Spikes is a prospect I’ve been intrigued by for a while and he showed why on Sunday afternoon. Spikes is a versatile defender who blocked a shot as a help-side rim protector, fronted the post and prevented an entry pass and switched onto a guard and forced pressure on the ball. Spikes then got going hitting jumpers on the baseline with one mid-range and two 3-pointers on each side of halftime. One of the better forwards in northeast Ohio, Spikes is a name to know from the east side of Cleveland.

Spikes showed why he was one of the best players in this event. He went out and proved it with his high level of play. He came out to prove a point. He made the game simple. He is a walking mismatch with his skillset, and he exposed this all day. He lives in the paint and around the rim. He can finish with either hand. He finishes tough and towards the rim. I was scoring a ton of points throughout the event.

Grassroots Elite has a strong 16 U group that has qualified for the semifinals of the Ohio State tournament thanks to their size and rebounding ability. Spikes was their most dominant interior presence in the game I caught, blocking shots, hitting reverse layups and even drawing fouls on post moves. I’m really intrigued by Spikes long term upside as he’s on an upward trajectory heading into his Junior year of high school.

One of the more intriguing young bigs in northeast Ohio, Spikes will be with Grassroots Elite this weekend and has the potential to make a big two-way impact.

I liked Spikes rim protection and overall activity on the defensive end of the court when I caught VASJ this season. With his length, size and basketball IQ, Spikes is a good help-side rim protector who can slide in and contest layups against guards or wall up against opposing bigs. Offensively, Spikes showed flashes of being able to handle the ball and shoot it from the perimeter as both skills are currently being developed. Under the radar name in northeast Ohio who could breakout next season.

A disappointing loss for VASJ, Spikes had some bright flashes as a young player they can continue to develop and emerge as a star in the future. With good length and size, Spike had a couple of blocks and altered numerous shots at the rim. I was also impressed with how Spikes moved his feet and showed a little perimeter shooting ability. Definitely a project on the offensive end right now but Spikes has some skills you can’t teach, a prospect we’ll be keeping tabs on.