September Best: Guards Pt. 2
September was a month filled with open gyms, showcases and expos across the state of Ohio. And with the help of the Friars Club, Triple Double Prospects and of course Prep Hoops, I was able to see lots and lots of talent throughout the month from the Cincinnati area. Here is part two of my list of Cincinnati guards who caught my eye during the month of September.
Matthew Lee/5’10-PG/Dohn Prep (2019)- This point man from Puerto Rico put together the two most impressive performances that I saw the whole month at the TDP Open Gym and Showcase. A true 2019 player, Lee showed that he is the total package as a point man. He showed creativity off the bounce, the ability to shoot off the dribble and in catch and shoot situations and competed hard on the defensive end. Cincinnati Christian University assistant and Woodward legend Chip Jones raved about Matthew’s passing during the TDP/Friars Showcase. Lincoln Memorial, Sacred Heart and Eastern Kentucky are just some of the programs showing interest in the Dohn product.
Dionte McBride/6’3-G/Woodward (2019)- After having his junior season cut short due to injury, the Bulldog guard served notice that he is back at the TDP Open Gym. McBride’s jumper was cash money during the open gym, not only showing improved form but also much deeper range than ever seen in the past. If he continues to shoot the ball like he did at Walnut Hills that afternoon, he could improve greatly from 13.1ppg average last season.
Isaiah Walker/6’2-G/Wyoming (#33 2019) – An underclassmen with a very mature game, Walker showed the improvements that he made in his game at the TDP Open Gym. While his jumper was on most of that afternoon, it was his ball-handling and ability to get in the lane that impressed the most. He lived at the front of the rim during the open gym, regularly challenging shot-blockers and showing a fearlessness that I had not seen in the past. His improvement will be key to the Cowboys challenging Deer Park for the top spot in the CHL.
Kaden Warner/5’11-PG/Gamble Montessori (#56 2019)- As he showed at the Top 250 Expo at Pick North, Warner IQ is starting to catch up with his talent which spells trouble for the rest of the city. More known as a scorer it was Kaden floor game that impresses the most as he showed he has the ability to setup teammates for easy buckets while being a leader on the floor. If he continues to improve this aspect of his game his stock will continue to rise.
Mark Wise/6’4-G/Deer Park (#16 2020)- A big physical guard who can play both guard spots, Wise was the best player on the court during the 5 on 5 portion of the TDP/Friars Showcase. He worked well with Dohn Prep guard Matthew Lee, spending most of the time playing on the ball to help create offense for others while Lee was the hot man. But that does not mean that Mark did not score for himself as well as his herky-jerky shooting form from last year has been replaced with a much smoother form that allowed him to knock down jumper after jumper. Combine with his size and ability to finish at the rim and what you have is a high-level D-I guard. Already armed with offers from Toledo and Florida Atlantic, per Twitter Wise is scheduled to take an unofficial visit to Ohio State October 13th.