Brookville stuns Bellbrook on Senior Night
On senior night at Bellbrook High School, the host Eagles were unable to defend their home court, blowing a 4 point lead after the third quarter to lose 45-36 against visiting Brookville. Ona night where shots were not particularly falling,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOn senior night at Bellbrook High School, the host Eagles were unable to defend their home court, blowing a 4 point lead after the third quarter to lose 45-36 against visiting Brookville. Ona night where shots were not particularly falling, some household names stepped up and still kept things interesting. While Bellbrook outrebounded the Blue Devils and committed less turnovers, it was their dismal 1 for 11 shooting beyond the arc that hurt. Not to mention Brookville was automatic at the free throw line finishing 13 for 15. Two prospects came away with my Top Performers title while 3 guys under-the-radar impressed as well but deserve some credibility.
Top Performers
Ryan Chew (2022)- Chew’s unselfishness with the basketball continues to be where he excels at. With him, the ball is constantly moving and offense is able to be generated. Since first seeing him last year, he has developed a better midrange shot as well as showing more confidence taking
3PT shots. His quick release allowed him to get several shots off although he finished with 0 points in the game. He has a quick crossover dribble and uses his speed and handles to break down opposing defenders. While he didn’t score any points, he finished with 7 assists in this one.
A.J. Eller (2021)- Eller led all scorers with 19 points on Tuesday night. While he only went 4 of 12 from the floor, A.J. found a rhythm behind the arc knocking down 3 of 6 from 3PT range. He definitely looked stronger and more muscular than last year when I saw him. He plays with a high motor and ran the point well against a stingy Bellbrook perimeter defense. On the defensive end, I liked how he used his length to get within passing lanes and overall did a nice job getting a hand on skip passes. He talked on the defensive end as well which showed me how much of a leader he is for this Brookville team.
Top Under-the-Radar Performers
Gabe Pavlak (2022)- The 6’4 Power Forward came off the bench for the Eagles since it was their senior night, but he led them in scoring with 13 points and impressed me overall with his defensive versatility and finishing capabilities. Able to defend guys on the perimeter and in the paint, Pavlak knows how to use his length to his advantage, creating turnovers and forcing his opponents to make extra passes vs forced shots. On the offensive end, it seemed every shot he put up at the rim went in, regardless of what type of defense was on him. He is a tremendous finisher and an excellent rebounder, esepcailly on the offensive end. He is worth watching as he continues to grow and develop his game more.
Braedon Gedeon (2020)- The lone senior on this list, Gedeon worked his tail off in this matchup and impressed me with his overall physicality and work ethic. A football prospect, he has a very strong upper body and knows how to position himself in the paint. He found several scoring opportunities off one-on-one battles in the paint. Arguably one of the best rebounders (if not the best) throughout the game, Gedeon did a nice job grabbing with both hands and protecting the basketball afterwards. He’s likely going to be seen on the gridiron at the next level.
Sammy Dafler (2022)- Dafler didn’t score any points from the floor but rather got his 2 points at the free throw line. Dafler definitely looked a little raw in comparison to the other sophomores on display, but no one could question his physicality and toughness on the defensive end. Showed a no quit mentality defending much taller defenders from Bellbrook. He didn’t have to be a scorer due to the presence of Eller and Manny Willis and can become a dangerous prospect in the SWBL if he can develop a better offensive game.