Northeast Ohio’s Top Sophomores at the Midseason Mark
Some of Northeast Ohio’s top regional contenders — Lutheran East, St. Vincent-St. Mary, VASJ — are being led by sophomores! We’ll check on those players and plenty more in our midseason diagnosis of the top 2021 prospects in the area this season.
Malaki Branham, 6’4”-6’5” W/F, St. Vincent-St. Mary &
Seth Wilson, 6’1” PG, St. Vincent-St. Mary
In order for the Irish to meet hefty preseason expectations, these two sophomores needed to elevate their game and be consistent shot-makers and defenders. Other than in their early season scare against Moeller, Branham and Wilson have done just that. Along with senior Lunden McDay, these are two of their three top scorers. Wilson continues to be a volume scorer from the outside who uses his length and athleticism defensively. Branham, meanwhile, has been effective when he catches in the mid-range and can make a one-on-one move to score.
Luke Chicone, 5’7” PG, Mentor
One of the last undefeated teams in Division I, Mentor is being guided by their savvy sophomore point guard, Chicone. He’s a consummate play-maker who uses his quickness, ball-handling, and the threat of an outside jumper to make plays in the lane. Dynamic shooter whose game is catered to play with tempo. Averaging 19.3 points and 5.9 assists. Freakishly skilled. Knock-down shooter.
Amarion Dickerson, 6’6” W, Rhodes
Dickerson’s physical growth has made him an even more dominant defender. A rangy defender who also protects the rim with a high-motor, long arms, and good verticality. Likes to get into the open floor and has a serviceable handle when he’s in transition. Dickerson uses athleticism, not necessarily skill, to get to the basket and fill it up. He has, however, shown nice progression in ball skills in year two. Rhodes is playing much better this season, too — they’re 7-4 after finishing .500 last year.
EJ Farmer, 6’4” G, Lutheran East
Farmer is a dominate scorer. His combination of height, quickness, and ability to shoot off the dribble means he can create a clean look on any given possession. Farmer is a twitchy athlete who also forces his matchup into contested looks.
They’ve been off for 10 days now, but the LUE has rattled off consecutive wins over Shaker Heights, Warrensville Heights, and Lakewood. In the latter game, Farmer won it on a buzzer beater from distance. Any time you’re a leading scorer on a State Championship contender as a sophomore, you’re doing something right.
Jaden Hameed, 5’11” PG, VASJ
Hameed started the season dealing with an injury. But, he has turned up now that he’s playing with more of his health. He’s a heady point guard that rises to the occasion in big moments and knows how to run a team. Hameed likes to score it from outside but also possesses a clever floater. Good on-ball defender who communicates on that end of the floor. He’s averaging 14.0 points and 3.5 assists on a streaking 9-2 team. Hameed dropped a team-high 27 points in their recent win over Benedictine.
Josh Irwin, 6’5” F, West Geauga
West Geauga hasn’t enjoyed the team success they had a year ago, but Irwin is on his way to averaging a double-double once again — he’s at 18.0 points and 14.0 rebounds right now. Irwin, much like the summer, is shooting more 3-pointers this season. At his height, he will likely become a pick-and-pop big who could even capitalize on his passing ability by adding some off-the-dribble playmaking ability. Nonetheless, Irwin is also a physical defender and rebounder who excels in calling out defensive coverages. Drew an offer from Miami (OH) in late-December.
Meechie Johnson, 6’0” G, Garfield Heights
Johnson, currently our no. 1 recruit in 2021, is once again scorching the nets for Garfield Heights, averaging over 20 points per game. His quick-release jumper and seemingly limitless range allow the confident scorer to extend the defense. Underrated passer who uses his scoring threat to open up the game for his teammates. Willing to pull-up early in the possession if he has space.
Tre Massey, 6’2” G, Brunswick
The Strongsville transfer has exceeded our expectation for his sophomore season ten-fold. Massey has become an elite catch-and-shoot guy in a short amount of time. Good size at the 2-guard. Also has the ability to score off one dribble, but his outside jumper is the catalyst for his entire game. Brunswick, however, has lost five of their last six after starting 6-0.
Bryon Ottrix, 5’10” G, Glenville
Glenville’s primary ball-handler is a flat-out scoring machine this season. Ottrix averages 20.3 points per game to lead the 8-7 team. We really like some of the tools that the volume scorer possesses — quickness with the ball, ability to shoot off the dribble, and his floater. Ottrix’s father tells us Detroit Mercy recently reached out to the sophomore.
Brenton Walker, 6’6” F/C, Canton McKinley
Walker’s athleticism and power around the rim is a flat-out problem. Hard to believe the dunk-happy prospect is just a sophomore when you watch him out-muscle and out-leap upperclassmen for offensive rebounds. Raw athlete who can dominate the glass and score on put-backs. Runs the floor well and is mobile enough to switch onto guards or close-out. Could use some work on going over the shoulder for simple finishes because he can carve out great position in the post.