Northwest Ohio’s Top Underclassmen at the Midseason Mark
Ranging geographically from the Midwest Athletic Conference up into the Northwest Conference and over to the Northern 10 Athletic Conference, here are top freshmen and sophomores this high school season:
AJ Adams (2021), 6’4” W, FIndlay
If you would’ve told me someone besides Madonna commit Ryan Nunn would be leading Findlay in scoring halfway through the season, I would’ve thought you were talking about a different Findlay or something. Yet, Adams is a freaking stud and he blossomed ahead of schedule. At 18.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, he’s done way more than provide a third scoring option for the 7-3 Trojans, which we thought was the plan.
Adams is a excellent cutter and slasher to the basket. Changes speeds very well, almost like a one-cut running back who found the hole. Knows how to finish in traffic. Also a versatile defensive terror with solid length and good strength. Currently our no. 38 prospect in 2021, Adams could climb the charts in a hurry. Wouldn’t be surprised if Findlay Univ. is already all over him, but that’s speculation.
Steve Coleman (2021), 6’2″ W, Maumee Valley
Coleman is the second-highest rated prospect in the Toledo area in the sophomore class. His athletic ability is elite and he has upside as a defender. In the preseason, we wrote a lot about how crucial his season was for Maumee Valley, who would become a Division IV State Championship contender if he became a trustworthy and consistent scoring option alongside Zeb Jackson.
Well, as it stands, Coleman is balling out at 15.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. His outside shooting ability has reportedly improved. Coleman is also elite at finishing around the rim and he plays much larger than 6’2″. He should garner collegiate eyeballs if The Valley goes on a run — they’re 7-2 and no. 2 in our D-IV Power Rankings.
CamRon Gaston (2021), 5’5” PG, Rossford
Gaston, although frankly very small, knows how to make plays and score with range. Has to shoot from way outside because of his height but he can also shake a defender and pull-up. Likes to pass late in the lane but does deliver to open teammates. Has become increasingly unselfish, but his role requires him to score for Rossford and he’s putting up 16.0 PPG. Rossford is 2-9.
AJ Jump (2022), 6’4” F, Toledo St. John’s
Jump is in the exclusive (and totally made up) “Freshman Starter Club” over there at St. John’s Jesuit — an honor reserved for very few guys who have played for head coach Ed Heintschel. Jump has taken advantage and showcased some nice tools in his first year. He seems to want to develop into a pick-and-pop four and is shooting the ball good enough. Excellent defensive performance the other day against Oregon Clay, where he showed IQ and toughness on the low block. Leading the team in rebounds at 5.7 per game.
Brady Lichtenberg (2021), 6’2” G, Toledo St. John’s
Lichtenberg has changed the dynamics of the Titan offense since re-entering the lineup after his football injury. He gives them a second guy who can provide shot creation, alongside senior Payton Moyer who is also playing well. Lichtenberg is an elite catch-and-shoot guy, but he’s hardly ever wide open. His pull-up game and ability to get into the lane and pump fake before finishing has been impressive. Safe to predict that he will play college football, though.
Khalil Luster (2022), 5’4” PG, Lima Senior
He’s a starting freshman point guard at a school who has developed blue chippers at that position — Luster has our attention. Possesses a wealth of point guard qualities, including finding teammates and being able to dictate pace on both ends of the floor. Luster compensates for his height disadvantage by being a quick, skilled ball-handler. He can also score it from beyond the arch or over the trees with craft. Lima is 9-1 and our no. 9 team in Division I.
Cole McWhinnie (2021), 5’11” PG, Toledo Christian &
Trevon Wensink (2021), 6’1” G, Toledo Christian
Toledo Christian is our no. 9 team in Division IV with a record of 6-2 and a win over Cardinal Stritch. Their top two scorers are this sophomore duo of McWhinnie and Wensink, so the TAAC may have a problem on their hands for the years to come.
Wensink is an interesting prospect who has some ability to get to the rim and defend on the wing. Pretty good length for the sophomore, which he uses to defend, finish over forwards, and rebound in traffic. Wensink leads the team in points, 14.4 per game, and is second in rebounds at 6.7 per game. McWhinnie is the head coach’s son — he plays with that sort of acumen as a passer. McWhinnie is also a threat to score it from beyond the arch and averages 11.9 points per game.
Jamiya Neal (2021), 6’5” W, Toledo St. Francis
Neal remains the top overall prospect in Toledo’s 2021 class. His mid-range shooting off the dribble and physical stature has taken a step forward this season. Neal pops a couple jumpers from the elbow every game at this point and is pretty effective in the pick-and-roll. His athleticism is a nightmare for defenses when he gets out in transition or is soaring for a rebound. Needs to work on his left hand in the offseason. Averaged 10.9 points and 5.3 rebounds for an 8-2 team.
Maurice Purley (2022), 5’8” PG, Whitmer
Love what we’ve seen from Purley but it’s hard to get a well-rounded evaluation on the kid in his current role. Purley is the fifth starter on a team with four accomplished seniors who deserve most of the shots. Yet, Purley can shoot it when he has space and he’s been a tremendous passer. Doesn’t make many mistakes despite moving quickly. Could turn into a serious point guard prospect.
Josh Thorbahn (2021), 6’5” G, Ottoville
Thorbahn is a shooting guard with collegiate size, a nasty outside jumper, and the tools to score inside. He’s putting it all together for the second year in a row, playing like an All-State guy for Division IV Ottoville. Averaging 19.0 points per game and, like we said, he gets it done from all over the floor. Able to shoot over smaller guards but also draws separation with skill. Walking mismatch. Already holds an offer from nearby Findlay.
Frank Waganfeald (2021), 6’6” C, Oregon Clay
Filtering the ball inside to Waganfeald is, basically, Clay’s entire offensive plan. The plodding sophomore big man is a skilled back-to-the-basket scorer who likes to drop step or execute an up-and-under. Throwback type game. He has improved athletically, which shows itself in running the floor. Will need to become more effective against athleticism. He’s seeing a lot of double teams, yet averages 12.3 points and 8.6 rebounds.