Ohio / Kentucky Saturday 3SSB standouts

My final day at the Palmetto Road Championship saw quarterfinal and semifinal battles take place as teams fought for the right to play for the championship on Sunday. In this article I'll break down my standouts from Ohio and Kentucky on Saturday.    I was really impressed with Cunagin this weekend as a big who can make an open shot, battle in the paint, rebound and make layups. It sounds silly but even checking two or three of those boxes on a circuit team is going to help you win games. Described as one of the most improved players in the program from spring to summer, it's nice to see Cunagin get rewarded with production on a winning team for his hard work to improve his game.     Maybe my standout performer of the entire day, Norris was money from 3-point range and had a couple righty floater finishes at the rim to help his team win a competitive quarterfinal battle with Team Loaded. A tough guard, Norris takes care of the basketball, defends and makes sure his team is organized on both ends of the court. With three brothers at the Division I level, Kyp is next in line to follow in their footsteps.     One of the bigger stock risers in the May live period from Ohio, Gill missed most of June with an injury. It was great to see him back on the court making an impact at both ends of the court as the power wing was finishing at the rim through contact and making things difficult for opposing offenses with his physicality. The key swing skill for Gill will be the jump shot and he had a couple games where he got confident and knocked down jumpers and really dominated the competition. Gill helped lead a semifinal push for Wildcat Select and hit a layup to send that game into overtime before they fell short in a thriller.     One of the most talented offensive players in Ohio's 2027 class, Gunther is an engine who can create buckets for himself or teammates. When Gunther was able to turn the corner off the pick and roll, he used acrobatic layups to score over taller defenders. An impressive shooter off pull-ups or running off screens, Gunther hit a cold-blooded 3-pointer late in their semifinal battle with Team Lillard to send the game into overtime.     You don't see many 2027 prospects making as big an impact as Mirgon does at the 17 U level on the 3SSB circuit. A steady point guard, you know what you are going to get from him on a game in and game out basis. Mirgon's ability to knock down open shots, set the table and defend on the perimeter all help you win. Maybe my favorite play of Mirgon this weekend was a slick bounce pass to a big through two defenders outstretched arms. Expect more programs to continue to get involved with Mirgon as he's already become a big name for regional mid major programs.     One of the most improved kids in Ohio, the switch has flipped for Horton in a big way. Looking more confident when he catches the ball and more assertive in the paint, Horton is finishing with either hand at the rim and playing with more balance and control. With multiple of his future college coaches checking in on him throughout the weekend, Horton had to make them excited about his potential as a low block scorer in the MAC and a guy conference opponents might have to double team sooner rather than later.

My final day at the Palmetto Road Championship saw quarterfinal and semifinal battles take place as teams fought for the right to play for the championship on Sunday. In this article I'll break down my standouts from Ohio and Kentucky on Saturday.