Grit Memorial: Top 17U SF’s
I continue my coverage from the Grit Region Memorial Classic by looking at some of the best 17U Small Forwards that impressed during the weekend. While there are a few guys capable of being D2/NAIA level prospects, the majority of…
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Continue ReadingI continue my coverage from the Grit Region Memorial Classic by looking at some of the best 17U Small Forwards that impressed during the weekend. While there are a few guys capable of being D2/NAIA level prospects, the majority of these performers likely will be targets to D3s. See who some of those guys are below.
Ben Golan Ben Golan 6'4" | PF Mason | 2023 State OH 6’4 R4L Elite (Mason)
Golan brings a thicker frame to the table for R4L. Playing in the highest pool in the event, Golan was able to use his body and size for R4L against some of the top teams in the field. Golan buys in to his role with R4L which is more focused on battling in the trenches and keeping the ball moving on offense. While he lacks the speed or athleticism of other guys, Golan does have upside if he were to grow a few more inches and transition into a PF at the collegiate level.
Ryan Ioppolo Ryan Ioppolo 6'4" | SF Mentor | 2023 State OH 6’3 OBC (Mentor)
Ioppolo technically could be labeled as a SG as he does play quite a bit on the wing. I felt watching him with OBC he played more like a SF with his bigger body and less willingness to shoot on the perimeter. Ioppolo gets himself involved on both ends of the floor and was particularly impressive on the defensive end of the floor. Doesn’t have to contribute much offensively with the scoring firepower in the backcourt OBC currently has.
Jack Ullom Jack Ullom 6'5" | SF Mason | 2023 State OH 6’5 Mid Ohio Pumas -Price (Mason)
Ullom doesn’t jump off of the page with quickness, but he plays tough nosed basketball we typically see in the GMC. Ullom has some good length and creates some mismatches at times on the wings. Uses his body to shield the ball and can get by initial defenders seemingly easily. Has some long arms. Ullom has the potential to be a high priority D3 prospect with his size and overall toughness.
Romel Hightower Romel Hightower 6'5" | SF Toledo Start | 2023 State OH 6’5 CCB (Toledo Scott)
Hightower is another long SF that brought some flare when it came to defensive playmaking. Great vertical leap to go along with his lengthier arms. Picked up 3 impressive blocks at the rim against CLP Elite and demonstrated he is unafraid to contest anyone slashing to the rim on him. Offensively, Hightower seemed to settle for some shots and at times was hesitant to make the extra pass. His ceiling is quite high though with the athleticism and I could see some NAIA programs expressing interest in him.
Ayden Carter Ayden Carter 6'4" | SG Fremont Ross | 2023 State OH 6’4 Hopson Elite (Fremont Ross)
Saturday proved to be my first look at Carter and his Hopson Elite squad as he has been one of the more hyped 2023s in the state this Spring. Carter backed this up with another impressive weekend of basketball leading Hopson on the offensive end of the floor. Carter has a lightning quick crossover and can create separation with his quicker hands. Showed he can score from multiple levels and also put teammates in a position to score. This unselfishness plus his skill makes him a priority to D2s across the region.
Zion Crowe Zion Crowe 6'4" | SG Springfield Shawnee | 2023 State OH 6’4 Dayton Elite (Shawnee)
Crowe is sort of a combo wing as he isn’t really a SG and plays more like a SF, but he is undersized for a SF. Crowe brings some real athleticism for Dayton Elite and is impactful on the offensive end of the floor. Can score from multiple levels and is poised with the ball. Crowe’s versatility allows him to beat some bigger defenders off the bounce or on a post up. If Crowe can specifically clean up his shooting and become a more consistent threat behind the arc, he could also be another priority D2 level prospect in the region.
Jamison Rountree Jamison Rountree 6'2" | SF Kettering Fairmont | 2023 State OH 6’4 Team Takeoff (Fairmont)
Rountree is one of the top players on his Team Takeoff team that went .500 in Columbus. Rountree has high level athleticism and showed some impressive bounce both in warmups and in-game. While he currently plays more like a SF, I believe Rountree will need to be a SG at the next level which I will need to see him continue to develop his midrange and perimeter shooting to go along with his bounce. Will likely be a D3 level prospect.