Cincinnati Class of 2020: Names to Know
The 2016-17 school year saw a nice amount of freshman in the Cincinnati area make positive contributions to many programs. Some of these names you may already know, some you may not. And if you fall in the latter of the previous statement, let this article become your beginners guide to the class of 2020 in Cincy.
Jared Baldock- G
6’0, Finneytown High School
2016-17 Stats: 11.3ppg/ 2.0apg
It is always hard to get noticed when playing on a team not having much success, but I would suggest keeping this name on your radar. Baldock is coming off of a freshman season that saw him named 2nd team all-CHL while leading the Wildcats in scoring. He already possesses excellent ball-handling ability along with a very solid jump shot that will only get better. Jared does need to cut down some on the turnovers but that will change with more experience. This is a name that you definitely need to know for the future.
Nekhi Smith- F
6’4, Hughes High School
2016-17 Stats (Shroder High School): 8.2ppg/ 5.1rpg
Coming off a very solid freshman year, Smith looks to take his game to the next level with the Big Red this season. Very solid forward who can play in the paint or at the free throw line in the high low with a very soft touch. Nekhi has a very smooth left handed stroke who had the ability to knock down shots from 12-17 feet consistently. Smith has also shown the ability to put the ball on the floor some and finish at the rim. Getting stronger and improving his floor game are the next steps for this talented sophomore.
Nick Smith- PF
6’5, Walnut Hills High School
2016-17 Stats: 2.1ppg/ 2.8rpg
Nick saw spot duty during his freshman year for the Eagles, but definitely look for that to change next season. Smith combined with Abba Lawal, the 5th ranked player in the class of 2019, should make for an outstanding rebounding combination. Nick is an outstanding rebounder in particular on the offensive end while also being a good help defender. Knocking down free throws consistently and finishing at the rim and in traffic will be key for Smith during his sophomore season.
*Photo courtesy of Be Recruited