Standouts from the Great Lakes Classic
We saw 12 different teams from Northeast Ohio at the Great Lakes Classic on Sunday, hosted by Cleveland Heights. Other than the game MVPs we touched on yesterday, these ten players made a memorable impact: Amarion Dickerson (2021), 6’6” W,…
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Continue ReadingWe saw 12 different teams from Northeast Ohio at the Great Lakes Classic on Sunday, hosted by Cleveland Heights. Other than the game MVPs we touched on yesterday, these ten players made a memorable impact:
Amarion Dickerson (2021), 6’6” W, Rhodes
Dickerson really popped on Sunday. His potential as a prospect is hard to calibrate given the wealth of athleticism and length he carries, especially since he’s sprouted to a legitimate 6’6” since the spring. If he can add weight and offensive polish, Dickerson would be unstoppable in all facets.
The sophomore recorded four blocks, several deflections, and took two charges, proving once again to be a capable rim-protector that can also defend guards. He’s a weapon on that end of the floor and that’s why he will add to his offer sheet, which already includes Rider. Dickerson, however, does need to become much stronger with the ball and improve his shooting. He made poor decisions as a passer and had the ball stripped a couple times against Kenston. His handle, though, is improving and he showed an ability to facilitate in the open floor.
Ryan Long (2019), 6’7” C, Kenston
After carrying a stat line of two points, zero rebounds, and three personal fouls into halftime, Long woke up and dominated after the break. He’d end with 19 points and six rebounds while also changing layups into weak floaters by simply being present at the rim. Long’s mobility and length are intriguing. He’s also willing to shoot it from beyond the arch. Finishing through contact at the rim is a weakness, though.
Brandon Rush (2019), 6’3” G, Warrensville Heights
Rush, the no. 15 player in Ohio’s senior class, recovered from an inefficient start to finish with 24 points and 12 rebounds in a loss to East Tech. He was forcing it a little bit at first but became pretty unstoppable once he settled in and took his time on his moves. Even when he slows himself down an octave, Rush can blow by defenders at this level with his speed and quickness. Puts a ton of pressure on the defense in the open floor because he can finish through traffic or pull-up from 22-feet. Rebounded with verticality. Unwavering confidence.
TJ Kelly (2019), 6’2” G, University School
Kelly was a pleasant surprise at the halfway point in the day. He has good size for the Division III level as a combo guard and really impressed as a passer. Just a very fundamentally sound kid who isn’t going to make mistakes, rather sees cuts before they happen and can create his own shot when necessary. Kelly knows how to get to the rim and can finish with either hand.
Jaelyn Withers (2019), 6’9” W/F, Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Heights, the fanbase, came out for Withers on Saturday night. The place was especially electric when, on his first converted field goal attempt, he drove middle for a powerful two-handed dunk. Throughout, he proved most dangerous when he catches from beyond the arch foul-line-extended and faces up. Nine of his 15 points came on 3-pointers and he was super-efficient when he put it on the floor going left or hit a step-back. He’s also deceptively quick with the ball from that spot.
Inside, Withers has strong hands, finishes with athleticism and power against shot-blockers, and habitually rejects shots in a disrespectful manner on defense.
Robert Morgan (2019), 5’9” PG, Cleveland Heights
Morgan is the secret weapon for Heights, a guy who we don’t remember playing minutes last season but is clearly the vocal leader. We’re guessing he’s a stud on the football field given his power and build. On the hardwood, he used those advantages against small, quick guards by manhandling them in the paint while maintaining his dribble. Morgan is also fast and can handle the ball. He is not, however, an outside shooter.
Greg Pitts (2022), 6’1” G/W, Cleveland Heights
Pitts was the unheralded star of the game for the Tigers. He wasn’t even one of the first guys off the bench but once he got in, Pitts was one of their top contributors at 10 points and four rebounds.
He has upside as a defender. Pitts has very long arms and plays bigger than his listed 6’1” height. Defended multiple positions and has a nose for the ball on rebounds. Pitts also made clever flash cuts from the opposite wing then converted floaters or delivered drop-off passes from there. He played the heck out of his glue-guy-like role but there were hints of more to come in his first game.
Danny Young Jr. (2022), 6’0” PG, Shaker Heights
Big hype coming into his high school career. Young, though, ready for the spotlight. He scored 27 points a couple nights prior then had 12 against a stout Cleveland Heights defense. He can shoot it from beyond the 3-point arch, has elite speed with the ball, and just knows how to be a point guard. Even when being hounded by collegiate size, Young often found open shooters around the arch. He also had a nasty behind-the-back gather on a difficult finish going coast-to-coast. Uses his jab step well.
Shammah Scott (2020), 6’2” G, Shaker Heights
Scott poured in a team-high 16 points against Cleveland Heights, mostly scoring at the second level of the defense. He’s a self-aware player who knows where to stop and shoot the floater or pull-up. He has a soft touch on those in-between shots. Quick enough to get past the initial defender. The combo guard is score-first but he also made timely passes when help-side showed. Capable outside shooter with a clean release.
Curtis Houston (2019), 6’3” G, Richmond Heights
Houston was forcing the issue as a scorer for parts of the game but still winded up with a crucial 14 points in a 66-59 win over NDCL. His 3-point jump shot was encouraging as he splashed in a couple of those off the catch. Houston is a pretty strong guard who was effective on straight-line drives, too. Balancing his priorities of scoring and distributing will be key when they get into later rounds of the postseason — that’s obviously way down the line, but it’s relevant for a Division IV team this talented.