Licking County League Sleeper Players

It was the night before a big game and all through the sites, scouts are sleeping on players, not realizing they’re tight. Not a good size or a little short on the height, these players seek out to prove to colleges that they are just right. Hoopers that can ball, whether its the spring, summer, winter or fall, when it comes to gyms, they can play in them all. From seniors trying and ready to prove a point, to sophomores trying and ready to blow the roof off the joint. Youngsters that can make it far with practice and prayer, let’s take a look at the Licking County League sleeper players. [player_tooltip player_id="805193" first="Jake" last="Lusk"]- Senior; Johnstown: The second-leading scorer for the Johnnies, Lusk is averaging over 16 points per game and has scored a season-high of 20 points. A football standout as well, Lusk converts his football skill to the court with his speed and toughness on the hardwood. As part of the best back court in the Licking County League, the Navy-bound Lusk is one of the best shooters in the league. Lusk plays disciplined basketball, very fundamentally sound with great feet and a tough mind. Defensively, Lusk competes and plays well within the team system with good rotations being able to run off three-point shooters. Lusk is a player that people do not pay attention to because he is a better football recruit but on the basketball court, he plays at a high-level as well. Shawn Nethers- Senior; Licking Valley: The Panther’s third-leading scorer, Nethers is putting up 13.5 points per game and started out as hot as any player in the Licking County League with back-to-back games of 16-plus points. Nethers is able to get it done using his three-point shooting ability and his skill in transition. He has an awkward release on his jumper but he gets it off quickly and can knock them down at a high rate. This young man also gets it done on the defensive side of the court, using his long and lanky arms to cause steals and get out to score easy fast break baskets. Nethers has a good handle and can use his thin frame to weave through defenders with ease. A young man that is overlooked because he is so thin, but getting him to a solid program that can add weight on him will do wonders for his career. Brandon McLaughin- Junior; Heath: A 6-foot-8 baller with good instincts and the size that should be getting him more shine that he is getting. McLaughlin is able to block shots and steal the ball to start and oftentimes finish fast breaks on his own. The junior displays plenty of athleticism as well, with quick feet and jumping ability that he shows off when he dunks. This young man can be a terror inside the paint, showing a number of post moves and a soft touch around the rim as well. McLaughlin is a good runner in transition, able to sprint to the rim after misses when he does not get the rebound, with soft hands on catches and the size to get his shot off over any defender. This junior should be getting more recognition from college programs that need a forward that can defend at a high level and score when it is asked of him. Greg Gibson- Senior; Zanesville: Through the first few games, Gibson is third on his team in scoring, he is scoring 11 points per game and has a season-high of 18. Standing at 5-foot-10 with a stocky frame, Gibson is able to truck his way into the paint and either find open shooters on the perimeter or he can finish through contact with either hand. Gibson excels on the defensive side of the court, being able to block shots despite his height and keeps his hands active when the ball comes near him for easy steals and transition offense. He has a tight handle and can run whatever offense he is put in, showing great poise and decision making when the ball is in his hands. Gibson has not been the most highly recruited prospect because of his height, but kids like this can become the glue guy to any college team. Justin Townley- Sophomore; Northridge: Only playing a few games does not help much when trying to see what kind of player Townley is, but watching him play was enough to make him a sleeper player. Townley is fundamentally sound all around the board, setting his feet perfectly when he is ready to shoot and making the correct pass when it is there. The 6-foot-1 Townley has a college ready body already with broad shoulders and ripped arms that help him absorb contact from defenders. His inexperience in varsity games will come into play at some point but Townley is a great prospect for the future, playing with confidence and showing that he can lead a team at a young age. Carsyn Crouch- Junior; Granville: One of this writer’s favorite players to watch outside of the Columbus City League, Crouch is a flat out gamer who wants to win at all cost, compete at a high level and can carry a team if it is needed from him. So far this basketball season, Crouch is leading his team in scoring at close to 16 points per game but is often overlooked due his talents on the football field. Crouch can score inside and out, able to get to the rim with ease where he has a couple of ways to get the ball out of his hands. He can also take his defender on the perimeter, take him off the dribble and shoot right over them. Crouch also digs in on defense, getting deflections and creating steals for his team with his amazing instincts. If football programs do not come knocking down his door, basketball coaches should start to look at him themselves. Trenton Collins- Sophomore; Lakewood: In his team’s five games, Collins has averaged 12 points per game with a season-high of 23 as well, he has shown that he can get hot and carry a team on any given night. Although he is listed as a point guard, his future is off the ball because he can straight up shoot the basketball, getting his legs under him for a nice arch on the shot. Collins knows how to get himself open as well, constantly shifting his body so that his teammates that drive the ball can kick it to him in the half court and in transition he sprints to the three-point line and is always ready to let it loose. Collins can also get in the lane when defenders run at him and put it up with a soft touch from the mid-range. On defense, Collins is a good team defender with his ability to rotate and force jump shooters to put the ball on the ground. This is a young man to keep your eye on as he ages with the Rangers. Caleb Bodin- Senior; Watkins Memorial: With four games under his belt, Bodin lead’s a balanced offense by scoring just over nine points per game so far in 2020-2021. This young man is a fearless shooter, that will put it up from anywhere and with any player in his face. Bodin is not the biggest player, which is another reason he is overlooked by college scouts and coaches. This young man is a steady hand on the court, with the capability to lead his team with focus and good decision making. Bodin is an above average shooter, most of it coming off the dribble because he is really good in the pick-and-roll. He could be a steal of a player for a small school due to his discipline, and if he goes to a free-flowing offense then his true skill set can show.   *All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com