Reynoldsburg had four Division I commits last year and with just two this year, expect McKinney to have to do more heavy lifting offensively on a nightly basis. McKinney had his breakout year last winter for the Raiders but now is a senior and will be looked to lead the team on a nightly basis. Ohio is one of five schools to have multiple Mr Basketball winners (Sonny Johnson and Geno Ford) but both were before the 21st century.

McKinney took his game to the next level as a junior and was one of the breakout stars in Ohio last year. Now McKinney heads into his senior season as one of the best players in the state. In two games I’ve seen of Reynoldsburg and McKinney this summer, he’s been one of the best players on the court with some really impressive shot-making ability. Hitting tough shots off the dribble, McKinney hasn’t let a shot contest alter his looks. Defensively, McKinney had some impressive plays forcing a five second count and blocking a couple shots. McKinney should be in contention for Mr Basketball this winter if Reynoldsburg has the same level of success they had last season.

McKinney was the best player for the Buckets in the 17U championship game. When it felt like they couldn’t pull close enough he went on a 5-0 scoring run by himself. He then would continue to get in the lane and make tough shots. He showed some really impressive shot-making from deep. He scored in a lot of different ways and on all three levels of the court. His defensive presence was felt in the first half then took over the game in the second half. Played at a high level.

McKinney was in his bag in this one. He showed off his offensive tools the entire game. He finished with 12 points and had the most important points of the game. He knocked down two open threes in big moments. Was able to rip and get to the rim when Lakota West crowed him too much. Finished at the rim well and got to the line. Then on the defensive was a pest. He picked up full or right at half-court and then dictated what the offensive guard was doing. Great at making them uncomfortable and getting the ball out of their hands.

One of the biggest risers in the state, the future Ohio Bobcat has been instrumental in Reynoldsburg’s one loss season that has them thinking state title. McKinney has taken a massive leap as a jump shooter, going to a guy who will knock down open shots to somebody who requires hard closeouts and consistent tracking off the ball. The shooting confidence has also translated to his ball handling taking a jump as well. I’ve always been impressed with McKinney’s defensive ability and that hasn’t dipped with this increased offensive usage. McKinney projects as a potential immediate contributor to Ohio.

Maybe the biggest riser in Ohio, McKinney has been on a tear the past few months and is in store for a massive rankings bump during the next update for the class of 2026. He’s taken incredible strides as a shooter, knocking down shots off the catch and most importantly off the dribble. His mid-range pull-up to end the first quarter was such a slick move and confident shot as the clock was winding down. Add in his usual defensive impact and positional size, McKinney looks like a wing guard who can come in right away and make an impact at Ohio University.

McKinney is a player that every time I watch him play, I want him on my team. He is one of the best defenders the state has to offer and it’s because he focuses a ton of his energy on that end. He knows the best way for him to impact the game is by taking the other team’s best player out of the game and that’s exactly what he does. He did that tonight but also showed the ability to knock down threes. This is huge for him as he can be an instant 3 and defense plug-and-play kid for the Ohio Bobcats.

One of the fastest risers in the 2026 class, McKinney is a player who I might have to bump up in our 2026 rankings during the next update. It seems like McKinney has taken that next step in his game as a Junior with more confidence as a shooter and ball handler. McKinney has always been an elite defender and still impacts the game on that end at a high level. With this improved offensive ability McKinney goes from a utility defender to a two-way impact player who flat out helps you win games. Really impressed with the leap McKinney has taken, he could be the difference for Reynoldsburg as they try and make that deep postseason run that has eluded them the past two seasons.