The dominant force for Lutheran East, McCulloch will likely go down as the best player to ever put on a Falcon uniform. With back-to-back state titles with a dominant, 18 point, 9 rebound and 4 block performance, McCulloch dominated in multiple phases of the game against a scrappy Harvest Prep squad. With a size advantage in the paint, McCulloch was efficient as he shot 8/11 on 2-point field goals. The Falcons graduate four of their five starters from this year’s squad, freshman Chris Hill Chris Hill 5'11" | PG Lutheran East | 2027 State OH was productive in this game and might have to be the leader on a new look team for the LUE.

If Mr Basketball was handed out today, McCulloch would be the easy choice to win the award after another dominant performance against one of the top teams in the state at a showcase event. Scoring efficiently with his back to the basket, McCulloch can use a variety of fakes and post moves to get easy looks in the paint. A pick and pop 3-pointer at the first half horn sent the Falcons into the locker room with some momentum and they continued to build their lead in the second half thanks to continued production from McCulloch and guards Anthony Bruce Anthony Bruce 5'10" | PG Lutheran East | 2024 State OH and Chris Hill Chris Hill 5'11" | PG Lutheran East | 2027 State OH . The Falcons look like the clear favorite in Division III to repeat after winning this battle of defending state champions.

Battling injuries both last season and this season against Cleveland Heights, when McCulloch was on the court on Friday he was dominant on both ends. Having probably around six blocks in the game, McCulloch was able to wall up in the paint and had a couple multiple block possessions. On the offensive end, the Falcons didn’t need McCulloch to do too much but I liked one pump fake move he used on a slower big to get an open shot. He missed that shot but got the offensive rebound and slammed home the putback. There might not be anyone in Ohio playing better basketball than McCulloch right now as he’s making his case for Mr. Basketball.

The Michigan State commit proved why he is one of the top seniors in the state on Saturday. He was quiet in the first quarter but then proceeded to take the game over. He was the biggest player on the court and made his presence felt. McCulloch was dominant in the paint. He seemed to be getting every rebound or effecting every rebound. He got a ton of 2nd chance points and dunks. He provided great rim protection for the Falcons as well. He flashed his great touch around the rim and from beyond the arc. He got to the free throw line often and made Walnut Ridge pay. He was the difference. He had 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Indy Heat brought three Ohio players at the 17 U PIT level and it’s been a struggle as a team going 0-5 with a shorthanded group. McCulloch has flashed why he’s a high major prospect with three 3-pointers including a pick and pop in the first game I was able to catch. Had a couple nice moves in the post where he used fakes and pivots to create space. Was limited with an ankle injury in the second game I watched and has played limited minutes in the past couple contests. The one thing McCulloch has done at a high level is protect the rim, with 8 blocks in 85 minutes at the PIT.