Ohio 2020 Rankings Update: Newcomers
Through a super busy July Live Period and subsequent research, we evaluated several Ohio juniors for the first time since our last update. Therefore, there are quite a few new players included in this update — here are some of the…
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Continue ReadingThrough a super busy July Live Period and subsequent research, we evaluated several Ohio juniors for the first time since our last update. Therefore, there are quite a few new players included in this update — here are some of the best.
(#30) Curtis Harrison, 6’5” F, Seven Hills
Harrison has been held back by health as an underclassman. But we’re hopeful that staying on the floor the next two years will lead to a higher basketball IQ and more skill development. He is already quite versatile and more than a little explosive. If he can go from a face-up four into more of a true combo forward, we think Harrison’s ceiling would be pretty high.
(#38) Luke Howes, 6’0” PG, Fairview
Howes is the best point guard in Ohio that you may not know about yet. Although short, Howes is built like a hard-hitting free safety or weakside linebacker. He uses the physical advantage to make plays on the drive and to disrupt defensively, a side of the floor where he takes a lot of chances. Howes really shines as a playmaker, though. He sees passing lanes better than almost anyone in Ohio and his ability to get into the lane is facilitated by his outside shooting threat.
(#46) Paul Burris, 6’5” W/F, Delaware Hayes
Burris, who we consider a stretch four more than anything, was absolutely outstanding in July. He showed the ability to defend the post and step outside against guards. He doesn’t need much separation to shoot it. Burris has some craftiness to his scoring ability inside to go with a soft touch. Figuring out where to place him defensively at the next level — likely at a Division II program — is the challenge for now.
(#77) Branson Taylor, 6’6” F/C, Elyria Catholic
Taylor is a wide-bodied big man who might surprise you with his post moves and ability to get out in transition. He looked very good for SMAC in July as a scoring presence around the basket — which is his specialty. Taylor uses power and spin moves in the paint to impose his will and get shots off. Very good at boxing out and winning position in general.
(#96) Owen Spencer, 6’8” C, Turpin
Spencer will be on his way up the ladder if he can prove himself as a reliable finisher on post touches. His strengths include shot-blocking, size, and rebounding at the moment. He also moves pretty well up and down the court. But, to take it to a scholarship-level, we’ll need him to capitalize on size advantages once he has the ball. Also, lateral quickness remains a question mark.
(#102) Conor Stolly, 6’5” W/F, Alter
Stolly, a combo forward, has a lot of promise and potential. It’s just the production that has been missing for us. We remain hopeful, however, that Stolly will become more aggressive from the wing. He can put it on the floor or shoot from the outside, but Stolly too often keeps the ball moving without even looking to score. Nonetheless, he’s a guy to keep track of because of the natural size and ball skills.