The Unranked: Spring Edition
Plenty of prospects statewide have made us regret not placing them in our latest edition of the Prospect Rankings, which were only updated about a month ago. But we’ve watched a ton of basketball in that short time frame.
In order to acknowledge our mistakes and, more importantly, recognize spring stock-risers, here’s a list of ten 2019 and 2020 Ohio prospects who will be ranked going forward.
Bo Myers (2019), 6’5” G/W, Logan / Ohio Hoopsters – Nakasian
Myers combines size and skill to exploit mismatches all over the floor. We missed the boat on him during the high school season. However, his abilities have been on full display this spring. The observations haven’t been made only by us, as Malone and Air Force offered on Sunday evening. He’s an excellent outside shooter who has the ability to post-up smaller guards and score with craft.
Anton Webb (2019), 6’7” W/F, Dayton Christian / Dayton Metro
Webb jumped onto our radar in a major way on Friday night of the Run N’ Slam. Although he’s tasked with playing the five as a rim protector for Dayton Metro, he flashed guard-like perimeter skills as a slasher and shooter. Our first impression would rank Webb as a quality D-II/NAIA prospect. As a junior, Webb averaged 13.2 points and 9.2 rebounds.
Michael Berner (2019), 6’8” F/C, Springboro / Apex
Berner looks the part physically, to say the least. He has an athletic build at 6’8” and is able to run the floor and make power post moves. We’d like to see him utilize his physicality more effectively as a rim protector, but Berner’s upside screams at you. Pretty good feet. Berner averaged 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks as a junior.
VannAubrey Thomas (2019), 6’1” G, St. Vincent-St. Mary / All Ohio Cleveland 16U
The two-time state champion impressed us last weekend with his length and quickness, although he’s playing down an age level for some reason. Thomas is a combo guard with excellent athleticism and driving ability. Small in-state programs could benefit from his abilities at the next level.
Landen Long (2019), 5’11” PG, Mason / Apex
This weekend, Long became the second Ohio point guard with a jumper to be offered by Goshen this month. His shooting form is pure and he converted 36 percent of his 3-pointers as a junior. Long also had an assist-turnover ratio of 1.8-1.0 for Mason last season. Besides statistical output, Long also communicates on the floor well and is a good athlete.
Max Denman (2019), 6’4” W, Anthony Wayne / Ohio Reign
Denman shoots the 3-point jumper with size and has a knack for putting up big scoring totals. The Second Team All Conference performer is able to defend a couple spots because of his capable athleticism and size. Denman is more of a score-first wing whose next step is to start attacking smaller guards off the bounce.
Jacob Gudorf (2019), 6’3” PG, Brookville / Dayton Metro
More than anything, we really like Gudorf’s size and athleticism as a combo guard who spends more time as a one. He’s a size mismatch at that position. Gudorf can shoot the rock and also use his body to attack the lane. The playmaker averaged 11.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in the Southwestern Buckeye League last year. He could grab a scholarship from the NAIA level this season or be a D-III steal.
Jaedyn McKinstry (2020), 6’5” F & Dimitri Mitsopoulos (2020), 5’11” PG, Toledo St. John’s / All Ohio Gold
St. John’s is going to be a new team next season as they move on from the Vincent Williams era. It’s the first time in a while they don’t have a surefire D-I or D-II prospect leading the charge. Instead, they’ll do it by committee, especially with this 2020 class of Mistopoulos, McKinstry, Elijah Kimmons, and transfer Caleb Smith.
MIstopoulos started at the point guard for parts of last season. The two-sport athlete will likely play football at the next level but does have the quickness and handle to make an impact on the hardwood. McKinstry has impressed many this spring as a powerful and skilled forward. His strong frame and quick feet cause mismatch problems in the paint. McKinstry can also make plays for others and hit the occasional outside jumper.
Jaden Woods (2020), 6’4” W/F, Newark / Miller Factory
Woods is a pretty quick combo forward who can compete on the glass and finish inside. He’s a springy leaper and gets most of his points right at the basket. His upside is clearly as more of a perimeter wing, but we’re unsure if he has the ball skills to venture out there. Keep an eye on him as an upperclassman at Newark.