Regional Final Preview: Prospect Battles
Championship-level teams are comprised of players of that same caliber. So, obviously, with only eight teams remaining in each Division, there’s top notch prospects remaining in the tournament. Every round, the basketball becomes even more competitive as these players go head-to-head.
If you’re like us and are ready to watch the best versus the best, this weekend’s Regional Finals are going to be a treat.
We’ve (sort of) narrowed it down to the very best individual prospect matchups happening over the next 48 hours. (We chose players that are likely to guard each other during the games, not just the best players overall.)
Division I
In the Region 1 Final between Massillon Jackson and Toledo St. John’s, we have forward/wing prospects Kyle Young against Vincent Williams. Both are mid- to high-major prospects — Young is a Butler commit and Williams has an offer from Wichita State, amongst others.
Both remind us of each other in ways. Williams, a junior, is less developed on the perimeter than Young, especially with shooting the trey. However, Williams compensates for any shortcoming by exploiting opponents around the basket. While Williams is one inch shorter at 6’7”, he will try to shoulder Young on the block a few times.
Both Young and Williams will bring the ball up for their team to initiate the offense at times. Young is just more likely to change the game with his perimeter talent. While Williams is a fantastic passer from outside, Young has it all from out there. The 6’8” PHO Player of the Year must be defended around the line as he shot 36% from deep as a senior.
Basically, we get two large, explosive, skilled, athletes battling all over the court. Keep an eye on the rebounding battles too. Advantage Young, but it’s not a large margin.
Honorable Mention
Tommy Schmock (St. Ed’s) v. Marreon Jackson (Garfield Heights)
Devontae Blanton/Grant Huffman (St. Ed’s) v. Brison Waller (Garfield Heights)
Keegan McDowell (Moeller) v. CJ Fleming (LaSalle)
Jerome Hunter (Pickerington North) v. Adrian Nelson (Pickerington Central)
Division II
With so much perimeter players with collegiate talent on the floor between Trotwood-Madison and Dayton Dunbar, it’s hard to say who will guard each other. But, let’s assume that Caleb McConnell and Amari Davis will spar for a few possessions.
McConnell, a 6’4” junior combo guard, is so smooth offensively in the mid-range. He has so many moves in his arsenal off the dribble, including the one-foot fall-away and the turn-around. Davis is one of the few guys who could contest these shots, because of his elite athleticism.
Davis is a magician in the air — his hang-time is unmatched, allowing him a good look at the rim even when it’s originally contested. While there’s sure to be some half-court crossovers that will excite, transition is where this matchup is really fun. McConnell finishes with finesse on the break, as he glides down the court. While Davis has a nice floater, he’s more explosive. It’ s a nice contrast.
Honorable Mention
Amir Foster (Trotwood) v. DeVon Baker (Dunbar)
Miryne Thomas (Clev. Central Catholic) v. Jayvon Graves (Akron SVSM)
Division III
Derek Koch, the all-time rebounder in Ohio High School history, against 6’8” sophomore Alonzo Gaffney will result in some incredible rebounds. On Wednesday, Gaffney was able to use his athleticism to just soar for boards, grabbing them at their highest points. Koch is a rebounding savant, and can use his much larger frame to out-muscle Gaffney before they leave their feet.
Gaffney’s long arms could cause disruption when Koch surveys the floor for passes, as Northwestern runs the offense through Koch on most possessions. Expect the Bowling Green commit to put Gaffney on his back often, as he has the ability to finish with either hand.
Gaffney will also score his fair share around the basket. VASJ’s guards do a great job of looking for him when they penetrate, so Koch will have to stay alert and disciplined to his assignment.
Advantage Koch, because of his experience and some of the intangibles like defensive communication. However, that doesn’t mean Salem Northwestern will win the game, as VASJ should advance to Columbus.
Honorable Mention
Craig McGee (Roger Bacon) v. Sam Martin (Summit Country Day)