Another program that will be led by a 2028 core, Saint Ignatius has a couple of new names who will introduce themselves at the varsity level this winter. Melton is no new name as the starting point guard for the Wildcats and he was dominant in a win over Montgomery County. Melton plays with such urgency on the ball and is incredibly active on both ends of the court. Melton’s lightning quick first step allowed him to blow by his defenders at the point of attack and get to the rim. Despite scoring over 20 points in the win, Melton’s favorite play was probably a putback dunk that didn’t count due to a travel but showed off Melton’s explosive athleticism for a guard his size. Expect Melton to be one of the top guards in northeast Ohio this winter.

20p 3r 1a 1s vs DC Assault

-Melton was phenomenal at controlling pace in a back n forth game in the 1H as a lightning-quick downhill driver that got to his spots without a ball screen. Melton started things off with a double crossover stepback 3, rejected a screen to drive straight down the middle of the defense and lay it in off the window before the defense could react, took two rebounds coast to coast to finish at the rim, and adjusted nicely in the 2H to finish his finger rolls higher off the glass to avoid the help defender pinning his shot off the glass. Melton understands how to change tempo with the ball in his hands and did a great job of kicking the ball ahead to collect hockey assists.

Transition guard who played at a fast pace, upping the tempo at times. He got to his spots and found opportunities in a hurry, either committing to the drive or stopping on a dime for the stop-and-pop middy. Anytime Melton attacked the rack his craftiness was on full display, hanging in the air while going up and under contesting defenders.

The second part of the impressive Saint Ignatius plus Grind Until duo, Melton had a monster performance against Indiana Elite 16 U. Unable to stay in front of him from the point of attack, Melton was getting wherever he wanted off the dribble and collapsing the defense almost every trip. Melton can get from point A to point B in an instant and had a handful of drive and kick assists. Despite being undersized from a height perspective, Melton’s explosiveness as an athlete really stands out even on a court against a top shoe circuit team. If you are going to be recruited heavily as an undersized guard, having special burst like Melton has is a great way to separate yourself.

Saint Ignatius is one of the top OHSAA programs in the state and Melton is playing a featured role as a lead guard for the Wildcats as a sophomore. Melton is surprisingly explosive for a prospect his height as a jumper and is as quick as any guard in the 2028 class end to end. What I was impressed by with Melton was he plays extremely fast but still reads the game from all angles. I think Saint Ignatius has a chance to compete for a state title this season if the pieces fit together and Melton is a key stirrer of the drink for the Wildcats this year.

This was my first time really getting to watch Melton play and safe to say he impressed. I liked how Melton played fast with the ball in his hands but didn’t look rushed while on the ball. Melton provided a lot of rim pressure as a downhill attacker and even tried playing above the rim with a poster dunk attempt. Big fan of what Melton brings to the table, I expect a breakout season for him at Saint Ignatius after waiting his turn on an experienced team as a freshman.