Senior Guards Stepping Up
For scouts, we often spend time in the early season trying to find the next best thing. Getting an early evaluation edge on the top freshman or under-the-radar sophomore in a rural town is currency. But, it’s foolish to forget…
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Continue ReadingFor scouts, we often spend time in the early season trying to find the next best thing. Getting an early evaluation edge on the top freshman or under-the-radar sophomore in a rural town is currency. But, it’s foolish to forget about the seniors.
There’s plenty of unsigned guys — and college commits at that — who are propelling their game to new levels in the early season. Since most college programs haven’t filled out their 2019 classes quite yet, we figure it would be worth highlighting those senior stock-risers, so they’re not overshadowed by the shiny new prospects.
Demarco Bradley, 5’9” PG, Taft
Taft appears to be one of the state’s top teams in Division II, in great part to the point guard play of their experienced leader, Bradley. The Senators stand undefeated at 6-0 with wins over Deer Park, Olentangy, and Covington Catholic (KY). Although Bradley is well under 6-foot, he’s averaging a ridiculous stat-line of 18 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. His ability to make tough shots, pressure opposing ball-handlers, and control pace is crucial.
Amari Davis, 6’4” G, Trotwood
Our goal isn’t to highlight a bunch of Division I prospects who have been playing at a super-high-level since sophomore year, but Davis is our exception right now. He’s pushed his averages to 30 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and seven steals per game. We knew the Green Bay commit needed to compensate for Trotwood’s loss of Myles Belyes, but Davis has stepped up to the plate in a way we couldn’t imagine. With the elevation on his jumper, Davis can score the ball from any part of the court at will.
Ryan Hall, 6’4” G, Fairmont
Hall is an athletic two-sport star (football) that scores mostly on the drive. He’s quick off the dribble and shows explosiveness at the rim as a finisher. Although he’s been known for being a bit raw for his first three years, Hall may be adding a little polish. The senior combo guard is currently at 22 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 4.5 APG while Fairmont sits at 4-2. They have a dangerous duo of senior guards with Hall and Kellan Bochenek.
DJ Harrell, 6’1” G, East Tech
Did you know that East Tech is 7-0 going into Christmas? Warrensville Heights is their best win of the season, which is where the improved play of Harrell caught our attention. He not only has the requisite athleticism to play at a Division II or NAIA level, Harrell also combines it with the skill and IQ. He may be a late-bloomer on the recruiting scene, but he’s put it all together now. Harrell averages 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and he’s playing winning basketball as a playmaker on the drive-and-kick.
Andre Harris, 6’3 G/W, Brush
One of two Wright State signees from the Buckeye State, Harris is peaking at the right time. Brush has all eyes on them this year because of their talent and urgency to succeed as a team with this 2019 class on campus for their last season. Harris has ensured their 6-0 start by averaged 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. His length and athleticism gives him a huge advantage as a finisher in traffic and defender. In general, Harris is doing what it takes to win, whether it be drawing a charge or pulling in an offensive rebound.
D’Marco Howard, 6’3” G, Hamilton
Howard is an unheralded recruit who could become a difference-maker for a JUCO in the next couple seasons. Hamilton, a .500 team through six games, may not be off to the start they hoped for. But, Howard is still impressing at 20 points, 5.5 rebounds, and two assists. The combo guard may be best on the wing offensively while matching up with primary ball-handlers on defense. He plays with intensity on that end of the floor and can really move his feet.
Michael Kreill, 6’1” PG, Butler
You won’t find Kreill in our rankings until the end of the season, but that’s our mistake. He has followed up a strong summer with Dayton Metro by elevating the Butler Aviators to a 7-1 start. Kreill is a thin point guard but his lateral quickness and sneaky hands allow him to defend at a high level. He’s also scoring it well this season at 15 PPG. His quickness with the basketball affords him opportunities to finish in the lane. He’s also at three rebounds and four assists a night.
Dallas Patrick, 6’2” G, The Wellington School
As his role continues to expand at Wellington, Patrick continues to elevate his game. He’s now at 26 points, nine rebounds, and three assist per game. Once more of a spot-up shooting specialist, Patrick now beats defenders with quickness off the bounce. He’s fearless around the rim and knows how to draw contact. At the next level, he could either become a spark plug scorer or continue developing into a go-to guy for D-IIIs.
JaJuan “Jay” Rodgers, 6’2” G, Pickerington Central
Rodgers is taking full advantage of a new situation, where he has improved every hole of his game and is contributing to winning. Pickerington Central is undefeated and Rogers is efficiently averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and six assists. There’s not a lot of wasted movement or dribbles in his attack this season. Rather, he can play to his strengths as a big guard — mostly spot-up shooting.
Elijah Thomas, 6’1” G, Gahanna
In the absence of teammate Josh Corbin, Thomas has proved capable of carrying the scoring load as a wing guard for Gahanna. The volume scorer can shoot it from the wing consistently or put it on the floor for a straight-line drive. Thomas is just over 20 PPG right now.
Jared Wurst, 6’4” G/W, Delphos St. John’s
Wurst’s DSJ team has quietly built an argument as the top Division IV team in Ohio through four weeks. They’re 5-0 with a win against conference foe Minster. For St. John’s, their starting quarterback is also leading them on the hardwood. A big guard, Wurst can defend multiple positions and shoot the heck out of the ball. On the season, he is averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.