2021 Rankings Update: NEO Impact Sophomores
We are in a pretty slow time in the calendar in terms of basketball being played in the public eye. Naturally, we’re thinking and writing about what’s ahead at this point. So, with the high school season approaching and our…
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Continue ReadingWe are in a pretty slow time in the calendar in terms of basketball being played in the public eye. Naturally, we’re thinking and writing about what’s ahead at this point. So, with the high school season approaching and our updated 2021 Prospect Rankings dropping Tuesday, we’re taking a city-by-city/region-by-region look at the impact sophomores across Ohio.
(#1) Meechie Johnson, 6’0”, Garfield Heights
Not much should change for Johnson this season, as far as what he does on the court. Whether it’s been at Garfield Heights or with Hard Work Basketball this summer, Johnson has proved that his offensive talent demands that the gameplan be designed around him, not the other way around. The Bulldogs may find more creative ways to create open looks for the super sophomore since Alonzo Gaffney won’t be there to draw help-side off him, but Johnson will still find his own shot.
(#6) Malaki Branham, 6’4” W/F, St. Vincent-St. Mary
Branham will be one of many athletic forwards in STVM’s rotation, although he’s easily the most talented of the group. We’re most interested in his development as a prospect this season, given all of his potential. Similar to senior teammate Lunden McDay, Branham has been most effective around the basket as an underclassman — controlling the glass, defending up, using his length, finishing. If he can make a transition, similar to McDay, to the guard/wing spot through skill development, Branham is going to be a problem in no time.
(#8) EJ Farmer, 6’4” G, Lutheran East
Farmer returns in a bit of a leadership role at Lutheran East after being one of the most productive freshmen in Ohio a season ago. Who knows how new head coach Sam Liggins is going to utilize their roster of talented players, but Farmer is there to facilitate chemistry for the sophomore newcomers (Jalin Billingsley, Colin Albert, Sirr Hughes).
On the court, Farmer is a stat-stuffing lefty with a promising jumper and athleticism. His length and quick-twitch instincts should bode well in their full-court defense. Also, on a team with a lot of roster overlap in the backcourt, Farmer’s size and versatility should keep him on the court for big minutes.
(#15) Evanell Lighty, 6’6” F, Shaker Heights
We’re not sure how many games, if any at all, Lighty will be able to play because of transfer regulation. However, if he’s on the floor, he will play a major role in replacing the production that Christian Guess, Dale Bonner, and Kevin Bishop left behind. Lighty, Danny Young Jr., and Dakota Cochran have the looks of their new big three, which might be a year away from being special.
(#16) Brenton Walker, 6’6” F, Canton McKinley
Trivia question: There are 17 NEO prospects in the top 40 of our 2021 rankings. How many transferred and will be playing at new schools this season? (scroll down for answer)
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Five. Is that a lot? It seems like a lot. Better early than late, though. Good for them, hopefully everyone prospers.
Anyways, Walker is the only one making the trek from outside of Northeast Ohio, all the way from Huber Heights Wayne near Dayton. He’s an athletic dynamo who scores and rebounds with power. He can dominate upperclassmen with his size, and it’s quite scary to think what he will be doing as a junior and senior in high school if his body progresses. Walker runs the floor well and can defend multiple positions with his mobility. As a scorer, he’s an old-fashioned put your shoulder down and get to the basket kid.
(#23) Ramelle Arnold, 5’11” PG, Warrensville Heights
We’re excited about Warrensville Heights’ potential this season. They caught a break by being moved down to Division III by the OHSAA this season, a year before 2019 prospect Brandon Rush graduates. Along with Arnold, the twosome combines for a shifty scoring backcourt who will be tough to matchup with for smaller schools. They will likely challenge themselves in the regular season, schedule wise, against large schools and come into the postseason with a ton of confidence because of it.
(#62) Omar Abuhamdeh, 5’9” PG, North Royalton
Abuhamdeh may not be a household name but he has the skills and qualities to become a highly-courted in-state recruit while leading North Royalton to winning seasons. He makes plays with skill, quickness, and IQ. Abuhamdeh can spot shoot or pull-up in the mid-range. Strong, stocky build that helps him when he drives. He’s also a quality team defender. Passing, at the end of the day, is his best point guard quality.