Game MVPs from Great Lakes Classic
The Great Lakes Classic at Cleveland Heights – a great tradition in Northeast Ohio and I’m not just saying that. It’s just that the Cleveland area is a truly special basketball culture, facilitated by a lot of talented players. The…
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Continue ReadingThe Great Lakes Classic at Cleveland Heights – a great tradition in Northeast Ohio and I’m not just saying that. It’s just that the Cleveland area is a truly special basketball culture, facilitated by a lot of talented players. The enthusiasm hangs in the air. You can feel it. People of all ages equally pumped about a crossover or near-posterization. It’s just better than the other areas in Ohio, sorry not sorry.
Anyways, we only made it to the Sunday session, which included six games:
- Rhodes (75) over Kenston (74)
- Maple Heights (70) over John Marshall (31)
- East Tech (60) over Warrensville Heights (50)
- University School (63) over Glenville (48)
- Cleveland Heights (73) over Shaker Heights (51)
- Richmond Heights (66) over NDCL (59)
From those games, we’ve chosen one MVP from each winning team to spotlight here. We will be back tomorrow with a more inclusive article, too. For now, here we go:
Marlon Landingham (2020), 6’2” G, Rhodes
Landingham’s impact was most felt when he wasn’t in the game and it became clear that they didn’t have another trustworthy ball-handler and decision-maker. Conversely, Landingham intelligently took care of his business on the offensive end, accumulating 20 points, five assists, and five rebounds. Although his release is susceptible to being blocked, Landingham shot the ball well with space. He can handle contact at the rim and is a pretty strong guard at 6’2”.
But what really stood-out in Landingham were the intangibles – unselfish passing in the open floor, playing hard defensively, and court vision. He’s a reliable combo guard at the next level who local Division III programs should try to keep in the area.
Javon Pollard (2019), 6’3” F, Maple Heights
Pollard’s athleticism stood-out in this blowout of a game. He defended ball-handlers because of his ability to move while also being the most talented vertical rebounder in the game. He gets up for rebounds, that is when he reaches for the ball with two hands instead of tipping it out. Gives them a chance on every possessions because of his effectiveness on the offensive glass.
DJ Harrell (2019), 6’0” G, East Tech
OK, so we saw Harrell over the summer with TNBA East Black and knew he was talented. But, dang, is this kid a good basketball player both in terms of IQ and skill. In fact, we think D-II and NAIA programs would be wise to take a look at him.
Even at 6’0”, Harrell appears to have the requisite athleticism and strength to play at that level of college basketball. He shows quick bursts in the half-court as a slasher and can definitely finish above the rim on the break. He knows how to keep teammates involved throughout a game. Harrell’s awareness of open shooters on the drive was impressive. He shoots it pretty well from deep or off the bounce.
Defensively, he was matched up with Brandon Rush, a Fairleigh Dickinson signee. Harrell forced him into four turnovers by moving his feet and using his frame to be chippy with Rush. Kid plays very hard.
Faris Dahman (2021), 5’9” PG, University School
Dahman definitely does not pass the eye test and our best guess is that he hasn’t quite had his growth spurt. His intrigue as a recruit, for that reason, could be a year or more away. However, Dahman played excellently in their decisive victory over Glenville, a team with three athletic guards who tried to pressure the heck out of him. He’s a big fan of the bounce pass and showed good instincts in anticipating passes to cutters. A pocket pass on the pick-and-roll when Glenville blitzed him was especially well done. Also, Dahman was automatic when he had space to shoot it, hitting four 3-pointers and leading the team with 13 points.
Nigel Martin (2019), 6’4” W, Cleveland Heights
Martin changed our opinion on him last night. First of all, he’s two inches shorter thanks to a tighter haircut. Second, he’s surer of himself as a ball-handler and player, overall.
Unlike last year at John Hay, Martin attacked the basket without hesitation and he did so early in the game, igniting the crowd with a one handed jam on the secondary break. That was one of his two dunks on the night, but he also showed skill scoring with euro steps and elusiveness in traffic.
The most important difference, though – and we alluded to it – is that Martin understands and embraces his role at Heights. He’s not trying to be the point guard and the best rebounder on the team. And, when he’s able to focus on slashing, defense, and rebounding, he can put up games like the 20-point, six rebound performance last night. Tiffin was already wise enough to offer in the preseason and other Division II schools may be kicking themselves if they don’t soon.
Gbolahan Adio (2020), 6’3” G/W, Richmond Heights
Speaking of Division II prospects to become aware of, Gbolahan Adio could become a priority in a 2020 class that lacks depth. Not only was he the standout prospect for Richmond Heights, he also produced 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
His length and fluidity as an athlete are clear, but Adio has blossomed into a capable secondary ball-handler who can really facilitate in transition. A willing passer, Adio simply makes the right basketball decision whenever he has the rock. His long strides allow him to get to the basket quickly. Adio has also added a more than capable spot-up shooting ability and knocked down four 3-pointers yesterday. Defensively, Richmond Heights switched everything in their second half lineup and Adio proved versatile on that end. He can play fast.