Ohio 2020 Rankings Update: Northeast Ohio Forwards
Throughout this week, we’re covering the entire 2020 class segmented by areas in the state. We began with Southeast and Northwest Ohio yesterday. Today, we’ve moved into Northeast Ohio. Central tomorrow, followed by Dayton and Cincinnati this weekend. Considering the high…
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Continue ReadingThroughout this week, we’re covering the entire 2020 class segmented by areas in the state.
We began with Southeast and Northwest Ohio yesterday. Today, we’ve moved into Northeast Ohio. Central tomorrow, followed by Dayton and Cincinnati this weekend.
Considering the high school season’s imminence, it makes sense to compare players to guys they’ll compete with in the coming months. All the while, keep in mind that we want to focus mostly on the non-Division I prospects, instead bringing awareness to lesser-known recruits.
(#47) Brent Darby Jr., 6’6” F, Garfield Heights
Since the last high school season, Darby’s offensive game has extended beyond the arch. He has cultivated a spot-shooting ability while his frame is also coming into its own. With a strong upper body and the ability to score inside and out, he should enter the Garfield Heights rotation as a mainstay this season. His game actually compliments Brison Waller‘s quite well. More importantly, he has the looks of a very good D-II forward with upside to reach a higher level if he develops a more expansive skill-set.
(#51) Jagger Haynes, 6’6” F, Massillon Perry
Haynes is one of the more interesting forwards that we began tracking this spring and summer. He’s a thin kid with a frame that could hold him back against physical centers. But, Haynes has legitimate height and is a capable athlete. He rebounds the ball well and, more often than not, looks to pass out of the post to spot-up shooters. His passiveness on the block may not fit every college’s philosophy, but Haynes can contribute to an unselfish offense and possibly become a playmaker from the pinch post. He moves his feet pretty well, too.
(#123) Tyshawn Bender, 6’6” F/C, Bedford
Bender is a very impressive athlete, that’s first and foremost. He’s chiseled with broad-shoulders. He can move pretty well, although he’s not super dexterous or fluid. But, he runs the floor well enough, nonetheless. Rebounding and interior defense are both strengths, with his size and strength. But Bender remains a project big. If he can translate that raw athleticism and size into production, he could be in for big things over the next 18 months and no. 123 would wind up being an egregiously low ranking.
(#124) Jonathan Manning, 6’6” F, Midview
Manning impressed with his effectiveness as a low-post scorer and rebounder at last month’s Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo. His footwork allowed him to get baskets inside on post-ups. Manning has a pretty solid build, although he’s not going to over-power many forwards at the next level. Continuing to add skill, especially outside shooting touch, and weight would aid his recruitment greatly. Good rebounding and shot-blocking instincts.
(#146) Marcus Johnson, 6’5” F/C, St. Vincent-St. Mary
Johnson is a plodding big who is effective on the block with his drop steps and baby hooks. He played eight minutes per game last year for the Division II State Champs, coming off the bench to average a couple points and rebounds per game. He should, once again, provide a unique scoring threat inside for STVM as a junior. If his post moves can become a bit more advanced, we could see NAIA and D-III programs courting Johnson pretty hard.