Northwest Ohio’s Top Juniors at the Midseason Mark
There’s some urgency around junior season. In most cases, it’s time to become a primary contributor for guys who are hoping to be recruited to play college ball, although there are tons of exceptions to that. Regardless, this crop of 2020 prospects out of Northwest Ohio has delivered this season.
Josh Crall, 6’1” G, Wynford
Crall, a player we haven’t seen in live action yet, has been tearing up the Northern 10 Athletic Conference for Wynford this season, averaging a conference-high 24.2 points. Crall is a well-rounded scorer who can shoot it from distance, is comfortable shooting off motion, and finish with finesse around the basket. Not an elite athlete, but highly skilled and quick enough with the ball. Also averaging 6.7 rebounds for 2-8 Wynford.
Josiah Fulcher, 6’2” G, Lima Senior
New to the area as a transfer from Pickerington Central, Fulcher has taken the Three Rivers Athletic Conference by storm. He is Lima’s leading scorer, 18.9 per game, and the Spartans are off to a hot start at 9-2 and no. 9 in our D-I Power Rankings. The Division I guard prospect has a nice combination of length, hops, and quickness and can get to the basket quickly when he catches on the wing. Also a threat to shoot it from the outside. Fundamentally sound defender who can check multiple positions. Top junior in the conference by far.
Zeb Jackson, 6’3” G, Maumee Valley
The Michigan commit is the shining prospect out of Toledo at the moment and he’s averaging a filthy 24.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists right now. Jackson has the Hawks rolling at 7-2 and no. 2 in our D-IV Power Rankings. His ability to create shots for himself — both inside and outside more than ever, too — is a transcendent quality for Maumee Valley. Also the primary ball-handler for this team.
Da’Sean Nelson, 6’6” F, Rogers
Nelson came into the season with palpable buzz about his offseason improvements and has, mostly, lived up to the hype for 5-7 Rogers. They played a challenging non-conference schedule and he has produced in those games. Expect the Rams to start rattling off wins now that Toledo City League conference play is in full-swing. Nelson can dominate a game with his athletic advantage around the rim. Not only does he score over the top, he’s a game-changing shot-blocker. Nelson’s numbers are at 16.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest.
Jamir Simpson, 6’5” W/F, Lima Senior
Simpson’s combination of ball skills and size creates mismatches almost on a nightly basis in the TRAC. He’s too big and powerful to be defended by your three guard; too quick to be checked by your center. Simpson isn’t going to let you off the hook either — he aggressively looks to score baskets, especially in getting to the rim. Also has craft in a congested paint. Averaging 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds and, as we mentioned, Lima is rolling.
Jackson Sizemore, 6’7” F, Perrysburg
For the third year in a row, Sizemore is doing his thing in the winter for Perrsyburg. Although he has a size advantage that he capitalizes on, Sizemore can also run the break, step out to defend with length, and hit a spot-up jumper. Excellent screener. Averaging 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds on a 7-3 team.
Hayden Stone, 6’8” F/C, Carey
Stone may be the most talented forward prospect in the area. He enjoyed a monster breakout 16U summer where offers from Ohio Univ. and Stony Brook came across the table. At the moment, Stone is averaging a double-double with 14.1 points and 11.2 rebounds. He’s an efficient scorer on the low block who uses power and size to his advantage. Defense, though, is Stone’s strength and Carey’s ability to hold teams to a low number is a reflection of his impact.
Ben Westrick, 6’7” F, Ottawa-Glandorf
Westrick and senior guard Owen Heigel have 9-1 Ottawa-Glandorf exceeding expectations at the halfway point. He is personally averaging 15.7 points per game while dominating the defensive glass. His AAU coach, Brock Howe with NWO Basketball Club, tells us Westrick has turned the corner in the last several months in terms of his motor. Excellent around the basket defensively and as a rebounder. Unorthodox but effective outside shot. Solid athlete.
Dante’ Wheeler, 6’6” W/F, Elida
We’re just happy that Wheeler is back after dealing with an array of lower body injuries as an underclassman. He’s been playing well for an Elida team who lost one of their other top players, freshman Evan Unruh, to injury. Wheeler is a big combo forward who can handle and shoot. Unique skill set for a guy with this size.