Central Ohio’s Impact Transfers
Transfers — everyone’s least favorite offseason talking point that people will never shut up about. But, we’re all talking about transfers because in a sport with just five guys on the court for each team, one guy can make all the difference.
Of those in the discussion room over the last several months was the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). They made significant adjustments to the transfer bylaw, namely moving eligibility into the first half of the season instead of the second half and playoffs. There are several exceptions, all of which you can check out on the OHSAA official website. And, to be honest, we don’t know which of (if any) these players meet those exceptions. So, in putting together the list of Central Ohio’s Impact Transfers, we’re working on the assumption that these kids are allowed to play.
Sam Towns (2019), 6’7” F [Springfield → Pickerington Central] &
JaJuan “Jay” Rodgers (2019), 6’2” G [Springfield → Pickerington Central]
Especially considering the unexpected transferring of two Pick Central juniors, these former Springfield Wildcats are crucial additions.
Starting with Towns, he provides depth up front alongside Coleton Landis — coming in handy when one gets into foul trouble while also allowing them to matchup against any type of opponent. Towns has been used mostly as a pick-and-pop big throughout his career. He’s a capable shooter who occasionally pump fakes and puts it on the floor.
Rodgers is another potential starter, who could just as well be an impact player off the bench. The Tigers already have two point guards in Javohn Garcia and Tahleik Walker, both returning starters. So, we picture Rodgers playing more two-guard than he did at Springfield, which we have always thought of as his natural position. He’s best at scoring in the mid-range off the dribble.
Jake Warriner (2020), 6’3” W [New Albany → Upper Arlington] &
Fred Wilkes II (2020), 6’0” G [Eastmoor → Upper Arlington]
Warriner and Wilkes are part of a deep rotation that Upper Arlington head coach Tim Casey will have at his disposal this season. We expect their offense to run through their frontcourt tandem of Max Martz and CJ Karsatos. Therefore, guys like Warriner and Wilkes need to be ready to catch-and-shoot, a thing both can do. That would be a natural role for Warriner — who can also defend on the wing, rebound, and score on one-dribble moves — while Wilkes is best at creating his own shot off the bounce.
Kaveon Ross (2020), 6’5” F [Hamilton Township → Walnut Ridge]
Until 270 Hoops’ Zach Fleer broke news about Ross’s transfer on Oct. 29, we had South penciled in as the City League Champs in Columbus. Ross, though, shakes things up immediately. There’s a chance that Ross is a perfect pairing alongside Qian Magwood and VonCameron Davis. His ability and willingness to control the board, screen, and score efficiently from the block might put them over the edge. He’s a powerful athlete and we could easily see him being the third reliable contributor that the Scots have desperately needed.
Jainaz Cameron (2021), 6’5” F [Lima Senior → London]
Cameron and 6’5” classmate Trey Woodyard should eventually become a formidable duo in the Mid-State League. We don’t expect them to go from worst to first after a 5-16 record last year. However, Cameron’s power and speed will be crucial to their eventual turn-around. He is effective from multiple spots on the court and can defend several positions. Cameron, however, is best around the basket as a rebounder and finisher at the moment.
Chance Groce (2021), 6’4” G [Linden-McKinley → Beechcroft]
Groce’s inter-city transfer over to Beechcroft gives the defending league champs an opportunity to repeat. In order to do so, Groce will need to live up to our belief that he’s the most talented wing/guard in the league and maybe even the best overall prospect. Groce makes scoring the ball look easy. His outside jumper sets it all up and, as he adds weight, his ability to score in the lane should take-off. Regardless, he has a chance to be at about 15-20 points per game next season.