Ohio Play by Play Classic Top Performers
In this article:
The highly anticipated Ohio Play by Play Classic took place on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Throughout the 6 games, our staff saw dozens of prospects that will excel at the next level, especially at the Division I level.…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe highly anticipated Ohio Play by Play Classic took place on Saturday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. Throughout the 6 games, our staff saw dozens of prospects that will excel at the next level, especially at the Division I level. This article will highlight some of these names.
Hardy had his explosiveness on full display against a highly touted Olentangy Orange team on Saturday. The lefty has quick first steps to get by initial defenders and used his explosiveness to get paint touches and shots around the rim. Also showed a consistent midrange jump shot off the dribble as he was able to get set and elevate even with a defender in his face. Hardy had a great showing last week against Centerville and now with another high performing game against a suitable opponent, his stock should continue to rise and become a name for scholarship programs to monitor.
Lewis continues to play at an extremely high level and has really grown as a prospect since his AAU days with Nova Village. Lewis’ more impressive attributes is his shot creating and playmaking. Taller guard with a nice elevated jump that gets him over defenders for shot. Creates separation with his quicker hands to get into his shots. Plays with springs in his shoes and was at times hovering over the rim to make plays. Multi-dimensional scorer and can get the job done consistently. My only concerns was how he defended Shemarion Hardy as Lewis struggled a few times to keep in front of him. Lewis still though should be a priority for Division II programs and can fit into several different systems.
Washington was scoring the ball at will against Garfield Heights and showcased why he is a Big Ten commit. Known for his athleticism and shot creating, Washington was making shots in a variety of ways and could get into his form even with defenders closing in. Quick enough handle to create the space and knocked down perimeter and midrange shots with fluid form. With his brother Jackson Washington out dealing with foul trouble and a late injury, George carried the Eagles offensively and seemingly made shots when they needed in the first half. Struggled in the second half with shot selection as Garfield Heights tightened their defensive grip, but Washington certainly is making a case for GCL Coed Player of the Year and is going to be a big reason why C-J makes a case to be Division II’s state champion.
Marcus Johnson
Marcus Johnson
This game was my first look at Johnson, and I now know why he is considered to be one of the best freshman in the country. Son of former Mr. Basketball and current Garfield Heights coach Sonny Johnson, Marcus has a mature style of play and showed it against some upperclassmen heavy guards. Johnson’s best attribute is his versatility and craftiness to score the ball. Down the stretch, he found ways to get to the line, and was getting either floaters or hard attacks to the rim to lure fouls. Johnson keeps his cool and was not rushed much, showing some of the nicer ball handling I saw during the event. While his shot mechanics will need some work, Johnson can still put the ball in the basket and does it extremely well for a freshman. Having a young player like him as well as juniors Calvin Little and Deandre Jones means Garfield Heights could be a problem not just this year, but next season as well.
McCulloch had one of the nicer overall games in his performance against CVCA. The 6’9 big man controlled the low post and the glass from the tip for the Lue. Brute on the blocks and yet has the finesse as a shooter to knock down perimeter shots off of pick-and-pops. Solid athleticism to go along with his larger frame and moved pretty well side-to-side when defending the perimeter. Michigan State was in the house for the second half of the event and I have no doubt the Spartans have interest in McCulloch and his Lutheran East team which is loaded with scholarship talent.
Even in a losing effort, Peterson made a case for why he is one of the best 2025s in the country. In terms of shooting the ball and technique, Peterson has the smoothest form and release of any prospect I’ve watched this year. Shots weren’t falling all the time in the game against Lutheran East, but everything was to a T with his form. While he’s the primary scoring threat for the Royals, Peterson distributed and set guys up with the Lue’s defense stretching out and forcing him to pass the ball more than shoot. Peterson has the intangibles with his 6’5 frame, athletic style of play, longer arms, and poise to score. CVCA will go as far as Peterson can carry them in Division II this season.
Royal was the name many people wanted to see Saturday night as the Pick Central Tigers had a rematch with Centerville to end the event. Royal looks like a true Big Ten prospect with his size and skill. Truly dangerous at 6’6 as he can handle the ball and put the ball on the floor like a guard, but has the body of a PF and knows exactly how to use it. The versatility in his scoring options meant Royal wasn’t forced to only put the ball on the ground, but could also knock down midrange shots in both catch-and-shoot or off the dribble. His play forces defenses to collapse more and overcompensate for his size, but Royal has some true offensive threats all around him, making Pick Central a very dangerous team with their depth and scoring.