Updated 2019 Ohio Rankings: Potential Summer Stock Risers
One thing is for certain, any ranking of sophomore prospects is going to change over the next few seasons. While some of those changes are impossible to project from behind the computer screen and the sidelines, others are just a matter of time.
For example, it’s no surprise that Andre Harris, a wing guard from Cleveland Brush, moved up in this latest update. When we saw him with OBC last summer, his talent was raw. And it still is to a point. But, as he continues to polish his skills, he may move up from low-major offers to mid-majors and beyond.
There’s players like Harris this season also. This article will highlight the 2019 prospects who A) could add an element to their game this summer that was lacking in the winter and/or B) are given more, and in some cases way more, opportunity with their grassroots programs than with their senior-laden high school teams.
So, let’s get into it.
#4 Amari Davis, 6’4 G, All Ohio Red/Trotwood Madison
Simple, Davis could add the three-point shooting threat. He’s going to get the looks if he wants them. Guys like Josh Corbin and Andre Gordon will demand the defense’s attention, and Davis will be blessed with a few openings on the opposite side. Davis is already masterful inside the arch, especially above the rim and with the mid-range floater-type shot. If Davis shows signs of becoming a high-percentage deep ball shooter, big-time offers will follow.
#5 Abba Lawal, 6’11 C, All Ohio Red/Cincinnati Walnut Hills
Lawal has recently picked up “strong interest” from Ohio State, Xavier, Indiana, Purdue and Xavier, according to Mike Dyer of WCPO in Cincinnati. This is coming off of an unusual sophomore season, where Lawal went back and forth between Walnut Hills and Smyrna (DE). So, foremost, this summer is a chance for Midwest scouts to watch Lawal consistently. Also, he could improve his feel for the game. Last weekend, we would’ve liked to see Lawal simplify his game slightly. As Lawal continues to flash signs of basketball maturity, teams like Purdue won’t simply be “interested.”
#20 Josh Corbin, 6’3 G, All Ohio Red/Gahanna Lincoln
Look, Corbin can shoot it from deep. He gets hot, and it’s easy to fall in love with that jumper. But, Corbin converted baskets on a few athletic drives last weekend that could’ve been a glimpse into the future. With Jordan Mitchell reportedly leaving for Montverde (FL), Corbin will be forced to create for himself and others throughout his career. This summer is a convenient opportunity to develop, as there should be plenty of driving lanes. Don’t be surprised if Corbin adds his first offer soon.
#28 Jake Plantz, 6’3 G, All Ohio Gold/Genoa
As we reported earlier in the week, Plantz isn’t playing baseball this spring, in order to fully commit to his basketball future. That’s a big-time step, foremost. Also, Plantz now has that “All Ohio” written across his chest, instead of “Toledo Ice.” Now, no disrespect to the Ice, but the former has more prestige. He’s going to surprise people with his combination of physical maturity and skill this season. Plantz told us that his jumper, especially off the dribble, is the next step to his development. We’d like to add crossovers/blowing by guys to the list. Either way, Plantz is on his way to being on the radar.
#34 Coleton Landis, 6’6 F, C2K Elite/Pickerington Central
It’s really quite simple, Landis, who has an offer from Urbana, isn’t playing behind Sterling Manley this summer. Instead, he will likely be a featured member of his team. Pickerington Central’s assistant coach, Marcus Stewart, tweeted that he put up 11 points and 7 rebounds in C2K’s opening game of the summer. Landis told us in January that he’s working on the trey ball — it’s a mature choice, embracing his slight lack of height at the four position. So, if Landis becomes a bona fide stretch-4, his stock will rise significantly.
#41 Javohn Garcia, 6’2 G, Ohio Warrior Pro Bound/Pickerington Central
This is another Tiger that will see an increased opportunity with his AAU program. Thing is, the summer may continue to be Garcia’s time to shine, given the talent within the Pickerington Central program. Garcia is a creator who shoots it off the dribble very smoothly. We’d like to see Garcia take this summer as an opportunity to dominate games when he’s feeling it, because he has that ability.
#91 Trey Syroka, 5’9 G, All Ohio Gold/Toledo Whitmer
Eventually Syroka is going to beef up and/or become taller. Once he does so, Syroka’s skillset is going to pose a serious problem for opponents. Truthfully, the only question with Syroka is size. He can shoot, pass, dribble. Syroka hustles and usually positions himself nicely on defense. It’s just that he’s too small. So, as Syroka develops phsycially, collegiate options will present themselves.