Super 16: Wings 17U
The list of top 17U wings includes a variety of players. There’s guards who can be counted on for minutes as primary ball-handler. We have a few two-way players who can defend 2-4 and score the ball from all three levels. Also a prep schools commit and a player from Massillon we watched for the first time in Reynoldsburg.
Jaki Royal (2019), 6’0” G, Ohio Hoopsters – LBC / Ripley Union
Whichever college programs takes a chance on Royal is bringing in a bulldog. He’s unafraid and tenacious. Royal flies into the paint on straight-line drives and finishes at an efficient clip.
Royal is not only an overachiever who plays with a chip on his shoulder, he is also the ultimate teammate. He calls out screens, throws out words on encouragement from the bench, and is a willing passer. Royal plays mostly off-ball for this team but has the makings of a pass-first point guard. Can space the floor as a shooting threat. Excellent on-ball defensive player because of quickness and grit.
Trent Williams (2019), 6’0” G, TNBA Ohio / Solon
Williams consistently brings handsy, strong on-ball defense and shooting to the game. His corner 3-pointer gets out of his hands quickly. He hardly ever dribbles the ball, instead making quick decisions on whether to pass or shoot. Williams has a strong chest, allowing him to matchup with big guards.
Brett Martin (2019), 6’4” G/W, NEO Shooting Stars / Massillon
Martin is an interesting prospect who has visited Lake Erie and Walsh recently. He has a collegiate jumper. Creates looks with craft and off-ball post positioning. Although he doesn’t cover much ground off the ball or create space with his dribble, his over-the-head shot release can be effective against tight defense. Also can go to the turn-around in the mid-range, find teammates via the pass, or finish through contact on the block.
Garrett Denbow (2019), 6’5” G/W, Ohio Hoopsters – LBC / Ashland
Denbow has become a much more confident and skilled ball-handler in a year’s time. This weekend was the first time we saw Denbow blowing by opposing prospects for layups. He’s also a threat to step-back or pull-up off a pump fake. Denbow’s outside shooting ability opens up the entire floor for him as a scorer. Pretty solid defensive player with size.
Lunden McDay (2019) 6’3” G/W, Nova (James) / St. Vincent-St. Mary
Look, McDay is going to be very highly ranked in the 2019 class when we come out with out our new rankings in June. The only reason why he wouldn’t be is height. Yet McDay compensates for that with length, athleticism, and hustle.
He was the best player and prospect on the floor against TNBA on Sunday morning. Sound basketball player who scores efficiently. Quick first step. He rebounded his misses at the rim and has a quick second jump. Always in a good defensive stance and can really move. His ever-improving jumper opens up driving lanes.
Dominic “DJ” Brewton, 6’4” G, All Ohio Cincinnati / Dohn Prep commit (formerly Hughes)
Brewton put on a show on Saturday morning. Playing as a downhill driver and primary ball-handler, he was able to continuously get to his left hand at the basket. Explosive two-foot jumper and dynamic ball-handler. Hardly ever settled for a jumper.