Saturday Standouts from Vandalia Butler
Last night’s first round playoff games at Vandalia Butler went as expected: These games also allowed us to take a look at many of Southwest Ohio’s top prospects, maybe for the last time this year. Here were the standouts: David…
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Continue ReadingLast night’s first round playoff games at Vandalia Butler went as expected:
These games also allowed us to take a look at many of Southwest Ohio’s top prospects, maybe for the last time this year. Here were the standouts:
David Sanford (2019), 6’1” G, Springfield
stats: 15 points, 2 rebounds
Springfield was markedly more athletic and talented than Tecumseh across the board in their 65-26 win. Any number of players stood-out, but Sanford was the best of the best. The long lead guard showed an ability to score it on one-dribble pull-ups and aggressive takes to the rim. Good cutter off the ball. Fundamentally sound player. Defended well in the full-court.
Larry Stephens (2020), 6’1” G, Springfield
stats: 9 points, 3 rebounds
Stephens was a dominate member of Springfield’s run-and-jump defense — their ultimate advantage against the Arrows. He attacked lofted passes and challenged ball-handlers with a tormenting presence on help-side defense. Stephens is a fast athlete who is also skilled on the offense end of the floor. Scores it in multiple ways. Expect him to have a breakout season as a senior.
Garett Powell (2019), 6’7” F, Springboro
stats: 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks
Powell’s versatility was on full-display. The strong-framed forward was Springboro’s primary ball-handler. He made plays while barreling down the lane with his combination of grace and power. Handles contact well and fought through a ton of no-calls in the paint. Capable shooter from the mid-range and 3-point line. Efficient scorer when he caught it in traditional spots for a power forward, such as the short corner.
Michael Berner (2019), 6’8” C, Springboro
stats: 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks
Berner may have some room to grow offensively, but his impact on defense and in transition could be felt immediately in college. Berner runs the floor with a good stride. He’s quick from block-to-block — allows him to rebound and force tough shots on help-side. Will need to start catching the ball cleanly to become a more effective scorer.
Shaunn Monroe (2019), 6’0” G, Fairborn
stats: 21 points, 3 rebounds
Monroe impressed with his one-on-one scoring ability. A skilled ball-handler, Monroe uses changes of speeds to get to the rim. Impressive burst when he gets into that second gear. He shoots it off the dribble very well, including a contested pull-up and nasty step-back from distance. Mainly switched everything on defense, which could’ve been to conserve energy as their only reliable offensive creator.
Andre Gordon (2019), 6’2” G, Sidney
stats: 30 points, 7 rebounds
This team will go as far as Gordon can take them. His shot-making ability is so crucial to this team. Even with the other team locked in on defending Gordon, he scored 30 points last night. He makes jumpers and layups from impossible, contested angles. Also creates separation with any number of jab step, crossover, and step-back combinations. Can play with either hand.
On defense, ball-handlers are better off passing it over to a teammate. He beats guards to their spots and causes steals frequently. In transition, his speed is jaw-dropping. Virginia Tech very well may have landed the most talented 2019 prospect in Ohio.
Ratez Roberts (2019), 6’3” F, Sidney
stats: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks
In Gordon Sidney has their star, in Roberts a glue guy. He tries to make every play on the defensive side of the floor. Tireless motor. Runs the floor well. Closes in on help-side to cause turnovers. Since Sidney doesn’t have a second creator alongside Gordon, so guys who can catch-and-finish or catch-and-shoot are useful offensive options.
Jaden Dahm (2020), 6’5” F, Dayton Carroll
stats: 8 points, 5 rebounds
Dahm showed some intriguing abilities in my first time watching the junior. Soft touch over the shoulder. Played with some energy. Stayed active on the offensive glass and made some nice cuts, too. Adding a bit of mean-streak to go along with his size would help.
Will Severt (2019), 6’0” PG, Dayton Carroll
stats: 5 assists
Severt may not have been a threat to shoot the ball, but his vision and ability to distribute was crucial for Carroll. Found shooters on the drive-and-kick and made clever drop-down passes when he picked up his dribble in the paint. Protected the ball and played with an edge. Loved his competitiveness — left it on the floor in his final game.