Ohio 2019 Rankings Update: Dayton Guards
We’re examining the updated 2019 Prospect Rankings by touching on players from each basketball hotbed in the state: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Dayton, and Cincinnati. The high school season is approaching rapidly, and with that in mind, this seems like the most time-appropriate…
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Continue ReadingWe’re examining the updated 2019 Prospect Rankings by touching on players from each basketball hotbed in the state: Northwest, Northeast, Central, Dayton, and Cincinnati. The high school season is approaching rapidly, and with that in mind, this seems like the most time-appropriate way to break it down. These kids will be competing for conference and regional championships with each other very soon!
In case you missed it: We have covered Northwest Ohio Point Guards, Guards/Wings, and Forwards. Also, Northeast Ohio Point Guards, Guards, Wings, and Forwards. Finally, Central Ohio Point Guards, Guards, Wings, and Forwards.
(#85) Milton Gage, 5’11” PG, Chaminade Julienne
Gage is one of the most defensive oriented point guards in the class on a statewide level. His ability to move with ball-handlers, anticipate plays on help-side, and toughness to mix it up causes disruption for the offense via turnovers. Offensively, his mid-range and athleticism on finishes became assets in July. However long-range shooting and consistent playmaking ability remain question marks. Gage is capable of landing at the D-II level if the right programs stumbles upon him.
(#110) Ryan Hall, 6’4” G/W, Fairmont
Hall may end up being a football prospect, where he strives as a defensive back. But his athleticism and explosion as a slasher makes him an interesting guard/wing option for in-state schools. His game lacks a little polish, but he flashes scholarship-level athleticism every game with rebounds and finishes. Has recently struggled to make plays in the half-court in slower paced games.
(#114) Jack Clement, 5’11” PG, Bellefontaine
Clement is a balanced point guard who likes to get into offense quickly and find his teammates around the arch. When he’s not distributing off the bounce, Clement can spot-up shoot with the best of them, shooting 44 percent on 3-pointers last year. Relative to fellow D-III prospects, he’s very quick with the ball on crossovers. Local D-IIIs like Wittenberg, Mount St. Joseph, and Ohio Northern should be on this kid; it wouldn’t be surprising if an Urbana or Cincinnati Christian took a chance on him either.
(#121) Landen Long, 5’11” PG, Mason
Long is a shooting specialist at the point guard spot. His shot is a pretty one that comes out of his hands quickly with confidence. He doesn’t make a ton of plays on drive-and-kick, but we can appreciate that he plays to his strengths every game. Smaller frame but good poise and understanding of the game.
(#168) Ryan Marchal, 5’8” PG, Centerville
We’re looking for a breakout year from Marchal. His 3-point shooting ability should pair nicely alongside Centerville’s other top returners — a slasher in Kaleb Mitchell and a post in Mo Njie. Also, his tendency to pressure ball-handlers will be complimented by Njie’s shot-blocking at the rim. Marchal has made the interesting choice of choosing Huntington Prep Post-Grad early in his recruiting process, where we assume he’ll look to elevate his status as a prospect.
(#183) Jaren Smith, 5’10” PG, Ponitz
Smith has a couple distinct things going for him as a prospect: quickness and the capacity to hit 3-pointers. Interestingly though, Smith’s problem is that he relied too heavily on those strengths this grassroots season, often taking low-percentage bombs after a series of crossovers. If he can hone his craft and simplify the game throughout college, Smith will be a starting point guard at the D-III level. Otherwise, he’s a spark off the bench, which is fine but not his full potential.