Combs has been the perfect addition to an already loaded Lakota West squad. His physicality, rebounding and ability to punish teams in the short roll in 4 on 3 situations after their guards get blitzed is so valuable. Playing tough in the paint against taller and longer athletes, Combs helped keep La Lumiere off the glass to the best of his ability. An absolute warrior on the court, Combs left it all on the court Sunday evening.

Lakota West’s dynamic backcourt duo gets a lot of attention, and rightfully so, but Combs was the X-Factor through much of the game on Sunday for the Firebirds. The 6’5″ versatile forward displayed his skilled and strength finishing with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 72-71 overtime loss against La Lumiere.

In the final game of the night, the rematch of last year’s Division I state semifinal certainly lived up to the hype. It was fascinating that Combs made such a huge difference as one of the few new faces who didn’t play in the thrilling game last season. Combs has the frame and strength to guard forwards or wings and bothered players at multiple positions from Reynoldsburg with his physicality. In transition, Combs can play above the rim and adds a different dynamic that the Firebirds didn’t have last season from the wing forward position. Toss in a 18 foot pull-up and a clutch drop off assist and Combs was a key reason why Lakota West came out on top.

The addition of Combs has been a quality one for Lakota West as he provides strength, toughness, rebounding and interior scoring for the Firebirds. While Lakota West won a regional title in Ohio to make the final four, Combs also has winning experience after helping Cooper win the regional title and make it to Rupp Arena. Combs strength and interior scoring was on full display on Saturday as he was efficient at the rim on reverse layups, putbacks and breakaways. Combs also had a couple strong finishes with his left hand,

Moving from one side of the Ohio river to the other, Combs comes to Lakota West from Cooper High School in Kentucky. Helping Cooper make the quarterfinals of the KHSAA Sweet 16 tournament last season, Combs will hope to have an impact for a Lakota West squad that’s got state title expectations this season. Combs is a strong framed wing who provides toughness, rebounding and defensive ability. His best offense is played in transition, as a cutter and when he crashes the glass. Combs is starting to flash a more consistent 3-point shot as well, which could come in handy if teams run a zone to try and force the Firebirds to take more jump-shots. Expect Combs to be a name everybody in Cincinnati knows early in the season.

One of the more notable transfers in Ohio, Combs came from northern Kentucky powerhouse Cooper and adds even more length and athleticism for the Firebirds. I thought Combs had his best day of the summer with a ton of toughness plays with his rebounding, physicality and interior scoring. Combs also had one of the highlights of the day with a monster slam dunk in transition. With a ton of coaches watching his games, Combs certainly raised his stock with his play on Saturday.

He’s a rangy 6’5” W who’s a top 30 prospect in the bluegrass state. Had a dominant game vs Full Package to begin Saturday, and followed that off with another terrific performance vs MTXE Premier. Got going right away with a floater in the opening seconds. Showed tons of explosiveness going up and down the floor as the game progressed. Playmaking was just as effective. He’s the kind of player that made everyone around him better. Best part of his game might be his defense. At least 6-7 steals in this matchup.

Combs is no stranger to All-Tournament honors at Prep Hoops events. The versatile 6’5″ wing from Cooper High School in Kentucky was a standout for Wildcat Select 3SSB a few weeks ago at the Queen City Clash and was a dominant force once again this weekend while leading the Northern Kentucky Legends to a 3-1 performance at the Havoc in the Heartland.

Switching to the state of the Kentucky, 2027 small forward Roman Combs Roman Combs 6'5" | SF Cooper High School | 2027 OH was a standout to me at Havoc in the Heartland. A high motor player with a ton of athleticism, Combs was nearly unstoppable around the rim vs LVL. Made a ton of plays off the ball and was constantly attacking the defense in the lane. He was arguably the best out of state player in the gym on Saturday.

Combs was the early catalyst for Wildcat Select 3SSB 16u as they jumped out to an early 8:00 a.m. lead and never looked back. The versatile 6’6″ wing used his strength and physicality to score inside while his athleticism shined in transition. It is easy to see why he is a highly ranked prospect in Kentucky’s Class of 2027 that should continue to rise in the coming years.