All In Hoopfest: Northeast Ohio PGs
Over the entire week, we’ll be highlighting the impressive performances from Ohio prospects at the All In Hoopfest in Louisville. We started on Monday with the Breakout Performances. Now, we’re taking a trip all the way around Ohio by checking in on players in accordance to their state region and position.
Today, we’re focused on players out of Northeast Ohio. Most of the prospects you read about today will come from two programs: Ohio Basketball Club (OBC) and SMAC. Let’s focus on the point guards to kick this off.
Yahel Hill (2018), 6’0” PG, OH-NOVA Tillman
Unfortunately, Hill injured his ankle last time we went to watch him, back at the Bill Hensley Run n Slam. He seems to have fully recovered, given the quickness and slashing ability he showed on Sunday. This OH-NOVA Tillman team went 2-1 in the Platinum bracket against Twenty Two Vision, OBC, and Louisville Magic. It was an opportunity to play some of the Midwest’s finest, and Hill stepped up. He scoots into the lane with quickness and hesitation moves. Once near the basket, Hill shows his IQ by finding open guys or taking shots if the defense allows it.
Grant Huffman (2020), 6’3” PG, Ohio Basketball Club
Huffman is simply very good at basketball. The incoming sophomore at Lakewood St. Edward plays like a veteran out there. He didn’t blow us away with feats of athleticism this weekend, rather by simply not turning it over and scoring efficiently. His scoring ability is complimented by the passing, which keeps his defender on their toes. Huffman seems to have mastered a right-handed hooking floater, which he attempts often in the paint when his defender is glued to his left hip.
Jerry Higgins (2018), 5’10” PG, Ohio Basketball Club
Higgins was the most underrated performer in the Platinum semifinals between OBC and NOVA. His size (or supposed lack thereof) causes problems for the defense, as he gets a ton of foul calls when he attacks the rim. He barrels his way into the lane by breaking down opponents with indefensibly quick crossovers. Away from the ball, Higgins shows his IQ by diving into the lane appropriately. He also doesn’t force the issue.
Higgins received an Army West Point offer this June, to go along with Fairmont State. We truly believe he can play at the low-major level and should be considered by all high-academic programs that are looking for a point guard.
Dwayne Cohill (2018), 6’3” PG, Ohio Basketball Club
Ohio’s top unsigned 2018 prospect played with noticeable hunger this weekend. Cohill absolutely flies around the court for this OBC team, which brings him points in the paint and causes fits for the defense.
Offensively, Cohill is masterful in the pick-and-roll — he sees the entire court and makes the defense pay for helping off their man to stop his drive. In times when Cohill kept the ball, he was finishing over guys who otherwise were blocking everyone’s shots. He jumps into rim protectors and keeps his arm extended, allowing for contested finishes.
He was also phenomenal on defense. Part of this was effort, but his awareness and athleticism deserve credit too. For example, he would frequently contest jump shots and get steals against guys who he wasn’t even guarding. It speaks to effort, but Cohill wouldn’t be able to perform these tasks without elite speed and IQ.
Sincere Carry (2018), 6’0” PG, Ohio Basketball Club
Carry is another intelligent point guard on this OBC team. He uses patience with the ball and defensive instincts to have a major impact on the game. Also, Carry drew a lot of fouls by squaring his shoulders to the rim and seeking contact from guys who were out of position block shots.
Montorie Foster (2020), 6’0” PG, Ohio Basketball Club
Foster deserves mention amongst the top point guards in Ohio’s 2020 class. This weekend was another time where he proved himself amongst premier competition.
He gives you the full-package, as it’s evident that he plays in an elite high school program at St. Ed. Foster is a shifty attacker from side-to-side but he hardly even slows down when coming at the defense. Also, his jumper seems to be more consistent every time we check in. This is a kid who people will eventually come around on as one of the top 2020 players in Ohio, it’s simply a matter of time.
Braden Galaska (2019), 6’1” PG, SMAC Running Rebels
SMAC’s blow-out over OBC 16U was one of the most memorable games this past weekend in Louisville. Galaska was at the heart of their triumph. He controlled the game with his energy, which dictated the style and pace. His troops were hype the entire game, and once they held a 20-point lead, guys like Galaska weren’t going to let it slip. He fought for position, flew in to challenge for rebounds, settled in to make shots when open, and just wanted the win badly.