Post Names to Know
We wanted to run back through the notebook to find the names who didn’t make a weekend recap, yet showed enough ability to receive recognition. In this Names to Know weekend series, we’re simply listing off players worthy of tracking in the coming months and years. In other words, this is your unranked guys who haven’t been mentioned in a Prep Hoops Ohio article until now. Sleepers!
We have most of these prospects evaluated as small college gems who could thrive if they find the right system or might fill a need for anyone.
Thanks for following the weekend series. Browse the links below for the other three pieces:
Owen Spencer (2020), 6’8” C, Turpin / Club Ohio
Spencer is a reasonably fluid 6’8″ prospect with good defensive rebounding and help-side shot-blocking ability. He needs to improve as a scorer, as he often struggles to finish through contact and has a wavering shooting touch in general. He’s really a rim-protection specialist. He’ll need to improve on switches, as he can get a little lost on the perimeter. Although we’re touching on the question marks surrounding Spencer, he does have talent and is legitimately tall.
Kenny Jackson (2019), 6’8” C, Hughes / Cincy Rise
Jackson is a really large body with decent bounce and ability to protect the rim. He can win rebound battles and doesn’t play outside of his strengths. However, his size would be more impactful if he played with more of a motor. Jackson will too often be uninvolved with a play, even if it’s occurring around the basket.
Maxwell Young (2019), 6’5” F, Teays Valley / Ohio Hoopsters – LBC
Young is a throwback low-post power forward who shows shades of perimeter ability but is definitely most effective inside 12 feet. He can rebound with toughness and has a strong upper body that allows him to move people. Young’s jumper needs work. Willing and effective screen setter. He communicates well on the defensive end.
Heath Jeffries (2019), 6’6” F, Newark Catholic / Nova (Morgan)
Jeffries has the appearance of a more traditional plodding post player. Yet, he combines a body suited for rebounding with an aggressive jumper. We think he could be serviceable in a motion style halfcourt offense at the next level while providing the defensive versatility of guarding most 4s and shorter 5s.
Jaiden Davis (2020), 6’5” F/C, Gahanna / Ohio Bulldogs
Davis shows promise with the ball around the basket. He’s a powerful post player that can plow into people to clear out space with his back to the basket. Inconsistent shooting touch. Davis will need to become more disciplined as a shot-blocker, as he too often fouls slashers and post matchups. Decent below-the-rim athlete who plays with a bit of an edge.