Play for Pink Classic Preview
Kingdom Sports Center in Franklin, OH will be hosting their annual Play for Pink Classic this weekend. One of the bigger tournaments, the Freshman and High School Divisions are very competitive with several talented players. Below is a preview for both divisions and predictions.
9th
TC Elite- TC Elite is coached by Mr. Marcus Burns. They are no strangers to Kingdom’s tournaments as they participated in the Preseason Classic two weekends ago. Although they went 2-0 in pool play and reached the championship game, Coach Burns wants to see improvement in his team come the Play for Pink Classic.
“I want us to be more competitive. We did good at the Preseason Classic, but there will be different teams this time”.
Logan Rogers (2021) is one of Elite’s top players. A Miami Trace product, Rogers is learning how to use his size as a post player. At 6’4”, he is one of the taller players that play in the tournament. Jordan Thomas (2021) from Unioto HS is another top player to watch. Coach Burns refers to him as a “go-getter”.
Monarchs- Coach Chad Younts leads a Monarchs team this weekend in the Play for Pink Classic. Their goal this weekend is to win the freshman division and continue with skill development and team building.
“We are trying to help our players gain confidence and develop trust. I have 5 new players this year and they are starting to gel and work together well as a team”.
Chase Younts (2021) from Kenton Ridge gives Monarchs a decent shooter and one of their better defenders. Mason Potter (2021) gives another strong option as a shooter. This backcourt gives Monarchs a strong offensive threat. Jason Channels (2021) brings varsity experience over from Emmanuel Christian as another backcourt option. A decent 3PT shooter, Channels is an overall talented guard that provides great options for whatever team he plays for.
South Central Rebels- The Rebels return to Kingdom after a 1-3 record in the Preseason Classic in early April. Coach Devin Trefz and Travis O’Connor are looking to see their team show improvement and continue to learn at this tournament.
“These guys are great kids…they give 110% and understand the game. We are there to play and get better for high school”.
The Rebels have several guys to keep an eye on come tournament time. Hunter White (2021) from Peebles and Garrett Frazier (2021) from Whiteoak are two guys Coach O’Connor believes will be players to watch at the Play for Pink tournament. In addition, Isaac Carroll (2022) from Greenfield McClain is expected to dress Varsity and play JV next year as a freshman.
Kingdom Dynasty-Blake- Coach Blake takes the floor as coach for the 9th grade and HS teams. Although his high school team is known for their height, the 9th grade team has some athleticism making them a threat as well. Dalyon Blake Jr. (2021) plays for both the 9th and HS team for Coach Blake. Donovan Collins (2021) from Tecumseh brings varsity experience for the Arrows for Dynasty. His athleticism makes him a dangerous weapon on both ends of the floor. Keep an eye on Darius Conley from Middletown, Jayson Hayes from Centerville, and Ethan Keister from Springboro.
Kingdom Dynasty-Randell
One of two Kingdom Dynasty teams playing at the 9th grade, Coach Austin Randell has high hopes for his squad come Friday.
“This team is a very good team…I plan to win the championship at this coming tournament”.
Several players help lead this Dynasty team and several have a chance of having big summers before they head back to their high school teams in December. Cameron Lewis (2021) is a great defensive player with great hustle. Corban Caudill (2021) is a talented guard with plenty of offensive skill. Lastly, Davien Brown (2021) gives Dynasty a great ball handler and on-the-ball defender.
Ohio Hustle
Ohio Hustle brings a talented team to Kingdom this weekend. Kortland Clay (2021) is a 6’3” G/F from New Albany that can rebound with anybody. In the backcourt, Caleb Brigle (2021) gives Hustle an offensive weapon. He comes from Whetstone HS in Columbus. Gabriel Oduro (2021) is a dynamic shot blocker that joins the team from Eastmoor Academy.
HS
Kingdom Dynasty-Peters- Coach Tony Peters’ team went 2-0 in the Preseason Classic, but fell in the first game of the tournament. The Play for Pink Classic will hopefully be a chance for redemption for his squad.
“I would like to see us improve on the offensive end. We played well defensively in all of our games but offensively were not consistent. We will need to improve on that in order to be successful this weekend”.
Dynasty has several talented scorers, including Jalen Tolbert (2020) from Stebbins HS, who runs the point. A quick guard, Tolbert attacks the rim and shows great aggressiveness on offense. In addition, Dynasty is led by post player Wes Turner (2019) from Brookville HS. One of the better shot blockers in the SWBL last season, Turner has proven to be a continued defensive leader while contributing points on the offensive end in the paint.
South Central Rebels- Coach Travis O’Connor has a talented AAU team coming back to Kingdom this weekend. Just like his 9th grade team, Coach O’Connor wants to see his team improve for their high school season. Plenty of his players will make a difference at the varsity level and will for sure be competitive during the still young Grassroots season.
Devin Carter (2019) is arguably their top player. Capable of dropping a double-double with ease, the 6’3” forward has already begun to receive some interest at the collegiate level. Kobe Penwell (2019) and Matt Johnson (2020) will provide backcourt support as well as Bryson Badgley (2022). Badgley is one of the top freshman in Southern Ohio and will be expected to play varsity as a freshman next year at McClain.
Kingdom Dynasty-Blake- Coach Blake and his high school team are one of 3 Kingdom Dynasty teams participating in this weekend’s tournament. He may have one of the most athletic lineups in the high school division. He hopes to see continued player progression as well as see them learn to play amongst each other.
“My expectation is every player leaves it on the floor and plays both ends of the court”.
Athleticism and height is the common theme with Coach Blake’s squad. It starts with Kelby Cox (2020) from Stebbins. An athletic guard that can pull up from 3PT range and attack the rim. Parker Crone (2020) is a tall lengthy hybrid guard with a nice midrange touch. His length makes him a mismatch. In the backcourt, Nate Johnson (2020) gives Dynasty a very nice shooter. The Versailles HS athlete could see a bigger role come since Justin Ahrens and Keaton McEldowney are graduating. In addition, Dalyon Blake Jr. (2021) runs the point and does a great job attacking the rim for Dynasty. The Middletown Middie should see a larger role next season for Coach Hoskins at Middletown.
Ohio Hustle
There are 2 teams from Ohio Hustle playing in the HS division. Sijuan Johnson from Pickerington Central, Kevin Bishop from Steubenville, and Chase Albanese from Bishop Hartley are the names to watch.
Predictions:
9th- Kingdom Dynasty-Blake over TC Elite
HS- Ohio Hustle over South Central Rebels