Ohio Mr. Basketball Watch List: Part One
The Mr. Basketball award in Ohio is a big deal, as it goes to the unanimous top player in the state. Team success is often a big ordeal as well, whether people like it or not. There have been some…
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Continue ReadingThe Mr. Basketball award in Ohio is a big deal, as it goes to the unanimous top player in the state. Team success is often a big ordeal as well, whether people like it or not.
There have been some big time Mr. Basketball’s in the state of Ohio. From LeBron James to Xavier Simpson to Kaleb Wesson, that just goes to prove that award is up for any position.
This season, that award could be as wide open as it has been. There are a couple favorites, but a few players could jump into early candidates with a boost to their prior game.
Here, I take a look at some players who I believe could win it. Some with a greater chance then others.
Who To Watch:
• Von Cameron-Davis (F / 2020 / Walnut Ridge): Von Cameron is a player that will average north of 25 points a game this season, as he’s shown the ability to score in high numbers the last couple seasons. As a senior it’s his last go around, so you can assume he’ll want to go out with a bang. A double-double player, it would be no surprise to see the Scot to average 29 and 13 rebounds a game this season. Walnut Ridge should be pretty good, a team that will compete for a City League championship and look for a tournament run.
• John Hugley (C / 2020 / Brush): John Hugley is Ohio’s top senior at the moment. Holds a bunch of offers, and is a future high major prospect. Hugley is dominant inside, and not many can handle him in the paint. The senior can go for 20 & 20 on any given night, as he swarms the boards like no other. Hugley plays with poise from the middle, always making the right play and has a high IQ out there. Hugley is near the top of preseason picks for this award.
• Grant Huffman (WG / 2020 / St. Edward): Huffman committed to Davidson this past summer, which seems like a great fit. One of Ohio’s best players, has the ability to get any bucket he wants. Huffman is a matchup problem for guards as he’s just simply better than most. Crafty player who moves without the ball, and can get to the basket off the dribble. Improved pull up jumper, which was falling a lot when I last seen him play. Huffman is going to put up numbers this year, don’t be surprised if he is in Mr. Basketball talks.
• Chris Livingston (SG / 2022 / Butchel): Chris Livingston is the top prospect in Ohio regardless of class for a reason. The 6-5 guard is athletic as they come, with a college ready frame. Livingston is a terror in transition and is tough to stop. Making it to the state final four as a freshman, year two could be even bigger for the sophomore and Butchel. Livingston has a well rounded game and is improving his jumper. His numbers will see a big boost across the line. One of the top prospects in the nation will definitely be a threat for his state’s best basketball award.
• Malaki Branham (SG / 2021 / Akron SVSM): Malaki Branham is one of the top players in the 2021 class for a reason. The athletic two guard is TOUGH and has a knack for scoring the ball and making his team better. Branham finishes strong with either hand, takes pride in defense and brings shot blocking ability from the wing. Branham will be a part of another talented backcourt that is going to put up numbers for SVSM. Malaki could be in contention for Mr. Basketball after his junior campaign with his high level play.Â