Who's About to Blow-Up at Flyin' to the Hoop

<p>Of course guys like <a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/jaelyn-withers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jaelyn Withers</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/chris-liviingston/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Livingston</a>, <a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/ben-roderick/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ben Roderick</a>, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/javohn-garcia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Javohn Garcia</a> are going to light up Flyin’ to the Hoop this coming weekend. They even have opportunity to bolster their Division I stock at Ohio’s most exciting winter weekend.</p> <p>But, we’re looking for deeper cuts. Some of these players, too, have Division I talent, just not the same name recognition. We believe, though, that any of these 15 players could steal the show when they step on to the court at Trent Arena at Flyin’ 2019.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/kellan-bochenek/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kellan Bochenek</a> (2019), 6’4” W, Fairmont &</strong></h4> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/ryan-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan Hall</a> (2019), 6’4” G, Fairmont</strong></h4> <p>A couple of unsigned 6’4” perimeter players have led the host team to a 10-4 record. Besides measurables and team affiliation, though, there aren't many similarities.</p> <p>Bochenek is a wing scorer with NAIA or Division II role player level talent, in our opinion. Pretty good explosiveness to the rim and a 41 percent 3-point shooting stroke to go with it. He’s got a long, muscular build and competes hard defensively. We’ve been saying it for months now, but Friday could be the time coaches start wondering why they’re not putting the full court press on Bochenek's recruitment.</p> <p>Hall is more of a secondary ball-handler at the next level, but he runs the point for Fairmont. In their most recent game, Hall actually hit the game winner to push them past Fairborn. He’s a talented and explosive slasher. Shows nice burst with the ball when he changes direction or heads toward the rim. He also rebounds well in traffic.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/nick-nakasian/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nick Nakasian</a> (2019), 6’3” G, Olentangy Liberty</strong></h4> <p>The key in selecting these players is finding underrated talent who are actually already playing well. We’re not expecting the stage to amplify performance necessarily, rather provide an opportunity. So, look, everyone is buzzing about his teammate Roderick but Nakasian is averaging 16.3 points and 7.6 rebounds. He’s also shooting 55.0 percent as a guard, per the Dispatch.</p> <p>Once a spot-up shooting specialist, Nakasian has developed into a collegiate-sized wing with a lot of upper body development. It allows him to impact the game as a rebounder and crafty inside scorer, too. Understands how to play within a team construct. Works his butt off defensively and may be strong enough to defend up a position.</p> <h4><strong>Matt Pearce (2019), 5’10” G, Centerville</strong></h4> <p>Maybe it’s not fair to single out a single senior Elk — they’ve all been playing pretty well. But Pearce especially has lit it up as a senior. Shooting a higher volume of shots than years passed, Pearce is still converting at a 46 percent clip from beyond the arch. He’s efficient — either scoring in one dribble or less or keeping the ball swinging. Nice pull-up, though. Flat-out sniper.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/trevon-ellis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trevon Ellis</a> (2020), 6’3” G, Stivers,</strong></h4> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/dajuan-allen/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Da’juan Allen</a> (2020), 6’0” G, Stivers &</strong></h4> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/allen-lattimore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Allen Lattimore</a> (2021), 6’0” G, Stivers</strong></h4> <p>The Stivers backcourt has their work cut out for them in a matchup with Taft. <em>If</em> Stivers is able to find success, it will be a result of intelligent backcourt play. Ellis is the most intriguing prospect at this point because of his very good academic standing and ability to affect the game in a number of ways. Strong build, nice passer, really effective inside the arch. Allen, meanwhile, is more of a pure slasher and raw athlete. Then, Lattimore has the highest upside because of his outside shooting ability, quickness, and age.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/milton-gage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milton Gage</a> (2019), 5’11” G, Chaminade Julienne</strong></h4> <p>Gage, ever since July really, has been on an upward trajectory. It would be awesome to see a high-motor kid like him put it together on a big stage on Sunday against Buchtel. Just feels like he deserves to have a breakout game.</p> <p>Gage is averaging 17.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 2.4 SPG for an 11-1 CJ team. He’s a terror when it comes to on-ball defense. Moves his feet and plays super hard, including sliding in for charges on help-side. Compensates for size with excellent bounce on both layups and mid-range jumpers. He has cut down on turnovers, which was the biggest concern for him as a junior.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/corey-floyd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Floyd</a> (2020), 6’3” F, Brush &</strong></h4> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/elmore-james/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elmore James IV</a> (2022), 6’1” G, Brush</strong></h4> <p>Lot of talk about the big three at Brush, but their other two starters are pretty talented, too. Floyd is a perfect fit at the four for this team. He passes the ball with touch on post entries and does a good job of looking opposite from the high post. Unselfish player, but he plays with an edge on defense. Versatile defender. Elmore, on the other hand, has a big upside defensively because of his physique and quickness. Moves his feet very well and contests every shot. Welcomes contact on the drive.</p> <h4><strong>Ronnie Hampton (2019), 5’10” G, Wayne</strong></h4> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/2019/01/prospect-spotlight-ronnie-hampton-2019/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">When we wrote about Hampton a couple weeks back he told us no colleges were showing interest.</a> Things could change this weekend if he carves up the Garfield Heights defense. Hampton loves to drive to the basket and has an excellent handle in tight spaces. Strong kid. Needs to extend his range at the next level but he does a couple things very well.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/little-anderson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Anderson</a> (2019), 6’1” G, Cardinal Stritch</strong></h4> <p>A hidden gem in Northwest Ohio, Anderson has improved mightily every season that we’ve covered him. Recently he’s become a dangerous one-on-one scorer in the mid-range that can create separation with skill. Also, a tough defender who plays bigger than 6’1” on that end. In one of the most exciting small school matchups of the year against Marion Local, Anderson might be the X-Factor.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/nigel-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nigel Martin</a> (2019), 6’5” W, Cleveland Heights</strong></h4> <p>We actually considered Martin a power forward last season. He was athletic but raw. Now, Martin is taking guards off the dribble and hitting contested shots with range. His size is still an asset at the rim, where he shields defenders on layup attempts for a clean release. Rebounds the ball well. Playing very efficiently this season. Handling the ball with more fluidity and skill, too. Good explosiveness to the rim. Tiffin shouldn’t be his only offer, he’s one of the best available wings statewide.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/brandon-beavers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brandon Beavers</a> (2019), 6’2” PG, Harvest Prep</strong></h4> <p>A true point guard with size, Beavers might be just what some college is looking for in the 2019 class. He handles the ball on a string and looks to facilitate offense most of the game. Beavers can also use his body to create high-percentage looks at the rim when the time calls for it. Capable outside shooter, for sure. Left-handed kid. He averages 5.5 assists per game, per the Dispatch.</p> <h4><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/ohio-player/carl-blanton/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carl Blanton</a> (2020), 6’2” G, Trotwood</strong></h4> <p>While teammate Amari Davis is building a Mr. Basketball case, Blanton is quietly averaging 18.9 points per game. His game isn’t flashy, it’s efficient. Able to find creases in the defense and uses elite footwork to exploit the cracks. Finishes at an efficient pace. Quality team and individual defender who is fundamentally sound.</p>