Northwest Ohio’s Top Seniors at the Midseason Mark
It was a hassle to trim down this list of standout seniors in Northwest Ohio. So, guess what, we didn’t trim it too much! Here’s an extensive list of the top senior performers in the area.
Little Anderson, 6’1”, Cardinal Stritch
Starting in the summer with Ohio Reign, Anderson has been on a tear for the last several months. Once a defensive specialist who could score in transition, Anderson is now capable of scoring in a variety of ways in the halfcourt. He can create separation with his handle, spot-up shoot from distance, or finish over the top. Averaging 13.9 points and 7.0 rebounds for a 9-2 Stritch team who plays Maumee Valley Friday.
Trent Armstrong, 6’0” PG, Wauseon
After playing a pass-first role in Wauseon’s patient offense that was predicating on post entries, Armstrong now leads the team at 18.4 PPG. Wauseon is also doing quite well with him at the helm despite graduating their top two players last fall. He’s a strong outside shooter who will leave high school with a lot of experience. Quality defender, too.
Drew Bench, 6’5” F, Genoa &
Jake Plantz, 6’4” G, Genoa
No surprises here but Genoa is undefeated, and these two senior mainstays are the reason why. Both are top six in the Northern Buckeye Conference in both scoring and rebounding. Plantz and Bench both have an athletic and strength advantage at their position, allowing them to get to the lane for high-percentage looks and control the glass. Our no. 10 team in Division III right now, Genoa has a chance to represent NW Ohio in the State Tournament becaue of their high-end talent.
Drew Burner, 6’4” F, Woodmore
Burner is a pick and pop big man who likes to space out the defense on one end and play physical on the other. A top rebounder, Burner is currently leading the team with 7.3 per game because of his ability to box out and out-hustle opponents. Burner can also score in the lane by putting his body into people. He averages 20.9 PPG.
Eddie Colbert, 6’6” F, Whitmer
Nobody has raised their stock in the way Colbert has this season. It’s cliché but Colbert truly has a knack for the ball. His hands and ability to out-jump opponents is a deadly combination on the offensive glass. Colbert’s outside jumper on pick and pops also looks more natural. It would be a crime if Colbert isn’t First Team All State at 22.6 points and 8.8 rebounds, especially if Whitmer sticks to their winning ways.
Areon Evans, 6’2” G, Whitmer
The improvement of Evans comes down to one thing — his outside shooting. Evans is still an awesome point-of-attack defender who has toughness and length at 6’2”. But, again, the consistency from outside has been a pleasant surprise. His 11.8 points per game has been a tremendous boost.
Isaac Elsasser, 6’4” W, Bowling Green
Maybe the most underrated scorer in the area is Elsasser out of BG. He gets it done from all three levels of the floor because of his craft and scoring instincts. Knows when to pull-up after one dribble or get to the lane for a floater. Uses the pump fake and jab series better than most. Terrific mid-range shooter off the bounce. He is second in the Northern Lakes League with 22.1 PPG.
Cody Frericks, 6’7” F/C, Minster
Frericks is also a standout on the football field. His production as both a rebounder and high-percentage scorer gives Minster a great frontcourt combo with him and Jarod Schulze. Although they’re 7-4 right now, Minster’s twin towers are going to be a problem for anyone they see in the Division IV postseason.
Jackie Harris, 6’6” F, Toledo St. Francis
Harris is yet again putting together an extremely productive season with 21.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per night. Depending on the matchup, Harris is equally productive catching in the short corner for a post-up or spotting up for the deep ball. Shows dedication to the defensive glass and can push tempo with outlet passes. The Knights need him to have a double-double type night every time they play another top TRAC opponent — irreplaceable value.
Tehree Horn, 6’2” G, Southview
We had a good feeling Horn was going to breakout this year given his All Ohio Gold summer. But, dang, 24.7 points per game?! Horn is also averaging 6.0 rebounds for this team. A big guard, Horn uses his length and ball-handling ability to create space for mid-range jumpers. He is dynamic off the bounce. Great at changing pace with the ball.
Payton Moyer, 6’0” G, Toledo St. John’s
Moyer’s 3-point shooting is paramount for the Titans this season. He moves around without the ball tremendously and has the ultimate green light. Quick release and elite shooting mechanics. He’s also been good on one dribble pull-ups, often using the pump fake to get a defender off the ground. His strength is underrated — tough defender against driving ball-handlers. Communicates well on defense. The high-academic recruit is averaging 14.8 PPG.
Ryan Nunn, 5’11” G, Findlay &
Ryan Roth, 5’10” G, Findlay
The two Ryans at Findlay are filling it up from deep, protecting the ball, and leading this team with 31.0 points per game combined. The Trojans are starting to take off, too, with wins over Lima Senior and Ottawa-Glandorf this weekend. Both are excellent spot-up shooters and guys who can pull off the dribble. They could upset any of the perennial powers in Northwest Ohio if they have a good shooting night.
Ty’Quan Porter, 6’3” G/W, Woodward
Porter is a guy who has always caught our eye during the Toledo Summer League with flashes. Now, he’s putting it together, scoring 16.0 PPG and pulling in 8.2 RPG. Porter has good length and knows how to get to the basket. Good quickness off the dribble. Wiry build.
Denzel Prince, 6’3” W, Toledo Springfield
Forget the 14.6 PPG, Prince is a standout defender. Utilizes his length and quickness to defend in passing lanes and at the rim. Hustles all the time. Pretty good athlete. Definitely a secondary option in this Springfield offense, where he’s asked to spot-up shoot and attack off the catch. Should be a very good role player at the next level.
Alek West, 6’3” PG, Northview
If the 13-0 Northview Wildcats continue rolling through their schedule, there’s no doubt that West will be the Northern Lakes League Player of the Year. West is nearly averaging a double-double with 22.1 points and 9.5 rebounds. He uses his size against smaller guards to get into the lane for high-percentage floaters. Four-year starter who has seen it all at this point.