Next Up 2019
It’s the start of a new season which means there are a new crop of players ready to explode onto the scene and make their presence felt. Here is our Next Up list for the 2018-19 season, and we are starting with the Class of 2019.
John Aicholtz/G/West Clermont- Gone from last year’s team is leading scorer Jay Tiemeyer, and with the return of a healthy Jackson Ames (2020 PHO #28) in the post it is important that they get perimeter production for someone. Enter Aicholtz, who finished as the teams 2nd leading scorer at over 10ppg. Most of John damage is done within 15-17ft, although he did knock in a respectable 32% from the field. If the Wolves are to compete with Walnut Hills and Withrow in the ECC, Aicholtz must break-out and have a huge senior year.
AB Harouna/G/Hughes- After sitting behind the likes of Corry Long (Stony Brook), Gio Santiago (Oak Hills Academy) and a host of others, it is time for this athletic senior to take over the leadership reins. AB had a productive season off the bench last year averaging over 6ppg and registering two double-doubles during his junior campaign. Using his athleticism to attack the rim and rebounding, particularly on the offensive boards, are Harouna strengths. A year after graduating five seniors, look for AB familiarity with the program and leadership to be a key factor if Big Red is to finish at or near the top of the CMAC Red.
Landen Long/G/Mason (PHO #121)- The Comets lost 29ppg with the graduation of Noah Pedelty (Thomas More) and Tanner Knue, which means more opportunities for Long who happens to be one of the best shooters in Ohio. Last year in his 1st full-time varsity campaign Long averaged over 12ppg while shooting 36% from three with 121 of his 198 FGA coming from deep. If Landen can improve his dribble-drive game and improve his efficiency from the field, it could be a very big senior year for the Comet guard.
Dionte McBride/G-W/Woodward- The Terry Durham era is now over at Woodward, which means it is time for a new Top Dog at the Blue Palace. And now on a team full of young pups, McBride will be looked to deliver in crucial moments and key situations throughout the season. Dionte averaged over 13ppg last season before injuries shortened his season, and that number must definitely rise if Woodward is to contend with the likes Taft, Hughes and Aiken in the CMAC Red.
Zachary Moeller/G/Oak Hills- Another player on this list who should see a major uptick in their production this season with more opportunity. Moeller averaged close to 10ppg last season, but really has us excited is the fact that he scored 20 points or more in four games including two 20+ point efforts against conference rival Mason. He also showed a knack for getting to the free-throw line as he registered over 100 attempts last season, including double digit free throw attempts in four times.
Tremaine Smith/F/Aiken (PHO #91)- If the Falcons are to go far in March this season, Smith will have to play up to his potential. With his size (6’7) and athleticism averaging a double-double should be a doable task, but along with the size comes an ability to create some off the dribble as well. Staying on the court and out of foul trouble along with keeping his emotions in check will be big keys to Tremaine and Aiken’s success this season. If he can do both of the previous mentioned things, the Falcons could find themselves fighting for the CMAC Red crown.
Bryan Warah/F/Purcell Marian (PHO #116)- Another name on this list who has all the tools to average a double-double for the season. And if Warah does just that, there is a very strong chance the Cavaliers will be playing in Columbus come the end of March. Bryan does a good job utilizing head and shoulder fakes in the post and is a solid free-throw shooter. Playing with a sense urgency consistently on the defensive end along with other little things (running the court, rebounding, etc.) could catapult Warah into Top 100 status by the end of the season.
Rodney Wiley/G/Colerain (PHO #127)- A player that has been featured here on PHO on multiple occasions, it looks like it is all starting to come together for Cardinals senior guard. Wiley is one of the quicker guards in Cincinnati with the ball in his hands and he is developing into a knock-down mid-range shooter. Look for Rodney to put it all together in his final season and catapult his self even higher in the rankings.