2021 Rankings: New Names
With the new Rankings update comes one of my favorite pieces as I highlight a few New Names. While our new #1 is not necessarily a “New” name per say, the remaining 8 players in this piece have earned recognition…
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Continue ReadingWith the new Rankings update comes one of my favorite pieces as I highlight a few New Names. While our new #1 is not necessarily a “New” name per say, the remaining 8 players in this piece have earned recognition and some have already received offers due to their play. Sit back and get to know some of the newest members of the 2021 Rankings.
Meechie Johnson Meechie Johnson 6'2" | PG Garfield Heights | 2020 OH Garfield Heights (#1)- Johnson made headlines in Ohio this Summer upon announcing his return to Garfield Heights after spending his junior year at ISA. The return makes Garfield Heights a serious contender in Division I out of Northeast Ohio. Personally, Johnson is one of the better guards in the state and has reshaped his body to become a dominant Division I prospect. Already a lethal shooter, Meechie has shown he can consistently beat defenders off the bounce and score in a multitude of ways. Extremely deserving of the #1 spot in the 2021 Rankings.
Scott Nieman Scott Nieman 6'7" | SF Elder | 2021 OH Elder (#77)- Nieman showed out running with Shining Star s this Summer. The 6’6 wing has long arms and knows how to use his bigger frame on the defensive end. Plays with passion and high energy. Nieman showed his athleticism as he can clean up the glass and pickup second chance scoring opportunities with his size and jump. Capable of finishing over the rim and is dangerous once he gets downhill off the dribble drive.
Jayden Priddy Powell Jayden Priddy Powell 5'11" | PG Botkins | 2021 State OH Botkins (#78)- Priddy is one of the faster guards in Southwest Ohio and he hasn’t scratched the surface of what he is capable of just yet. His handle of the basketball is precise but also so quick. Almost appears as a blurb due to his speed. Explosive off the perimeter and will find a way to get to the rack. While he can obviously get out in transition, Priddy impressed as his vision in half court settings was elite. Looked for the roll man and was patient in distributing the ball quickly.
Dom Parsons Dom Parsons 6'3" | SF Lakeside | 2021 OH Lakeside (#92)- While Parsons isn’t the tallest SF you will find, the guy plays hard and makes an impact on the floor. Possesses a ton of bounce and uses his long frame to be a solid two-way player. Rebounds on both ends of the floor with two hands and is strong with the basketball. Most impactful defensively as he defends the rim with his combination of length and bounce. If he can consistently make stops on the defensive end, he could be a target for low D2s/NAIAs.
Ian Schupp Ian Schupp 6'5" | PF Worthington Kilbourne | 2021 State OH Worthington Kilbourne (#100)- Schupp’s debut in the rankings is extremely warranted. The 6’5 wing is another athletic prospect with two-way capabilities. One of the best rebounders I saw all Summer as he plays with a high motor and simply outworks others on the glass. Plays hard on the defensive end and competes. Offensively is well rounded but especially showed he could elevate in the paint and finish at the rim. As he continues to improve his skills, he looks to be a solid choice for lower NAIA schools or a steal for D3s.
Marquis Barnett Marquis Barnett 6'3" | PG Brunswick | 2021 State OH Brunswick (#103)- A lockdown defensive player, Barnett was a key piece of SMAC Attack’s squad this Summer. The 6’4 2G showed he could defend the perimeter against quicker and smaller guards. Active defensive player with his hands and lateral speed. Offensively can run either guard positions and specifically impressed me with his composure against much tighter defensive pressure. Made the right decision with the ball. Should be a target for NAIA programs looking for a bigger guard.
Deshawn Lanthern Dunbar (#107)- A stockier interior player, Lanthern doesn’t score a ton of points but instead does simpler things to make a difference in games. The 6’7 PF has good hands and very good at setting screens. Excelled in pick-and-roll situations and cleaned up plays on the defensive end. Not the type of player that is going to score 20+ in a game, but his ability to do the simple things is what impressed me this Summer.
Matt Butcher Matt Butcher 6'6" | PF Wilmington | 2021 OH Wilmington (#111)- Butcher isn’t the highest scorer you will find, but his ability to make plays in different ways of the game makes him an intriguing prospect. The 6’6 stretch 4 uses his strong frame to compete in the paint and on the glass. Gives himself opportunities to score on second-chance shots. Spent last year as a complimentary piece to Wilmington’s offense. Now will have the keys in 2020-21 and could be a more high volume scorer in SBAAC play.
Eli White Eli White 6'3" | SG Ashland | 2021 State OH Ashland (#128)- I am excited for the upcoming season to see the combination of White and Luke Denbow Luke Denbow 6'0" | PG Ashland | 2022 State OH at Ashland. White showed me why he may be one of the best shooters in the State and was good enough to receive an offer from Rio Grande as a result. The 6’3 SG has a quick trigger and especially impressed in catch-and-shoot situations. Distributes the basketball and can keep an offense moving and functioning.