Rankings Update: 2019’s Top 15 Combo and Shooting Guards
There’s a wide range of talent amongst the top fifteen combo/shooting guards, a category we defined by players who excel at both guard spots or play exclusively off-ball.
For us, the difference between a wing and an off-ball guard is the ability to play multiple positions on defense, including against smaller forwards. Meaning, if you can really only defend the 1 and 2, maybe a smaller 3, then you’re in this category.
[3] Samari Curtis, 6’4”, Xenia / C2K Elite
The early verbal commit to Xavier excelled this season, leading the entire Dayton-area in scoring. Curtis has a profound ability to shift speeds with a nasty hesitation moves. He gets to the free throw line all the time and even showed considerable improvement from 3 this season (35 percent on 158 attempts).
[4] Amari Davis, 6’4”, Trotwood / C2K Elite
Davis’s twitchy quickness moved him back into top five position going into his 17U season. He uses his athleticism in passing lanes on defense too. Expect him to lengthen his offer sheet, which currently consists of Toledo, Cleveland State, IUPUI, and Miami (OH).
[5] Miles “Deuce” McBride, 6’1”, Moeller / Cincy Lakers
McBride verbally committed to West Virginia while recovering from a strain in his foot this winter. While he played at what appeared to be less-than-100-percent in the Division I Final Four in late March, McBride’s Cincy Lakers coach Corey Albertson told us he’s questionable to play late in the grassroots season. Another source close to the Moelller program told us he’s doubtful to make an appearance on the grassroots scene.
[14] Josh Corbin, 6’3”, Gahanna / All Ohio Red EYBL
Corbin is one of the purest scorers in Central Ohio’s 2019 class. He sets up his off-the-bounce game with a long-range jumper that forces defenders to step out on him. Corbin is also an underrated athlete with his quick first step and ability to finish at the rim.
[16] Morgan Safford, 6’4”, Hartley / C2K Elite
Safford is probably the most physical off-ball guard amongst the 2019 Division I prospects. He utilizes that strength by crashing the glass. If Safford starts the possession, he’s a freight train racing up the floor. Continuing to grow as a scorer in the half-court should coincide with his first D-I offer this grassroots season.
[28] Jayson Woodrich, 6’5”, Beachwood
Woodrich is on the short list of players who could be considered the most complete shooter in Ohio. His off-ball movement and ability to shoot in-motion is impressive. He can also use his height to shoot over the top of the defense. Woodrich will either be a D-II gem or could slide up to the D-I level if a college wants a floor-stretching two guard.
[29] Demetrius Terry, 6’1”, St. Edward
The combo guard was Eds’ super sixth man capable of filling up the scoring column in a hurry. He plays team basketball in the half-court but primarily looks to exploit driving lanes and finish with some bounce.
[40] Mike Bekelja, 6’0”, Solon
Bekelja, an early Fairmont State commit, always plays with his shoulders squared to the basket. By either shooting the trey or driving directly at the defense, Bekelja constantly applies pressure to the defense. He played an important role for Solon, the D-I State Runner-Up.
[51] Ethan Conley, 6’3”, Franklin-Monroe / Dayton Metro
Conley plays much larger than his 6’3” height as his upper body strength and physicality is an issue for defenses. He prefers to get into the lane and finish with athleticism. But we’re most impressed with his versatile scoring package in the mid-range. Conley grades out as one of the top D-II prospects in Ohio.
[62] Brice Hill, 6’5”, Seven Hills / Mid Ohio Pumas
Hill has excellent size on the perimeter. If he’s able to use his length to cause problems on the defensive end of the floor, Hill should grab D-II offers in the summer. He’s a proven scorer, especially as a spot-up shooter.
The Next Five
Ryan Hall (Fairmont / Dayton Nets), Jasiah Crider (GlenOak), Jakiel Wells (Toledo St. Francis / NEO Shooting Stars), Soul Hines (Harvest Prep / Nova (Russell)), Will Hunter (Coffman)