Top Prospects from the Weekend

<p>This weekend featured two terrific games, hosted by enthusiastic basketball communities in Franklin and Sandusky. The environments embodied everything that we love about high school hoops.</p> <p>Friday's game was wild. Oakwood led <em>big </em>in the second half before Franklin rallied from behind on senior night. Junior Tez Lattimore won it at the buzzer. The crowd stormed the court. Chef's kiss.</p> <p>Saturday, Sandusky flexed on Rogers in the second half, ultimately winning by six although they were in complete control after halftime. These two should meet in a Division II district final in a few weeks. And although last night's officials made numerous questionable calls, Sandusky comes into that game with a clear edge.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darren-rubin/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/darren-rubin/">Darren Rubin</a></a> (2020) | 6-1 PG | Oakwood</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 20 points, 8 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>The Denison recruit is remarkably skilled. Every time you think, "Where else can this guy improve?" he adds another layer to his game. As a senior Rubin has become more effective as a finisher, using creative gathers to score inside or draw fouls. His footwork is terrific all-around. Another area the footwork is apparent is in his pull-back moves where he sizes up his man with balance before making another move or shooting. Supremely confident.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-maxwell/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/will-maxwell/">Will Maxwell</a></a> (2023) | 6-3 SG | Oakwood</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Maxwell proved to be effective around the rim on both sides of the floor. We love his toughness, a trait that will only become more noticeable as he physically develops. He finished in traffic off one-foot and two-feet. Driving baseline, he shoveled a nice assist to the middle of the lane. Consistently made the extra pass. Rebounds in traffic. Promising frame. </p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-paarlberg/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/nate-paarlberg/">Nate Paarlberg</a></a> (2022) | 6-5 SF | Franklin</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 7 points, 3 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Paarlberg, a 3/4 combo, is a hard-nosed defender and effective spot-shooter. The lefty can knock down shots from distance and added hustle points on the offensive glass. His frame and foot speed is more equipped to defend the interior right now, but that could change over time.</p> <h6><strong>Noah Rich (2022) | 6-5 SF | Franklin</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 15 points, 6 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Rich attacked from the perimeter driving hard right, sometimes even adding a few crossovers to get to his spot. Penetrated consistently and uses his size to shoot it over top. He has an intriguing combination of height and ball skills.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-staveskie/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-staveskie/">Tahj Staveskie</a></a> (2020) | 6-0 PG | Sandusky</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 17 points, 7 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>The unsigned point guard may be known for his long-range shooting ability and scoring, but his passing was the most impressive aspect of Saturday's performance. Staveskie displayed terrific vision, cleverly delivered dimes from the perimeter and while in the teeth of the defense. Great timing and unselfishness with the ball. Staveskie also scored it creatively at the rim with either hand. Double-pumped and hung in the air versus shot-blockers, never appearing bothered by Rogers' size. Shifty handle. The righty was most effective driving hard left.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamiya-neal/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jamiya-neal/">Jamiya Neal</a></a> (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rogers</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 12 points, 9 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Neal is Rogers' new primary ball-handler with senior point guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ketaan-wyatt/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ketaan-wyatt/">Ketaan Wyatt</a></a> out for the season with a torn meniscus. He remains a scorer who uses long, elusive steps in traffic to get to his spot. Able to finish over the top from creative angles. The junior added an impressive pull-up in the mid-range while fading right. Jumps passing lanes where his anticipation and length allow him to close gaps quickly.</p> <h6><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steve-coleman/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steve-coleman/">Steve Coleman</a></a> (2021) | 6-4 SF | Rogers</strong><br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 10pt"><em>stats: 13 points, 8 rebounds</em></span></strong></h6> <p>Coleman carries a longstanding reputation as a powerful wing who is very effective around the basket. He's been in the weight room, though. The junior is packing size on to his frame, which allows him to be an even more dominant rebounder. Finished through contact and rebounded in traffic. Shot it well when he had space. </p>