and quick hands make him the stopper that he is with his fearlessness separating him from other good defenders. In a class loaded with offensive talent at the guard spot, Smith stands out as one who is capable of slowing them down.
6. Aaron Lawson-Eastmoor Academy: The lanky swing-man has grown a few inches and that should really help him expand his game more. Lawson was used to guard many teams best scorer toward the end of the season, making them work for every bucket. His offensive game needs to grow more by being able to hit jumpers consistently and getting stronger to absorb contact. The close to 6-foot-1 rising player has sneaky athleticism and gained confidence during the Warriors’ playoff run where he elevated his game, played with spirit and had a hand defensively in winning a game.
5. Robert Dorsey Robert Dorsey 5'10" | PG Northland | 2022 State OH III-Northland: In just 13 games, he proved he should be on this list because Dorsey was nothing short of what this Viking team needed. RD3 (no idea if that’s his nickname, but it fits) averaged close to 13 points per game on a team with a flat-out scoring machine in Mahkale Massey and on a team that prided itself on the team being well-balanced on offense. Dorsey was only held to 10 points or under in 4 games which put him in the mix of best in the 2022 class. RD3 moves without the ball well to get open, finishes through contact and can shoot the ball from deep well enough to keep defenses honest.
4. LA Walker LA Walker 6'5" | SF Linden-McKinley | 2022 State OH -Linden: With the departure of Chance Groce Chance Groce 6'5" | SF Linden McKinley | 2021 State OH this upcoming season, Walker will be relied on to up his average from the close to 14 points per game last season. Walker can play with the ball in his hand and in the post as well, learning an effective mid-range jump shot and increasing his dribbling skills. Walker’s game will continue to increase this upcoming season, hopefully with some weight gain to take the punishment of the Columbus City League north. Good footwork and an excellent motor will propel Walker into the 2020-2021 season with Linden hoping he can repeat his statistical feats from last year.
3. Amani Lyles Amani Lyles 6'7" | C Beechcroft | 2022 State OH – Beechcroft: The best big man in the class, and it really isn’t that close. Lyles is a flat-out beast in the post, with excellent footwork and strength while still flashing abilities to hit jump shots from 17-feet away. Remarkably athletic for his size, Lyles uses his quick first step and explosive jumping ability to wreak havoc on defenders who often have no idea what to do with him. Lyles is able to make plays on defense because he can jump and disrupt shots as well stay in front of his man.
2. Dan Wagner Dan Wagner 6'0" | CG Columbus Africentric Early College | 2022 State OH – Africentric: Possibly the most effective scorer in the entire Columbus City League, having the most diverse arsenal in the area. Wagner is a lethal attacker of the basket and finishes through contact as if he weighs 255 pounds. One of the best shooters in the area, Wagner has expanded his range over the summer, so expect to see highlights of him shooting from the volleyball line throughout Columbus gyms. He is not as athletic as the high flyers that are littered around the city but he uses his strength and craftiness to create opportunities for himself to score.
1. JJ Simmons JJ Simmons 5'10" | PG Beechcroft | 2022 State OH – Beechcroft: As a sophomore he broke out and played out of his mind, leading his team on an incredible playoff run. His close to 18 points per game last year was third in the Columbus City League north and most amongst the class of 2022. An all-around player who can pass, dribble and shoot at a high-level, as well as defend the best at his position in Columbus. Strong enough to go through you for a lay-up and quick enough to go around the defender for the same result, more explosive than his build would suggest and that allows him to get his shot off over the top of everyone that guards him.