John Cleveland
About John
Expert Analysis
Andrew Baxley | Prep Hoops Scout
First up on my list of 2027 Standouts from the Phenom Grassroots TOC
John Cleveland
John
Cleveland
6'1" | CG
Berkeley | 2027
State
SC
. Cleveland was playing with Play Tough 843 this weekend in Rock Hill, and he came alive in the second half of their early morning matchup with Team Pittman – a team that was undefeated in Phenom play coming into the day. The aggressiveness switch was flipped on over the last 16 minutes, leading to him getting in the paint and finishing often. Cleveland favors a spin move when attacking the rim and he has good feet overall. John finished with 10 points in the win.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Baxley | Prep Hoops Scout
Rounding off the 2027 Class 5A Fab Five is
John Cleveland
John
Cleveland
6'1" | CG
Berkeley | 2027
State
SC
. He plays at Berkeley High School in 5A Region 7. Cleveland led the Stags in scoring at 13.3 Points Per Game while shooting 44% from the field in 2023-24. John is an elite defender with sound feet and quick hands. He also has very good instincts in blocking shots and collecting rebounds. On the offensive end, Cleveland’s game is built around attacking the rim. He is great in transition, has a tight handle, can finish with either hand, and can make passes to teammates when the defense collapses.
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Read EvaluationJay Anderson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland was an impressive prospect out of South Carolina’s 2027 class who stood out during the 3v3 portion of The Expo: Carolinas. He showed he could hold his own defending multiple roles on the floor while sporting a strong frame. Offensively, he showed he could knock down shots, handle the ball and make plays for others and keep plays alive as a rebounder in the paint. He’s a name with a bright future in the class at Berkeley High.
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Read EvaluationAndrew Baxley | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland can play either position in the backcourt and loves to attack the rim. He has been a factor for Berkeley for two seasons already and is primed for a big jump in his Sophomore Year. John has a good handle, is a high-flying athlete, and works hard on both ends of the floor. Cleveland’s size can be a strong defensive asset on opposing guards and is a nightmare in transition when he forces turnovers.
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Read EvaluationBret Swanson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland was constantly taking his game to the rack here today for the Stags. John plays his best basketball stalking the baseline and working to get to the bucket for easy transition buckets. Cleveland still must improve on perimeter shooting for down the road. John was constantly crashing the glass for a scoring opportunity on the offensive side of the floor.
John really plays the game as a slasher deluxe for the Stags.
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Read EvaluationBret Swanson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland was really on point today with his play for his squad. John played the game at the rim all day long. He played in attack and slash the cup mode all weekend long. Cleveland feels most comfortable getting the ball to the basket in the half court or in transition. John plays active on both ends of the court when it comes to being a defender or scoring the rock.
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Read EvaluationBret Swanson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland is another talented player on this Middleton Hoops Elite squad. John is a slender-sleek athlete who really brings good length to the floor. He plays active in the passing lanes where he will pick up deflections on the defensive end of the court.
John plays down at Berkeley HS in Moncks Corner. The Stags play in Class 5A.
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Read EvaluationBret Swanson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland is a slender-sleek athlete who is going to be vital for the Stags program moving forward. He averaged 13.1 ppg and 4.8 rebounds for the Stags (17-9) this past season. Josh looks to excel at times in the transition game. Cleveland has good length to be a problem at times in the passing lanes on the defensive end of the floor.
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Read EvaluationBret Swanson | Prep Hoops Scout
Cleveland came out and put down dunk to get started things started early here today. John plays active on both ends of the floor and always seems to be around the cup. He saw good minutes last season as an 8th grader last season for the Stags. Cleveland averaged 9.5 ppg last season at the Class 5A level.
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