Who Would Benefit Most From a Tournament Run? (Division I)
The trick is that every player would benefit from a postseason run. More games mean you’re closer to the ultimate goal, increased chances to be seen by scouts, and added opportunities to play this sport with your friends. So, what…
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Continue ReadingThe trick is that every player would benefit from a postseason run.
More games mean you’re closer to the ultimate goal, increased chances to be seen by scouts, and added opportunities to play this sport with your friends.
So, what is this article supposed to tell us? A more precise question might be: How did we come up with these names? What qualifies them?
There are three components. First, the player’s team must have a realistic chance to make the regional tournament, which cuts down the pool of prospects considerably. Second, the player must be an integral part to the team and he must be playing well. After all, it’s not doing you any good on the recruiting scene if you suit up and prove to be a non-factor. Finally, you must be an uncommitted upperclassman. There are examples of committed players being swayed, but we’re not advocating for that here.
Also, it helps your chances of being mentioned if we believe you’re better than what people may expect.
In Division I, we identified 21 players who fit the bill:
Jamir Simpson (2020), 6’5” F, Lima Senior
Simpson is one of the very few juniors on this list. He makes it because of the marked improvement in his game this season. Since transferring up north from Pickerington Central, Simpson’s game has been unlocked. He turned into an athletic and efficient face-up forward that should catch the attention of D-IIs across the Midwest sooner than later. Finally, Lima should be seen as the favorite to come out of Toledo, having beaten Whitmer twice already.
Alek West (2019), 6’3” PG, Northview
The District Player of the Year has put up remarkable numbers in his fourth year as Northview’s starting point guard. His command over their offense and ability to get into the lane is a big reason they enter March undefeated. It’s an offense which accentuates his strengths. Yet, no reported offers from West. Marquee matchups with Toledo St. John’s, then maybe Lima Senior provide an opportunity for this hidden gem.
Trey Syroka (2019), 5’10” PG, Whitmer
Late-season losses to St. Edward and Lima Senior have dampened our postseason expectations on Whitmer. But if they’re able to circle the wagons, Syroka will likely be the reason for the run. The high-usage point guard is wicked creative on the dribble-drive. Keeps his dribble alive better than almost anyone in Ohio. This senior-laden group should skate to the regionals after taking care of the Toledo 1 District.
Jakiel Wells (2019), 6’1” G, Toledo St. Francis
Wells has been one of the best point-of-attack defenders in Toledo since he started playing varsity ball. It’s been his ability to distribute and control a game, though, lately that has St. Francis on track. They closed the season with three solid conference wins. Knights are 0-2 against Whitmer this season, but a third chance in the district final seems imminent, and it will be there where Wells’ opportunity for a breakout resides.
Jake Snyder (2019), 6’0” G, Hoban
With Copley then St. Vincent-St. Mary standing between Hoban and the regional tournament, their chances may seem unlikely. At 17-5, though, the Knights are no slouch. A sharp-shooting primary ball-handler, Snyder’s play will be crucial these next few weeks. Colleges could become intrigued by his length and ability to shoot with range.
VannAubrey Thomas (2019), 6’2” G, Copley
A district final appearance for Copley would give Thomas a chance to go against his former school, St. Vincent-St. Mary — talk about added motivation. Thomas is a young senior who brings height and quickness to the point guard position. He has some defensive versatility if he lands at a small college program. Elusive on the dribble-drive.
Anthony Mazzeo (2019), 6’2” G, Massillon Jackson
Jackson is the no. 1 seed in a sneakily difficult Canton District that could pit them against McKinley or GlenOak, Hoover, then Green or Boardman. The Polar Bears need Mazzeo to continue his stellar play if they’re going to return to the regional tournament. Mazzeo makes good decisions as a lead guard and provides elite catch-and-shoot ability from distance.
Kaleb Martin (2019), 5’8” PG, Green
With matchups against Jake Maranville and possibly Anthony Mazzeo coming up, Martin has chances to prove his value as a recruit on the big stage in March. Green is the no. 2 seed in the Canton District and Martin’s play-making ability is their greatest strengths. Dynamic ball-handler who can get to his spots for his own shot. Yet he’s unselfish enough to dish to teammates when help-side comes over, too.
DJ Dial (2019), 5’9” PG, Brush
Dial may not actually need the postseason — he reportedly received three Division II offers yesterday. Dial is another high-usage lead guard. His passing and ball-handling ability have become elite throughout his career. Averaging nearly a double-double in points and assists. Although Brush is the no. 2 seed in the Euclid District, many view them as favorites to make it to States out of the Cleveland Region.
Nigel Martin (2019), 6’4” W, Cleveland Heights
If — and it’s a big if — Cleveland Heights takes down East Tech in their first game, they would play Brush in what could be the most exciting District Semifinal in Division I. Although the Tigers are just two game above .500, they’ve proven capable of beating and hanging with Ohio’s best. Unlike most teams that play Brush, Cleveland Heights would actually hold the size advantage, too.
In terms of Martin, he would need to be spectacular in that game while teammate Jaelyn Withers battled with John Hugley. Scoring the ball efficiently against Wright State commit Andre Harris might be all scouts need to see to pull the trigger on an offer.
Dakota Cochran (2020), 6’2” G, Shaker Heights
We don’t believe folks understand just how good Cochran is. People may see an athletic wing-guard — and athleticism is one of his key strengths — but he’s more than that. Cochran can also shoot the ball, attack the basket, and defend three positions on the wing. Tireless motor. Shaker Heights wouldn’t have sniffed the no. 1 seed in the Solon District without Cochran, their only returning starter.
Mario Lacy (2019), 6’7” C, Euclid
That Solon District isn’t “wide open,” but it will likely come down to three teams: Shaker, Garfield Heights, and no. 2 Euclid. Matchups against the other two provide opportunities for one of Ohio’s top senior stock-risers, Mario Lacy. Possesses the physical tools of a prototypical rim-protector and energy big. Would thrive for a college program that wants to get out on the break because of his speed at the 5.
Demetrius Terry (2019), 6’1” G, St. Edward
Playing big minutes for several years at one of Ohio’s most decorated D-I schools, Terry is a bit of a known commodity. Regardless, his energy and flashes of athleticism can catch the right eye on any given night. Possible spark plug defender and scorer for D-I or D-II college programs. If they can win the rubber match with rival St. Ignatius in the district final, Eds will likely handle the Solon District representative, too.
Ben Roderick (2019), 6’5” W, Olentangy Liberty
Let’s say Olentangy Liberty rips through the Columbus Region and Roderick continues to average around 30 points in those big games. Sure, most people are predicting Pick Central or Coffman will win the region; but if that happens, it seems like Roderick goes from high-major intrigue to high-major offers. While it’s not the only path to the Big 10 or Big East for Roderick, it would definitely be the most magical.
Javohn Garcia (2019), 6’3” PG, Pickerington Central
Garcia has already received a couple offers this season after playing one heck of a game at Flyin’ to the Hoop. Coming in as our favorite to make it back to The Schott, late March could mean more of the same for Garcia. He’s been one of the most valuable players in Ohio for his ability to defend, control a game’s pace, get to the rim, and distribute. Not to mention, his explosiveness continues on an upward trajectory.
Ben Fort (2019), 6’5” W, Reynoldsburg
A road to regionals for Fort and company would mean wins over Upper Arlington then Pickerington Central — tough, to say the least. Fort would need to be locked in and manage to play, I don’t know, spectacular. He’s capable as a D-I wing prospect with tremendous length, athleticism, and pull-up shooting ability. Holds an offer from Fort Wayne. By the way, Reynoldsburg may be perceived as being over their head against Pick Central, but they’ve played them tough twice, losing by just six and seven points.
Deairius Barker-Randle (2019), 6’0” G, Princeton
Barker-Randle has been the emerging piece of this Viking junior class in 2018-19. The athletic combo guard leads Princeton in scoring. He can finish in traffic, pull-up in the mid-range, and he’s shooting nearly 45 percent from distance. Finally, although Princeton’s shot at a real run is a year away, they do reside in a pretty wide-open Dayton 3 District. Wins over Lakota East then Wayne, Fairmont, or Butler — all teams of comparable talent in our opinion — would get them to the regional tourney.
Ronnie Hampton (2019), 5’10” G, Wayne
Hampton, a score-minded slashing combo guard, has been quietly spectacular for Wayne this season. Scouts may question if he his game translates, but season averages of 16.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals is impressive no matter how you slice it. Very talented ball-handler. Also, for what it’s worth, Wayne is my pick to win that district.
Ryan Hall (2019), 6’4” G, Fairmont
Hall is so critical to Fairmont’s success. So, even though they lost their last three games of the regular season, a Hall hot streak could get them right back on track. Dynamic slasher who can finish and play with either hand. Very athletic. Capable of defending a couple positions. Their first big game comes tomorrow against Butler at Centerville.
Mo Njie (2019), 6’9” C, Centerville
I’m a Centerville believer. That’s not some outlandish opinion either — they’ve won 14-straight games. The Elks are probably one of the best dozen or so teams in Division I at this very moment. Mason will be a tough district final game, but I don’t see Centerville meeting their match until they see Moeller in a regional final.
On Njie, while there might be some people out there who don’t quite see it with him yet, I’m on the other side of that coin. Kid has a high ceiling and his ability to move from block-to-block and block-to-elbow to block shots is elite. If he puts together a couple memorable games on the defensive end in March, VCU won’t be his only mid-season offer.
Landen Long (2019), 6’1” PG, Mason
If Centerville goes down, it will likely be at the hands of Long and the Mason Comets, who will need to dismiss Withrow and LaSalle first. Long is a high-IQ point guard that can score the ball from distance. Pure shooting stroke, which helped him earn a Goshen offer this summer.