Seven Best: Olentangy Orange at Westerville Central

Olentangy Orange 6-foot-5 junior Jason Foster scored six consecutive points — a poster dunk, deep two with his foot on the arch, and a put-back hustle play in transition — to end the third quarter, giving them a 50-46 lead against Westerville Central. From there, Orange's lead only lengthened. They'd end up winning 76 to 64. Behind a majestic second half from Foster, the visiting Pioneers triumphed in a battle of emerging Central Ohio teams, both of which are dark horses this year but project as juggernauts in 2020-21. Let's set the context of this game before jumping into our scouting notes. It's important for us to provide context as all high school games aren't created equal. Sometimes, you go to a game and cannot really learn much because of poor play. Friday in Westerville wasn't one of those times. This was either the first or second-best game I've watched all season. The pace resembled a college game. Both teams looked for baskets early in a possession, challenging the other's transition defense off a make or miss. If nothing was there, halfcourt possessions were crisp. Both teams had structure, yet their scorers were empowered to create — wouldn't have been a lot of 30-second shot clock violations. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jason-foster/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jason Foster</a> (2021) | 6-5 PF | Olentangy Orange stats: 24 points, 10 rebounds</h6> Foster is a powerful athlete with a strong frame who jumps high — all of which was highlighted on his in-traffic dunk in the third quarter. His improvement as a ball-handler since July is remarkable. He is attacking from the perimeter comfortably. Orange even ran plays to get him into isolation situations at the top of the key, with Foster answering the bell again and again. Using his body, he attacks in a straight-line usually gathering with a jump stop or spin move. Jumps high from a variety of launch points. He's shooting it better, too. Capable of defending both forward spots but is relied on to protect the rim for Orange. The junior changed shots and was active in passing lanes — scooping up several fumbles and stealing a few passes. In transition, off a turnover or rebound, he flashed passing by hitting a few open shooters while leading the break. Foster's second half of 18 points and six rebounds were the difference. This may have been his best game of the season. Regardless, it's a very promising indicator of his potential. <h6>Tasos Cook (2021) | 6-1 SG | Westerville Central stats: 27 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists</h6> Along with Foster, Cook is another Central Ohio 2021 prospect ready to jump into the state's top 50 in our midseason rankings update. Cook is extremely bursty with huge hands and an athletic build at 6-foot-1. Well-rounded shot-maker who scored creatively from every level of the floor. His off-the-dribble game is just scratching the surface. While Cook changes speeds and direction with agility, some of his moves are still erratic and he over-complicated a few layup attempts. As he gets more reps as a shot-creator, he's going to be scary. Heck, he scored 27 last night! Cook threaded the needle a few times as passer. Elite elevation on his pull-up. His defense was equally impressive. Cook used quickness to pressure the ball, not allowing any space and forcing his man to retreat at times. Sat down and stayed wide. <h6>Ryan Cutler (2020) | 6-5 SF | Olentangy Orange stats: 16 points, 6 rebounds</h6> Cutler showed playmaking ability from the wing, diving to the rim and making good decisions as a passer or finisher. He's a lanky kid who looks young for a senior. Scored over the top on finishes, keeping the ball extended and finishing high. Strong fundamentals. May need to defend the four in college but has the length to do so. Low shooting release but it goes in. Available senior. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/andre-irvin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andre Irvin</a> (2021) | 5-7 PG | Olentangy Orange stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists</h6> Irvin is a very skilled lead guard who knows how to play as an undersized guard. His scoring touch from distance and on a tear-drop floater impressed. Skilled ball-handler, although he struggles to escape traps at times. Very confident player. Elite 3-point shooter. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/quincy-clark/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quincy Clark</a> (2021) | 6-0 PG | Westerville Central stats: 13 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists</h6> Clark has a quick change of direction. He occasionally broke down his man at the top of the key with one quick side-to-side dribble, getting directly to the rim. Doesn't over-dribble. Finished well. He showed passing ability late by setting guys up with interior passes. <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-lemaire/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Will Lemaire</a> (2020) | 6-5 PF | Westerville Central stats: 10 points, 5 rebounds</h6> LeMaire can really shoot it with his feet set. Available stretch four in the senior class with remarkable length. Lemaire looks more coordinated than he did in the summer, too, running the floor at a brisker pace. <h6>Jordan Bethel (2021) | 6-1 SG | Olentangy Orange stats: 10 points, 2 rebounds</h6> Terrific cutter. Bethel constantly moved in their offense. Makes direct cuts towards the rim. High-motor player. When he caught it on the run, Bethel was both a threat to finish or dump-off an assist when a second defender came over.