Wrapping up our analysis of the 2020 Watch List, we figured it’s time to look into the future of Ohio high school basketball. We’re taking a dive into the top ten high school classes in the state, as it relates to 2020.
Barring transfers (of which there will probably be plenty), these ten schools should be Regional Title threats when these kids become upperclassmen.
The following list is strictly in alphabetical order.
Check back in tomorrow morning for Part 2!
Cleveland Benedictine — Andy Barba and Anthony Maxie
To begin our list, we start with a premier program from Northeast Ohio, who could be mentioned in similar lists nearly every season at this point. You’ll see a lot of that as you scroll through, actually.
Anyway, Barba has the makings of an elite wing. He’ll spread the floor for upperclassmen, like Davin Zeigler, who hope to drive the lane and draw a second defender. But, if you sleep on Barba and consider him a shooting specialist, he can blow right by you for an explosive finish at the rim. Maxie, who is currently dealing with an injury, should develop into a guy who can both pop or roll after setting a screen, as he’s already a very willing on-ball screener. Maxie should be able to guard multiple positions down the line, making him a playable component in their eventual 2020 OHSAA Tournament run.
Garfield Heights — Brent Darby Jr. and Jesse Laster
When you’re a raw athletic wing with good size in Northeast Ohio, there seems to be no better fit than Garfield Heights. These two kids are going to continue developing, as they have the privilege of competing with some of the most talented players in Ohio day-in and day-out at practice.
Not to mention, Laster and Darby Jr. are sandwiched in between classes that include Meechie Johnson (2021) and Brison Waller (2019). Meaning, if the class of 2020 can just compliment Waller and Johnson, by driving the lane, defending, and getting out in transition, the sky is the limit for the Bulldogs.
Hilliard Bradley — Matt Allocco and Chris Mayfield
Yet another group of 2020s who are entering an ideal basketball situation. Here, we have the best class in Central Ohio, as you could make a defensible argument that Allocco and Mayfield are #1 at their respective position in this class.
Furthemore, we believe Hilliard Bradley is going to threaten for a Regional Title each of the next four seasons. It’s going to be tough and they’re almost definitely not winning it each and every season while these two are there, but they’ll be in the mix! Both Allocco and Mayfield carry team-oriented traits, while being supremely talented at an individual level.
Lake Catholic — Luka Eller and Luke Frazier
The two Lukes (sorta) are bringing a bright future to Lake Catholic. Look, even though they were barely above .500 last season at 13-12, these two earned plenty of varsity experience last season in that time. The chemistry they’ll build going forward, amongst each other and between the entire team, could blossom into something special.
Both spread the floor, from entirely different positions. While we haven’t quite witnessed everything from Frazier in person, we do believe Eller may be the best stretch-4 in 2020. Regardless, Lake Catholic definitely has a top ten 2020 class.
Pickerington Central — Josiah Fulcher and Jamir Simpson
Even if Pickerington Central doesn’t need even more guard talent, they’re getting it with Fulcher and Simpson.
The class of 2019 guards — especially, Jeremiah Francis and Javohn Garcia — will open up easy scoring opportunities for these two off-guards. Fulcher currently specializes in spreading the floor with his shooting ability. Simpson can catch in those same situations and make one move to get all the way to the rim. Simply, it’s going to be difficult to gameplan for the 2020 guards, making them prone to have quiet 15 point games in the future.
Also, Conner Maciag, who is currently enrolled at Massillon Jackson, has told Prep Hoops Ohio that he’s transferring to Pick Central. If that comes to be true, Maciag will come in and add toughness immediately. He’s a blue-collar wing defender who can get to the rim and excels in full-court pressure defense.
