Ohio’s Friday and Saturday Standouts at Flyin’ to the Hoop
Most of the action is still ahead of us with all nine of the Ohio versus Ohio matchups yet to come. Playing against out-of-state powers and prep schools, though, OHSAA schools are 2-2: Fairmont over Crestwood Prep (Canada), 61-55 First…
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Continue ReadingMost of the action is still ahead of us with all nine of the Ohio versus Ohio matchups yet to come.
Playing against out-of-state powers and prep schools, though, OHSAA schools are 2-2:
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Fairmont over Crestwood Prep (Canada), 61-55
- First Love over Xenia, 89-80
- Centerville over Oak Ridge (FL), 63-52
- Prolific Prep (CA) over Springfield, 69-50
Controlling tempo with patient offense was the key for the Dayton teams who protected their home city.
Now 11-4, Fairmont has beaten Harvest Prep, Columbus DeSales, and an elite Canadian prep school in the last month. They have guards who can put pressure on the defense off the dribble and knock down shots. Firebirds should contend for a Division I District Final. They were the best GWOC team we’ve seen at the event, although Centerville was close.
Springfield (8-4), frankly, was disappointing in the effort department. Guys jogging back lethargically in transition defense was a common sight. Allowed Prolific Prep to run up and down without resistance — not the fight we’re accustomed to seeing out of a Wildcat team. Talented group, though, who will hopefully learn from the tape.
But, the main reason we cut out four days of our lives to be at Flyin’ to the Hoop is the top performers:
Ryan Hall (2019), 6’4″ G, Fairmont
stats: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
Hall accomplished exactly what you’d hope to as an unsigned senior on a big stage. A slashing combo guard with a scoring mentality, Hall dazzled the Flyin’ crowd with 22 first half points. Got to the rim with hesitations. Drew fouls and finished from low angles after creative gathers — when he wasn’t shooting free throws, he was finishing almost blindly. Super impressive left-handed finishes for the right-hander. Hall looks to beat double teams with the dribble and is more of a scorer than passer. Capable outside shooter.
Hall impressed as an active team defender, too. Good communication and instincts on where to shade or trap in their 1-3-1 zone. Used his bounce in passing lanes to grab lofting cross-court balls. Positive body language.
Samari Curtis (2019), 6’4” G, Xenia
stats: 44 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
The future Cincinnati Bearcat’s scoring output ranks near the top in event history. A shifty ball-handler with speed, Curtis finds creative ways to score off the dribble. Jumps directly into shot-blockers with hangtime to draw shooting fouls. Curtis was 13-for-20 from the free throw line. Elite one-on-one scorer who uses his shooting range and ball screens to dart past the first line of defense. Electric ball-handler in transition. Lateral quickness allows him to be a nice on-ball defender — excited to see what he becomes on that end for UC. Could have shown more urgency on defensive rotations, but he did play all but about two minutes.
Curtis operates in a high-usage role for Xenia and enjoys ideal floor spacing. He’s a good spot shooter who can create from anywhere, but we’re intrigued to see him adjust to a wing-scorer role at the next level.
Jason Sneed (2019), 6’3” W, Centerville
stats: 17 points, 5 rebounds
A self-aware role player who outplays more athletic opponents because of constant movement and IQ, Sneed is a hidden gem for Division III and NAIA programs. The thin, wiry wing is a good athlete in his own right, though. Uses quickness and length at the point of attack on defense. Also flies in for weak-side traps and can defend 2s and 3s. Tremendous backdoor cutter who shows patience with the pump fake on finishes. Capable outside shooter but passed up a couple to find a better shot. Can’t say enough about his effort.
Ryan Marchal (2019), 5’8” PG, Centerville
stats: 22 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
His scoring numbers ballooned as he iced the upset over Oak Ridge at the free throw line. Marchal, who will spend another year of development at Huntington Prep on their post-grad team, handled pressure from athletic and long defenders. Dribbled a lot but can’t be accused of selfishness — it was always to ensure a good shot. Although his pull-up and floater weren’t falling, Marchal converted contested finishes. Unable to turn ball-handlers in the open floor and didn’t guard the ball much in the second half — his greatest need of improvement.