Cincinnati’s Top Juniors This Season
Cincinnati’s 2020 class may not have two NBA one-and-done talents like the 2018 one that just graduated Jaxson Hayes and Darius Bazley. Nonetheless, these eight prospects continue to build their legacy in 2018-19. Cole Fisher, 6’2” G, CHCA Being top…
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Continue ReadingCincinnati’s 2020 class may not have two NBA one-and-done talents like the 2018 one that just graduated Jaxson Hayes and Darius Bazley. Nonetheless, these eight prospects continue to build their legacy in 2018-19.
Cole Fisher, 6’2” G, CHCA
Being top ten in points and rebounds in the Miami Valley Conference, Fisher will have a strong argument for the league’s player of the year. The 2-guard has shot nearly half of his field goal attempts from beyond the arch and is converting on better than 40 percent of those. Fisher is a two-sport prospect who uses his strength from football to rebound in traffic and defend a few positions.
Steven Gentry Jr., 6’0” PG, Deer Park
Gentry has long used his speed to get into the lane and cause havoc as a help-side defender. More consistently than ever in 2019, though, Gentry is making the right basketball play. He has more of a scoring responsibility as a junior, but he has simultaneously cut down on turnovers and seen a slight increase in assists. Commands the offense.
Evan Prater, 6’5” F, Wyoming
It’s tempting to overlook just how talented of a hooper Prater is because of his cachet as power five football prospect. A talented face-up forward that can score it with either hand and shows and elite combination of power and elusiveness. Prater is deadly when he attacks baseline from the corner. Underrated passer (ironic, right?) who likes to skip accurate balls to spot-up shooters.
Deairius Randle, 6’0” G, Princeton
Randle has done anything but get lost in the shuffle of Viking junior guards this season. The North College Hill transfer is leading the team in scoring at 13.0 PPG. A freak athlete, Randle has also shot the ball incredibly well off the catch this season. Randle is good at getting past the first line of defense for a mid-range bucket.
Trey Robinson, 6’6” W, Hamilton
Robinson continues to earn Division I looks as a versatile wing scorer and defender. A bit slight of frame, but Robinson manages to score at the rim with finesse and some explosiveness. Able to put the ball on the floor and make a play from the perimeter, finish with height in the post, or catch-and-shoot from 3.
Nekhi Smith, 6’6” F, Taft
Smith has moved the needle for Taft, our current favorite to hoist a State Championship trophy in Division II. The power forward scores the ball in a variety of ways. Smith can size-up defenders and take them to the hole or shoot the jay in their face. He has thrived in the open floor as both a finisher and play-maker. Rebounds the ball at an elite level. Willing 3-point shooter, too.
Nic Smith, 6’6” F, Walnut Hills
A throwback back-to-the-basket post player, Smith scores the ball very well with his left hand. Shows an ability to make post moves and score against solid defense. Near the top of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference in rebounds at 7.6 per game.
Mark Wise, 6’4” G, Deer Park
A physical mismatch on the wing and born winner, Wise is one of the top 2020 guard recruits in the entire state. A year after claiming the Division III State Title, Deer Park is struggling of late and has dropped three of four. Wise, though, has progressed in his ability to shoot from deep, pull-up off the dribble, and on his overall physical stature. Should be able to defend a couple positions on the wing in college.