Septembers Best: Forwards/Centers
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 wings/forwards who caught my eye during the month of September.
Elijah Bishop/6’7 SF/Dohn Prep (2019)- A Columbus Beechcroft graduate, Bishop showed that he brings much more to the table then just athleticism and length. During the TDP/Friars Club Showcase, Bishop knocked down jumper after jumper in drills and 5 on 5 along with being able to guard multiple positions. Elijah also proved to be a solid rebounder from the wing as well, which could translate into playing some four in small ball line-ups at the next level as he adds strength.
Dayshawn Blair/6’4 W-SF/Dohn Prep (2019)- As a reserve player on the Deer Park Wildcats 2018 state title team, Blair role was to help on the boards and do the little things. But now with Dohn, Dayshawn is showing that there is much more to his game then rebounding and hustling. He was the most consistent mid-range shooter that I saw throughout the month, and showed that consistency rather it was off one or two dribbles or catch and shoot situations while also playing hard on the defensive end. This is a name that programs at the D-II/NAIA/JUCO level might want to track throughout the season.
Will Burns/6’6 PF-C/Deer Park (2020)- After missing last season due to injury, Burns has looked better and better each time I have seen him during the off-season. For his size Will has very good ball skills, he showed he can be the lead ball-handler on the break and has a good face-up game from the free-throw line extended. The addition of Burns should give the Wildcats a solid 1-2 punch in the paint to go along with Florida International football commit Joe Hocker and will be a big factor as they try to repeat as D-III state champions.
Logan Duncomb/6’9 PF- C/Moeller (#5 2021)- Just when you thought that Coach Kremer was without another D-I big, enter this young man. Duncomb was an absolute beast at the Top 250 Expo last month. The big fella used his size to dominate the offensive glass, showing good hands and the ability to finish with both hands around the basket. I see a lot of similarities between Logan and former Moeller/Butler big man Nate Fowler.
Cameron Harris/6’7 F/North College Hill (#123 2019)- A mystery to many in the area after spending the past few seasons at Finneytown, Harris showed that he is one of the best rebounders in the city during the TDP/Friars Showcase. Cameron showed really good hands, has really quick 2nd jumps to go along with his good length. He also showed that he can make plays for others out of the post/high-post.
Alex Mangold/6’7 PF/Lakota East (#35 2020)- A Fairmont State commit recruit, Mangold showed why he is considered one of the best forwards in his class at the 250 Expo. While we knew that he could rebound the basketball and score in the post, but his ability to grab the rebound, start the break and make a quality play was quite impressive. The Thunderhawk junior also was three-point marksmen in pick and roll situations. Alex should be one of the early favorites for Greater Miami Conference POY.
Skyler Schmidt/6’6 PF/Clermont Northeastern (#27 2021)- We already knew Skyler as one of the best rebounders in the state, but it was good to see the improvement in his floor game that has happened over the summer. On plenty of occasions he was able to grab the rebound, initiate the break and make a quality pass. If Schmidt can continue to improve his floor game while rebounding at a high rate their will be doubt that he is a D-I talent.