This Season’s Top Southwest Ohio Freshmen and Sophomores
Stretching from the Greater Western Ohio Conference all the way down to the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, this collection of Southwest Ohio freshmen and sophomores includes some of the top prospects in the state.
AJ Braun (2021), 6’8” C, Fenwick
Braun plays with an edge and looks like a senior when he finishes through bodies or rebounds in traffic. As time goes on, Braun will likely become a household name in this 2021 recruiting class. Rebounds with physicality on either end of the floor and ranks third in the GCL-CoEd at 7.6 per game. Also a capable 3-point shooter when he pops.
Logan Duncomb (2021), 6’9” C, Moeller
The starting 5 for the no. 1 team in Ohio has hardly scratched the surface on what he could become. Duncomb is still a gangly kid, but he has the toughness part of the game figured out and could become dominant once he develops physically. Duncomb is scoring 8.0 PPG on 67 percent from the field. Supplies Moe with second-chance opportunities and rim protection.
Mehki Elmore (2022), 5’11” PG, Thurgood Marshall
A southpaw floor general who aggressively looks for his own shot, Elmore will be a staple for Thurgood these next three-and-a-half years. Shows an ability to score in the lane with creativity and touch. Elmore didn’t have a great shooting performance at Flyin’ to the Hoop, but he’s definitely capable from outside.
Anthony McComb (2021), 6’1” G, Thurgood Marshall
McComb might need another inch or two to become a Division I commodity, but his explosiveness and scoring ability point to that level of upside. Very fast kid who can drive hard and blow-by defenders. Makes up for his lack of height on the wing with his wingspan and leaping ability. Has some versatility on defense. His priority should be developing his jumper.
Paul McMillan IV (2022), 6’0” PG, Hughes
McMillan is the best freshman guard prospect we’ve covered this high school season. Promising size, blazing speed, ability to control pace, body control at the basket, and a solid outside jumper — McMillan has a deep repertoire of promising tools. He also appears to be a winner. Not a single starter is back for Hughes this season and they finished 24-4 in 2018. Yet, Hughes is a Regional Championship contender with this freshman as the lead guard.
CamRon McKenzie (2021), 6’2” G, Hughes
We become more intrigued by McKenzie as time goes on. His scoring ability around the rim is uncanny as he kisses balls off the glass at the weirdest low angles. A volume scorer, McKenzie is still a bit raw. Yet, his ability around the basket is promising and he has been shooting the 3-pointer more consistently as the season progresses.
Skyler Schmidt (2021), 6’4” F/C, Clermont Northeastern
Schmidt is a strong post player who is pretty quick off the ground. Able to dominate with his size and strength in the Southern Buckeye Conference. Finishes through contact with a soft touch. Schmidt — especially when it comes to a crisp shooting form — shows shades of becoming a more versatile power forward.
Mike Sharavjamts (2022), 6’6” W, Legacy Christian
Sharavjamts is a kid every hoops junkie in Ohio will become familiar with throughout his career — better yet, most Division I coaches in the Midwest, too. Right now, he’s going mini-viral on Hudl as a semi-unknown commodity. But his time is coming, and it could be in the Division IV postseason as LCA is having a heck of a season.
He has a feel and could develop into a true primary ball-handler at 6’6”. Finesse scorer who packs an athletic pop at the rim. His outside jumper is a weapon and it must be respected off the dribble. The Mongolian-native is down-right talented and has as much upside as just about anyone in the 2022 class.
Brayden Sipple (2021), 6’4” W, Blanchester
A terrific one-on-one scorer on the wing, Sipple gets whatever shot he wants in the Southern Buckeye Conference. Two-sport athlete (football) with solid length and agility. Shoots it pretty well and is best when he pulls up with rhythm in the mid-range. Sipple is still raw and could benefit from playing top-flight grassroots ball.
Jakada Stone (2021), 6’0” PG, Aiken
Playing in the CMAC against athletic, fast-tempo defenses, 17.4 points per game isn’t surprising for an elite point guard prospect like Stone. But, here’s what is promising for the second-year starter: zero turnovers versus Hughes, three against Taft, one against Gamble. On average, Stone has a positive assist-turnover ratio of 3.7-1.9. We hope to see him continue progressing in that category, but his improvements as a shooter since last year are a positive indicator on that front.
Isaiah Walker (2021), 6’4” W, Wyoming
Within the Wyoming offense, Walker is still able to score several buckets a game by leaking out or attacking one-on-one after a reversal. Yet, he’s showing real promise in his development in fluidity, outside shooting, and explosiveness at the rim. At 12.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, Walker’s best years are still ahead of him.
Kaden Warner (2021), 5’11” G, Gamble
Since the North College Hill transfer’s return, Gamble is 4-1 and Warner is putting up monster numbers — 24.3 PPG, 7.3 APG, 3.7 RPG, and 5.0 SPG. I mean, what the heck is that?! A growing and explosive athlete, Warner can create space from beyond the arch and is becoming more effective in the lane. His passing skills are just beginning to blossom, too. Lot of upside when it comes to Warner.
Alex Williams (2021), 6’4” F, Moeller
Williams, a skilled power forward, is the most surprising contributor in Moeller’s rotation. A key cog for the Division I State Championship favorite, Williams provides versatility at the 5 when he checks in. Defends multiple positions and can score from inside or out — shooting 50 percent on 16 3-point attempts. Very strong kid who eats up space in the paint.