Best Under-the-Radar Performances in D-I and D-IV State Semifinals
Previously having seen seven of the eight teams going on Friday, another New Names piece wouldn’t make sense today, even if that was the plan. Instead, we’ve expanded our criteria to fit in all sorts of overshadowed performers. These prospects won’t…
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Continue ReadingPreviously having seen seven of the eight teams going on Friday, another New Names piece wouldn’t make sense today, even if that was the plan.
Instead, we’ve expanded our criteria to fit in all sorts of overshadowed performers. These prospects won’t lead headlines in the local paper or be shouted out by most scouts in their weekend recaps. However, all of these kids played a crucial role to their team in the D-I and D-IV State Semifinals.
Sam Habeger (2020), 6’3” F, Hiland
stats: 17 points, 3 rebounds
Coming into this weekend, I was skeptical that any of the Division IV representatives would have an answer for St. Henry’s 6’6” center Caden Niekamp. Well. That problem was solved in the form of Sam Habeger.
For what Habeger lacked in sheer size, he made up for it with quickness and effort. His activity in defending post-ups was inspiring and he was even able to time-up his block attempts with success. Took too many chances in passing lanes on the perimeter, though.
Impressed with his ability to put the ball on the floor out of the face-up or as a trailing big. Blew by opposing forwards on his way to the rim and finished with a pop of athleticism. Pretty quick off the ground. Scored over the shoulder in the post, too.
Jay Knapke (2019), 6’3” W/F, St. Henry
stats: 17 points, 7 rebounds
Knapke was St. Henry’s most consistent scorer on Friday afternoon — a byproduct of his constant off-ball activity and willingness to challenge shot-blockers at the basket. Dove into the lane on several occasions and was rewarded with passes and offensive rebounds. Went nine-for-11 at the free throw line. Strong kid.
Drew Kline (2019), 5’9” PG, Convoy Crestview
stats: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Kline is a scrappy, athletic lead guard who is the first one to the floor for a loose ball. As an on-ball defender, Kline goes hard after the opponent’s dribble, which proved to be a disruptive tactic in transition.
Kline also found shooters in transition as he came flying down the hardwood. Keeps a low dribble against pressure. Good use of the pump fake in the paint, even though he struggled to finish against the athleticism of Richmond Heights.
Derick Dealey (2019), 5’9” G, Convoy Crestview
stats: 18 points (4-8 on 3-pointers), 2 rebounds
Dealey was the recipient to more than a couple of those transition passes from Kline. He was consistently lost by the Spartans and it seemed like all four of his 3-pointers were wide open attempts. Dealey scored 15 in the first half alone, including one pull-up after shaking a defender at the top of the key.
Jamarr Talbert (2021), 6’1” G, Richmond Heights
stats: 12 points, 5 rebounds
The progression of guys like Talbert is one reason we will likely see the Spartans back here next season. Showed the ability to make good reads as a passer and hit open jumpers off the catch. Although the sophomore will need to improve his ball skills, we like the flashes we saw out of the athletic wing-guard — we plan to keep a close eye on him this summer.
Javontae Jones (2020), 6’5” W/F, Richmond Heights
stats: 4 points, 3 rebounds
Jones may be a weird addition for some — hE sHOt TWo-oF-ninE AnD FouLED ouT *enter SpongeBob meme*. Sure, whatever. You’re right, it wasn’t his best game.
But, Jones was attentive to his role on the defensive end, playing against Kalen Etzler with a physicality and limiting him to seven points. Jones is raw, but the athletic combo forward can defend and he plays with an edge. Couldn’t find success as a shooter but the stroke itself is promising.
Anthony Maxie (2020), 6’4” C, Richmond Heights
stats: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Maxie was more impactful in the first half, but his athleticism and defensive ability was felt nonetheless. Great nose for the ball. Makes up for his height with long arms and major bounce. Plays with a sense of fearlessness. Left-handed stroke looked good from the free throw line, too — would be huge if he added some pick-and-pop ability to his game. Knows how to patiently probe on the baseline and flash for a dunk when his defender helps the drive.
Max Land (2020), 6’4” W/F, Moeller
stats: 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
Land has gone from not seeing the floor in last season’s Final Four to starting and playing 25 minutes on Friday. Quite the leap! Don’t be surprised, though, if Land makes a similar jump going into his senior year.
One of the most explosive forwards in the 2020 class, Land has started to show improvements in several facets of the game. First of all, his movement without the ball has become a strength — scored on a couple back-cuts against Eds. Land makes finishing through contact look amazingly easy as he outlasts opponents in the air. Faces the floor well when he catches and good use of the jab step.
Logan Duncomb (2021), 6’8” C, Moeller
stats: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 blocks
Duncomb played most of his minutes in the first half. He was able to make his presence known in limited playing time, establishing position in the post by pinning his matchup with ease. Scored a couple baskets with the right hand going across the lane on post-ups. Duncomb also showed good defensive instincts on help-side and was able to recover for one blocked shot after getting beat on a blow-by.
Montorie Foster (2020), 6’1” PG, St. Edward
stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Foster was just one of four St. Edward players to show up in the scoring column, so maybe he wasn’t entirely overshadowed. Nonetheless, he was much better Friday than what we saw in December. Great timing on his dives towards the rim as an off-ball cutter. Extremely athletic kid who explodes to the basket on his layup attempts. Foster gets to the free throw line by jumping straight into the chest of shot-blockers. Good rebounder for his position — actually led Eds in that category against Moe. Second efforts. Doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Chris Painter (2019), 5’11” G, St. Vincent-St. Mary
stats: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
A skilled shooter off the dribble, Painter scored tough buckets on step-backs and one-dribble pull-ups. Stayed active without the ball and converted a couple contested baskets through contact. Defense may be Painter’s top strength, though, as his speed and dives at the dribble cause problems for unexacting ball-handlers. Good help-side instincts. He has made a soft verbal commitment to Malone.
Darius Cone (2019), 6’3” W, St. Vincent-St. Mary
stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
Cone scored eight points in the second half including clutch buckets down the stretch — going coast-to-coast off the defensive glass and spinning in the lane for another layup. The senior played with energy throughout. Defends multiple positions at this level.
Mitchell Kershner (2019), 6’3” W, Olentangy Liberty
stats: 7 points, 7 rebounds
Kershner did an outstanding job defending the ball, hit a triple to start the second half, and provided defensive rebounding in the fourth quarter. Once again showed defensive versatility by excelling against STVM’s point guards. Effective cutter.