Junior and Sophomore Wings with Something to Prove
Reasons a player lands in the Something to Prove series: playing time/opportunity in past seasons doesn’t match their potential, they’re coming off injury, or there’s a lack of college recruitment despite talent.
None of those reasons include being a poor player, because nobody here is bad at basketball. However, these kids should attack next year with a chip on their shoulder, and here’s why.
ICYMI:
– Senior Guards with Something to Prove
– Junior and Sophomore Guards with Something to Prove
– Come back later in the week for Junior and Sophomore Forwards
Max Land (2020), 6’4 W/F, Moeller
Land is in a unique circumstance as a D-I talent entering junior year without much varsity experience. But, at Moeller, we’re not looking for Land to validate himself with points. Instead, the high-flyer can prove himself with awareness in their halfcourt offense, high-motor rebounding, and impact defense. It will be interesting to see how Land fits in with the Crusaders as a junior, as far as his role and his fulfillment of it as they look to make another State run.
Jalen Ross (2020), 6’3” W, Canton McKinley (St. Vincent-St. Mary transfer)
Ross caught our eye in his 15U season with the NEO Shooting Stars. Then, he really didn’t receive much playing time with St. Vincent-St. Mary, only averaging 2.6 points last season. Now he’ll presumably be a featured player for the Bulldogs with whatever eligibility he’s granted. He’s a power slasher with some wiggle and an ability to get to the rim. Getting points by any way necessary will definitely help Canton McKinley, but showing signs of being a capable shooter wouldn’t hurt this season either.
Steve Coleman (2021), 6’2” W, Maumee Valley
Coleman may be a weird choice for this article in that he showed us everything we’re looking for in a freshman last season. There’s a reason he’s ranked no. 28 in the class. But whereas last season he was primarily a defender, Coleman’s offensive game is still a work in progress. If he continues to add on to what we saw at the Toledo Summer League in June, Coleman could become that reliable second scoring option alongside Zeb Jackson that Maumee Valley needs to make a postseason run.
Elijah Kimmons (2020), 6’3” W/F, Toledo St. John’s
Kimmons is another explosive athlete out of Toledo who we’re hoping improves offensively this season. He’s been surprisingly used as more of a true forward in his high school career, but showing more perimeter wing ball skills will be imperative to his recruitment. We truly believe he’ll make that next step, mainly because of the signs he shows as an athlete. Hitting the occasional spot-up jumper and getting to the rim off the dribble would be excellent signs for Kimmons.