Names to Know From the Bearcat Classic
The Bearcat Classic was back in Cincinnati for another year at Sports Plus and other area gyms in the area. And like always there was talent a plenty with some of the better teams AAU programs from Ohio and other states across the Midwest participating. Prep Hoops spent the weekend checking out some of the talent in the 16U bracket, and here are some of the names that stood out the most over the weekend.
Kaleb Crawford/Princeton/Cincinnati Rockers Elite- This junior to be spent a lot of time at the free throw line over the weekend. Crawford has a very crafty handle which combined with his athleticism and size make it difficult to keep him out of the lane. He also showed that he was a willing passer dropping off some nice dimes in transition. Valuing the rock a little more is the next step he must take in becoming a true PG.
Darrion Henry/Princeton/Cincinnati Elite Rockers- One of the top football prospects in the country, the big fella showed why he could be one of the best athletes in his class. Henry was arguably one of the best players on the court Sunday in their match-up against the BTC Trojans. Darion owned the lane snatching every rebound and scoring with jump hooks and turn around jumpers in the lane. It was one of the better performances that I witnessed over the weekend.
Zach Loveday/Gallia Academy/Louisville Magic- It’s easy to see why this young big man is considered the top ranked player in his class. At 7’1 Loveday showed range beyond the three and showed to be a solid passer from the post and high-post along with being a very good rim protector.
Charles Perkins
Charles Perkins/Westerville North/Ohio Hoopsters Jones- Another young forward who was putting in work in the lane this past weekend. Perkins regularly wore out defenders on the right block with an array of spin moves and hooks in the lane. Charles did an outstanding job rim running, which created opportunities for himself as well as his teammates.
Gregory Stewart/St. Bernard/BTC Trojans- This versatile guard/wing was in attack mode all weekend. Stewart uses his length, size and athleticism to attack the rim and he is not afraid to draw the contact. He also had one of the highlights of the weekend when he made a defender come out of his shoes with a mean hesitation dribble driving left to draw a foul at the rim. Finding consistency with his shooting is the next step for scoring guard.
Jakada Stone/Aiken/BTC Trojans- This young guard was in killer mode all weekend. He showed all aspects of his game scoring from the outside, off the dribble and at the free throw line. Jakada also showed off an underrated part of his game which is his passing ability as well. And the young man did all of this while playing up for the weekend. And what’s even better is he was willing to dive on the floor get a burn or two if needed. You will hear more and more about this 2021 performer for years to come.
Leroy Walker/Winton Woods/Cincinnati Rockers Elite- While this junior to be showed he was a capable shooter, he was at his best in transition and off the dribble. Walker made multiple plays above the rim and showed an ability to finish strong in the lane. Has the build and athleticism to become a lockdown defender as well. His match-up with the before mentioned Stewart on Sunday was very entertaining as neither gave an inch.