Weekend Warm-Up: Terrific 24 & Midwest Takeover
Starting this week and continuing throughout the entirety of the grassroots season, Prep Hoops Ohio will provide weekly previews for circuit events (EYBL, adidas Gauntlet Gold, UAA, adidas Gauntlet Silver, and Hoop Group) and non-shoe-sponsored tournaments.
The goal is to give coaches, scouts, and fans a heads up on everybody’s team performance the weekend prior while also taking a look at individual stock-risers. Recruiting updates, statistics, and analysis will be provided wherever appropriate.
(Grassroots coaches and sources can reach out to anthony@prephoops.com to provide information if you’d like.)
Other than the the circuit events this weekend, including adidas Gauntlet Silver and Hoop Group, there’s also a couple of non-sponsored tourneys in Indy this weekend.
We’ll start with the Nike Midwest Takeover, which is also hosting the 16U and 15U EYBL action this weekend.
17U
All Ohio Cincinnati and Dayton Metro are placed in the same pool. This AO Cincy team has found success early in the grassroots season, winning the Mid Ohio Classic and finishing second in last weekend’s Kentucky Jam Fest. They’re led by a ton of unsigned 2018 prospects.
This weekend, AO Cincy will suit up Giovanni Santiago, Elijah Bishop, DiShon Daniels, Dominic “DJ” Brewton, and possibly Darweshi Hunter. Brewton has already decided to attend Dohn Prep next season. His former Hughes teammate, Santiago, will be watched by Robert Morris this weekend. Additionally, Bishop expects OU and Kent State to check him out.
On the other sideline, Ethan Conley received an offer yesterday from Ashland. They join Urbana on Conley’s offer sheet. Additionally, Conley will be watched by Findlay and Cedarville in Indy.
Northwest Ohio Basketball Club went 2-1 at the Circle City Shootout during their first Live event of the season. Marion Local’s Nathan Bruns continues rising up the ranks. He’s drawing new interest from the MAC. Bruns has been offered by Findlay and Malone so far. Meanwhile, teammate Jarod Schulze boasts offers from UNOH, Findlay, St. Francis (IN), and Urbana at the moment. Point guard Mike Ketner has also been shooting the rock well this spring for NWO, but he’ll only play on Sunday this weekend.
16U
Northwest Ohio Basketball Club’s 2020 class also went 2-1 in Indy a weekend ago. They carry a ton of shooters on this team, incuding Jaret Vermillion from Arlington. Vermillion stood-out a week ago, along with Ottawa-Glandorf’s Aaron Rieman. Rieman may not have all the measurables as a 6’4” post, but he plays incredibly hard, gets to the free throw line, and enjoys contact.
Also in Indianapolis this weekend is the Terrific 24 by Elevate Hoops. There’s not nearly as many Ohio teams in this tourney as there are in the Nike Midwest Takeover. However, those participating are of quality.
17U
All Ohio Gold’s entire roster is comprised of college prospects. They went 6-2 last weekend at the Pitt Jam Fest, one of the best records for any Ohio team at the event. Playing particularly well for them last weekend were Trey Syroka, Jacob Plantz, and Alek West. Their entire team is being tracked by various D-II and D-III programs. Syroka, a high academic recruit, has been inquired about by Ivy League programs.
The Cincy Lakers are Ohio’s other 17U group to watch at this event. They made it all the way to the Gold Bracket Semifinals at the Circle City Shootout last weekend. AJ Garrett is likely their top prospect, with interest from Duquesne, Fordham, the MAC, Horizon League, and the Ohio Valley Conference. Meanwhile, state champion Ibrahima Athie has Division II interest brewing.
16U
All Ohio Gold’s 16U group is in action after winning a tournament in Romulus, Michigan a weekend ago. Although they’re not quite on college radars yet, that could (and should) change after this weekend. Particularly, 6’6” forward DaSean Nelson has D-I upside as an athletic forward with a motor. Also, point guard Jonzell Norrils is as tough and competitive as they come at the point guard spot. Norrils is a capable shooter who loves to slash and get to the foul line.