Who’s About to Blow Up: Sleepers and Potential Stock-Risers at States
At least a couple players are bound to shoot up recruiting boards after strong performances at the State Tournament. While everyone else will be scrambling to find information about the surprise stars from the coming weekend, here’s your insider heads up on who is primed for a break-out.
Nathan Bruns (2019), 6’6” W, Marion Local
A weekend in front of this amount of eye-balls may shoot Bruns’s basketball recruitment from quiet to hectic going into the grassroots season. While he’s already drawn D-I football interest as a quarterback, Bruns prefers to play hoops in college and has the looks of a premiere D-II prospect. His defensive toughness and skill in the mid-range is a rare combo.
Amari Davis (2019), 6’4” G, Trotwood
Davis seems like a candidate to blow-up at the mid-major/high-major level this summer. Questions about him may center around a true position (Is he a point or two-guard?) and shooting. However, the positives around Davis’s game outweigh the flaws.
He’s lightning quick and moves better than almost anyone in Ohio off the first step and in passing lanes. His jumper looks fine and he hits it from the mid-range off the bounce consistently despite hesitating from 3. Also, his energy and athleticism cannot be taught.
As it stands, he may be the second best available 2019 prospects in the state.
EJ Farmer (2021), 6’4” G, Lutheran East
Farmer has been one of the state’s most productive freshman this season, and for a State Championship contender too. This Lutheran East team is much different than the one who took home a trophy last season and Farmer is the most valuable addition. His jittery quickness, shooting ability, and first step are elite. He’s one of those kids who could receive D-I offers before the start of his sophomore year.
Jordan Jackson (2020), 6’2” G, Lorain
The athletic combo guard will play a secondary role in Lorain’s backcourt this weekend, as Devon Grant is their primary scorer and ball-handler. However, expect Jackson to show flashes of playmaking ability and rebounding at the guard spot. We’re excited to see if he has polished his offensive attack this year after tracking him closely last summer.
Damani Mcentire (2018), 6’2” G, Deer Park
Mcentire is two games away from fulfilling his senior season goals. He told us in January, “My main expectations for the season are to lead my team to a state title and improve my game.” The prolific athlete is disruptive on defense with his length and athleticism. On the other end, he gets to the rack at will.
Mcentire earned his second D-I offer last week when Texas Southern jumped on the offer sheet with Navy.
Kendall Saunders (2018), 6’6” F, Cornerstone Christian
The transfer from Nova Scotia, Canada, is one of the top remaining stretch-4s in the 2018 class. Not only can Saunders convert with his feet set beyond the arch, he also can get physical in the paint on straight-line drives, post-ups, and rebounds. Saunders may be the most dominant forward in the Division IV Final Four this weekend.
Trey Singleton (2018), 5’10” PG, Meadowbrook
Singleton is a flat-out shot maker. He’ll have the opportunity to prove himself in front of all types of coaches against Trotwood on Friday morning. If Singleton is able to create offense against their length and pressure, his stock would see a major spike.
Trent Williams (2019), 6’0” PG, Solon
One of the more underrated prospects in 2019 coming into the season, Williams has benefitted from Solon’s success. He thrives in their up-and-down system as a shooter. Also, Williams sits down on defense. Matching up with college signees on the perimeter this weekend could show everyone how much he belongs.
Mark Wise (2020), 6’3” PG, Deer Park
Mcentire isn’t the only Deer Park prospect who earned a D-I offer this month, as Wise received one from Kent State. Wise is one of the most explosive lead guard 2020 prospects. He’s a gritty competitor with a dynamic game off the bounce. He’s become much more consistent this season also.