Who Would Benefit Most from a Tournament Run? (Division II-IV)
The trick is that every player would benefit from a postseason run. More games mean you’re closer to the ultimate goal, increased opportunity 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 opportunity 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 II, III, and IV, we identified 13 players who fit the bill:
Jaden Hameed (2021), 5’11” PG, VASJ
Despite losing four of their final five regular season games, VASJ enters the Division II Canton Region as the favorite, in our eyes. The road to Columbus, however, most likely includes wins over Lake Catholic, Revere/Gilmour Academy/Benedictine, then the regional final championship game. It’s a tough road! For VASJ to do it, this sophomore point guard’s impact will need to be felt. His IQ is beyond his years and he can create shots both from distance and the paint.
Treohn Watkins (2019), 5’11” PG, Columbus South
An unsigned point guard with shot-making ability from all over the floor, Watkins has a real opportunity to emerge if South makes their run. His speed allows him to get to spots on the floor and he combines that with pull-up shooting ability. South should win every district tournament game by double-digits. In the regional tournament, however, things will be tougher against the likes of Lexington, Mansfield Senior, Cleveland Central Catholic, and/or others.
Cameron Evans (2020), 6’0” PG, Zane Trace
Evans has been one of Southern Ohio’s top scorers this season. The underrated junior will have his chance for a breakout on March 10 against Fairfield Union — where he will matchup with West Liberty commit Evan Conley — if both teams advance. Evans is a high-IQ kid that can score it from all three levels. Earned his first scholarship offer this year in the middle of the season.
D’Arris Dean (2019), 6’0” G, Aiken
Starting tonight against McNicholas, the road starts to get very tough for this talented Aiken team. Following a win, they’d likely play Wyoming and then either Alter or Fenwick. In order for them to advance, Dean will need to have nights like he did against Hughes in their season finale, scoring 38 points in an upset. The senior combo guard has improved in his final season, becoming more efficient as a scorer.
CJ Napier (2019), 6’4” W, Fenwick
A strong wing who makes good decisions, can shoot it from deep, and finish in traffic, we’re surprised Napier doesn’t have more Division II options already. With no. 1 seed Chaminade Julienne falling yesterday, Fenwick will now have to beat Alter, a team they’ve lost to twice. Napier has had individual success against them this season so expect the senior leader to come out firing Saturday.
Morgan Safford (2019), 6’4” W, Bishop Hartley
Hartley will go as far as Safford can take them, and that’s quite obvious to anyone who has watched this team in 2018-19. The athletic rim-attacker is now shooting the ball from distance at an elite level. He has always possessed Division I upside and if he performs to that level all the way to the regional tournament, those dreams may become a reality for Safford.
Owen Hiegel (2019), 5’10” PG, Ottawa-Glandorf
Hiegel is the epitome of what we’re looking to spotlight in this article. He possesses collegiate talent, plays in a small town, and has never played AAU basketball. In order for Hiegel to receive collegiate attention late, they have to go on a tournament run.
The Division III Lima District will boil down to OG’s matchup with Archbold. The winner will enter the Bowling Green Region as favorites to make it to states. If they get to that point, Hiegel’s stock will sky-rocket.
Caleb Terry (2020), 6’10” C, Alexander
A shot-blocking presence like Terry opens up chances for a playoff run for Alexander, who already upset no. 3 seeded Fairland in the Division III Athens 2 District. Protecting the rim and finishing at the basket against Wheelersburg and Wright State commit Tanner Holden in a district final could catapult his status going into the spring.
AJ Garrett (2019), 6’5” F, Purcell Marian
Garrett was top five in the GCL-CoEd in both points and rebounds. His leaping ability and defensive versatility are both intriguing qualities in the young senior. Crucially, too, Purcell looks to have the red carpet to Columbus laid out. Although Deer Park, Stivers, or Anna could make for a challenging regional final, none can match Purcell’s depth. The Cavs haven’t lost to a Division III or IV team all season, including a 16-point win over Deer Park.
Jacob Gudorf (2019), 6’3” PG, Brookville
Gudorf averages 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for Brookville. Doing it against elite competition in March, though, makes all the difference. One more win and he will have his chance against Reading in the Division III Dayton 1 district championship. Gudorf’s size and vision at the point guard spot are advantages. He can also defend wing-guards.
Trevon Ellis (2020), 6’3” G, Stivers
We’re one game away from a star-studded district championship game between Stivers and Deer Park. Among many enticing storylines, the game would mean a matchup between two of the top four combo guards in Ohio’s 2020 class — Ellis and Mark Wise. If Ellis proved effective in that matchup, he would enter his 17U season with much-deserved buzz.
Curtis Houston (2019), 6’3” G, Richmond Heights
Anything less than a state tournament appearance would be a little underwhelming for Richmond Heights. They have a lengthy rotation of high-motor defenders and a senior point guard, Houston, to create shots. We like the way he has played this season — less flash, more efficiency. Colleges may take a second look at Houston if he is able to showcase those improvements in Columbus.
Simon Blair (2020), 5’9” PG, South Central
South Central is our pick to represent the Willard District at the Division IV Canton Regional tournament and Blair is the reason why. We love his IQ and ability to control a game at the point guard spot. Finishes with either hand and changes speeds when attacking the basket. Terrific mid-range shooter off the dribble. Solid lateral quickness, too. Eventually, Blair is going to have his day as a recruit, maybe it will come this March.