Next to Blow C/O 2018
Greater Cincinnati is loaded with talent, so much so that even with all the coverage that Prep Hoops gives there is still plenty of talent to speak on. I am talking the type of talent that programs at the next level, regardless of division, need to take note. And that is what our Next to Blow series is all about. Those players that you might not know of right now, but by the end of the regular season could be household names. We start with the class of 2018.
Brandon Gilbert- 6’7 F/ St. Xavier High School
What makes Brandon such an intriguing prospect is his combination of size/length along with his skill set. Gilbert can put the ball on the floor and has a very nice one and two dribble pull-up jumper from the mid-range area. With the Bombers losing a lot of scoring from last year’s team due to graduation, there will be plenty of opportunities for Gilbert to shine this season.
Derrick Heard- 5’11 PG-G/ Shroder High School
This young man was 1st team all-conference in one of the more talented conferences in the Cincinnati area, the CMAC. Heard is a young man who is a solid shooter (47% from the field, 43% from three last season), while also possessing a very good handle. With Steve Stewart transferring to Taft, Heard will be the unquestioned leader of the Jaguars this season.
Kyle Johnson- 6’3 G-W/ Madeira High School
One of the more athletic players in Cincinnati, Johnson is at his best attacking the rim. And when he gets there, he has no problem going over the defender if needed for the finish. Kyle averaged 13.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game last season for Madeira. Coaches D-II level looking for an athletic guard/wing will want to look at Johnson.
Jalen Rose- 6’5 W/ Deer Park High School
If the Wildcats are to live up to expectation this season, Rose will need to exceed or surpass last year’s production. Rose finished 4th in the CHL in scoring last season (16.1ppg) while shooting 52% from the floor and 41% from the three.