2017 Top Available Frontcourt Players in Central Ohio
Jake Montgomery Central Ohio has consistently had top level frontcourt talent from either forward position down to center as well. BJ Mullens, Jared Sullinger, Caris Levert, Chris Johnson, and more were all long, skilled kids who could play at least…
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Continue ReadingCentral Ohio has consistently had top level frontcourt talent from either forward position down to center as well. BJ Mullens, Jared Sullinger, Caris Levert, Chris Johnson, and more were all long, skilled kids who could play at least 2 positions on the highest level. Current 2017 players like Sterling Manley(North Carolina), Kaleb Wesson(Ohio State), BJ Duling(Kent St), Nick Muszynski(Belmont), Caden Sanchez(High Point) all have Division 1 destinations and Reece Strohm(Walsh), Tavon Brown(Hillsdale), Matt Smith(Shawnee St), Dustin Harder(Belmont Abbey) are all attending school next year free of tuition. With the majority of the new generation kids coming out as multi-positional talents, it is only fitting that the category become more open to the current times in the game of basketball. With that being said, here are the top available frontcourt players in Central Ohio:
* Antoine Smith – 6’7/F of Westerville South H.S. – A versatile frontcourt kid who can shoot. Antoine displays solid enough skills to be effective at the small forward position, but also plays big and strong enough to use his abilities at the power forward position as a stretch four. The son of a coach, Smith’s IQ for the game is advanced more than the average high school player. NBA Comparison – Rudy Gay, Collegiate Level of Immediate Success – NCAA D2/NAIA D1.
* Jake Montgomery – 6’9/PF-C of Thomas Worthington H.S. – A long, active post player who can play a variety of roles. Fully capable in the low post, high post, perimeter, or pick/roll & pick/pop scenarios. Jake defends the rim and cleans the glass, but also has quicker feet than expected for pick/roll switches on defense as well. Montgomery is a solid shot blocker on D with vision on O. NBA Comparison – Terry Mills, Collegiate Level of Immediate Success – NCAA D2/NAIA D1.
* Grant Smith – 6’8/PF-C of Hartley H.S. – A strong frontcourt talent with touch. Grant is a post player who can play the power forward or center position on both sides of the ball. Good rebounder and strong finisher around the rim. Quality face up game from fifteen feet and in, but also able to hit the pick/pop three pointer too. Smith defends well inside and is solid on the perimeter. NBA Comparison – Antonio Davis, Collegiate Level of Immediate Success – NCAA D2/NAIA D1.
* Lonny Francis – 6’6/PF of Groveport H.S. – A quality player who finds ways to get it done. With the play of a pure power forward, Francis shows quality ability from fifteen feet and in, whether on the high or low post. A good rebounder who plays hard on both sides of the ball. Lonny is a hard nosed player who can also finesse his way to the basket based on his matchup. NBA Comparison – Horace Grant, Collegiate Level of Immediate Success – NCAA D2/NAIA D1.
* Kyle Matoszkia – 6’6/F of Johnstown H.S. – A combo forward who plays well on all three levels on both sides of the ball. Matoszkia is a skilled forward with a good three point shot, high level midrange game, and solid post up ability too. Defends and boards very well, but also slides his feet on the perimeter well enough for small forward minutes. Can handle it good enough and makes the right passes. NBA Comparison – Tom Gugliotta, Collegiate Level of Immediate Success – NCAA D2/NAIA D1.
* Other Notables – Quentin Jones 6’7/PF-C Northland, Anthony Tyree 6’4/F Grove City, Marya Taylor 6’7/F Walnut Ridge, Josh Daman 6’6/PF-C Marysville, Shawn Parker 7’0/C Watterson.