End of regular season update: NEO Mr. Basketball rankings
The regular season is officially over in Northeast Ohio, and while that means it’s playoff time, it also means that we have a much clearer picture for the top player in the area. Here is the updated Top 5: 1.…
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Continue ReadingThe regular season is officially over in Northeast Ohio, and while that means it’s playoff time, it also means that we have a much clearer picture for the top player in the area.
Here is the updated Top 5:
1. Markell Johnson, East Tech
First, the stats. Johnson averaged over 30 ppg this season and totaled over 600 points. Now, the record. On a East Tech team with very few scoring options, Johnson faced all the defense’s attention on most nights, yet still the Scarabs finished 19-3 in the regular season, won another Senate title, and are in the midst of a 33-game home win streak. Johnson has never lost a conference game or a home game.
2. Willie Jackson, Garfield Heights
The Missouri commit has an elite blend of ability between scoring, rebounding and defending. For the latter two, he is probably the best player in all of Northeast Ohio. With a target on his back all season, Jackson brought his best every night.
3. Tervell Beck, Cleveland Central Catholic
Much like Johnson, Beck was the lone legit scoring option on his team. He topped the 25 ppg mark and had some of his best games late in the season. Without Beck, it’s not a stretch to say the Ironman would have struggled to stay above the .500 mark this season.
4. Larnell Nealy, Copley
One of this year’s true breakout players, Nealy averaged 21.1 ppg and 6.2 apg during the regular season while leading Copley to a 22-0 mark. At 5-foot-8, he’ s a player that defies expectations every single time he takes the floor.
5. Henry Baddley, St. Vincent-St. Mary
It was another special regular season for the Irish, and Baddley led the way all year long. He averaged about 18 ppg for the Irish, while sacrificing a lot to play inside due to the lack of size on his team. His selfless play is a big reason the Irish are where they are.