Ohio 2019 Rankings Update: Stock-Risers
Instead of throwing up the rankings and just calling it a day, we find it necessary to explain ourselves. Over the course of the next week, we will do everything from deep-diving on Dayton forwards to spot-lighting players showing up…
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Continue ReadingInstead of throwing up the rankings and just calling it a day, we find it necessary to explain ourselves. Over the course of the next week, we will do everything from deep-diving on Dayton forwards to spot-lighting players showing up in the rankings for the first time. But, as is a staple for Prep Hoops Ohio, we need to start with Stock-Risers — those who rose the charts since our last update.
ICYMI: updated Ohio 2019 Prospect Rankings
(18 → 9) Greg Tribble Jr., 6’3” G, Winton Woods
Tribble has hung out ten spots too low in our rankings for quite a while now. Partially, that’s because we haven’t seen Tribble play live very much in the last year. So, after the grassroots season, we spent the better part of a weekend on Baller TV with Tribble as a point of focus. We saw a kid with a combination of size, twitchy athleticism, bounce, and pull-up shooting ability — a toolbox matched by few in the class.
Rumors have swirled about whether or not the young Tribble will enter a prep school or go to a four-year after his senior year. Going prep would potentially mean turning down his eight offers — including recent ones from Ball State, Northern Kentucky, and IUPUI — for the chance to develop into a MM+/HM prospect.
(92 → 41) Tim Smith, 6’7” G/W, Lakewood
Smith kicks off a five-some of players who are shooting up the charts because of their July. The second July weekend in Louisville was our first time seeing Smith since the 2017 Top 250 Expo. He was an entirely different player. His skill-set had improved as Smith distributed the ball like a true point guard in the half-court offense. He drove the lane with power and finesse after adding what looks like 10 to 15 pounds to his frame. A distributor offensively, the Cal Penn commit also defends forward with size and shot-blocking instincts.
(59 → 42) Tommy Sala, 6’9” F/C, Lakewood
Sala is another kid we watched diligently on Baller TV post-grassroots season, along with the rest of his TNBA Flash team. We came away impressed by his rebounding ability, whether crashing weak-side or being physical in the paint. Sala is a mobile big capable of rolling or popping off a ball screen. Functions well in a motion style offense.
Between Sala, Smith, and Zion Kolodynski-Darby, Lakewood has one of the most talented senior classes in Ohio this season. Although not a perennial contender in Northeast Ohio, their combination of size, skill, and IQ could turn into a season to remember for the Rangers if the chemistry is right.
(58 → 46) Noah Pack, 6’8” F/C, Georgetown
Pack put the Ohio Crossover Athletics AAU program on the map this July with three tremendous weekends. He proved to be a playmaker in the pinch post. A kid who can get his shot from anywhere on the floor, Pack separates himself as one of the best shooting forwards in the 2019 class. Concerns of foot-speed could make him more of a five at the college level. However, he will pose a real mismatch against certain fives at the D-II level.
(64 → 49) Eddie Colbert, 6’6” W/F, Whitmer
Colbert appears to have added an inch in height, all the while becoming more comfortable in his body and adding muscle. He now has a frame primed to compete in the paint although spot-shooting remains his biggest asset as a prospect. Colbert is a pretty good athlete who defends up to three positions and will allow versatility from a game-planning perspective due to his versatility.
By the way, Colbert could continue creeping up the charts if he attacks off the dribble with more regularity as a senior. He has only been offered by Lourdes and Northwood thus far and could benefit from all the early commits in his class by drawing more D-II looks.
(94 → 56) Garrett Powell, 6’6” F, Springboro
A player we mistook for a plodding big with a solid jumper, Powell proved to be immensely versatile in July. Whether it was pushing pace off the defensive glass or making powerful straight-line drives with a good handle, Powell made plays by putting the ball on the floor. He is a power player with a good frame, which also translates to the glass. His mid-range jumper is good enough. Powell, who should probably defend the five in college, is capable of playing D-II ball for sure.
(79 → 64) Kayin Derden, 6’1” G, Columbus DeSales
Derden’s stock has risen post-grassroots season. He’s made the game significantly easier for himself by learning how to get into the middle of the lane and not force bad shots. His handle has improved greatly, as he was previously a pure off-ball guard/wing who specialized in spot shooting. With Derden’s new combo guard capabilities and self-awareness, we predict it will be hard for the Division IIIs in his recruiting picture to maintain their footing. We expect NAIA and D-II programs to come in late on Derden.