2019 Rankings Update: Top 20 Southern Ohio Prospects
Stretching from as northward as Dayton, as southward as South Point, and as eastern as Steubenville, here are the Top 20 from Southern Ohio’s 2019 class: Andre Gordon | 6-2 G | Sidney Ohio’s no. 1 prospect in our final 2019…
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Continue ReadingStretching from as northward as Dayton, as southward as South Point, and as eastern as Steubenville, here are the Top 20 from Southern Ohio’s 2019 class:
Andre Gordon | 6-2 G | Sidney
Ohio’s no. 1 prospect in our final 2019 rankings, Gordon’s dynamic scoring ability, defensive prowess at the point of attack, and athleticism will be a factor for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Gordon has a deep bag of tricks to create separation off the dribble. He combines skill with elite leaping ability, both in terms of hang-time and verticality. Quick hands, great hips, and lateral quickness allow him to make an impact as a defender, even if he doesn’t possess extraordinary length.
Miles “Deuce” McBride | 6-2 G | Moeller
McBride should thrive at “Press Virginia,” as he leaves Moeller as one of the best perimeter defenders we’ve seen in the past few classes. Elite quickness, length, and defensive instincts, never allowing a clean look at the basket for opponents. McBride has also become more dangerous as scorer in the mid-range. He can play either guard spot.
Samari Curtis | 6-4 SG | Xenia
Ohio’s Mr. Basketball in 2019, Curtis accumulated outrageous numbers on the offensive end for Xenia. Shoots the ball from way outside off the bounce. Disregards the first line of defense with creative crossovers. Once he gets into the lane, Curtis finds his way to the free throw line better than anyone in Ohio. Takes chances on the defensive end. Cincinnati signee.
Amari Davis | 6-4 SG | Trotwood
Davis thrived in Trotwood’s high-pressure, fast-pace attack and recently led them to the school’s first State Championship. He scores it very well going to his left, whether it’s a contested layup or one-dribble pull-up. Davis is a blur in transition and likes to push off the defensive glass. Capable of finishing ambidextrously in traffic. Active defender who causes steals and deflections.
Tanner Holden | 6-6 SF | Wheelersburg
Holden is the top-ranked Southeast Ohio prospect in the 2019 class, and it’s not particularly close. The Wright State commit is capable of playing either forward spot because of his strong frame and athleticism. Shot an extraordinarily high-percentage from the field during the EYBL circuit, taking advantage of a size difference against small forwards by getting to the cup. Skilled mid-post game.
Abba Lawal | 6-11 C | Withrow
Lawal may not have been the most productive high school player. But, he possesses the tools to protect the rim in a very impactful way — elite height, length, and enough quickness block-to-block. Playing with effort consistently and avoiding injury are important for the Cincinnati center.
Ethan Conley | 6-3 SF | Franklin-Monroe
A premier D-II recruit, Conley has signed to Ashland where he will bring an expansive mid-range package and toughness. Conley plays extremely hard, which is a lot to handle considering his power. Combines physicality with a lot of skill and reliable separation moves in the mid-range. Rebounds very well for his height.
RaHeim Moss | 6-3 SF | Springfield
Moss will play at Spire for a year of post-grad if he doesn’t take one of his several Division I football offers. The Springfield Wildcat is an elite athlete with a strong frame and major bounce. He’s most effective when pace picks up and he can power through defenders one at a time. Makes finishing through contact look easy. His shooting stroke looks good, but it didn’t drop with the consistency that his form might suggest.
Alec Pfriem | 6-4 SF | Moeller
The Bellarmine signee was instrumental in Moeller’s efficient offensive attack because of his elite decision-making ability. Pfriem delivers timely drop-down passes out of the high-post or when he’s coming down the floor in transition. Aggressive scorer in the paint, which opens up those passing lanes. Pfriem can shoot it from outside but didn’t settle for low-percentage shots at all as a senior. Defends the drive well because of his strength.
Joey Edmonds | 5-10 PG | Wyoming
Edmonds is arguably the best point guard recruit in the 2019 class signed to play at a Division II college program. Excellent athlete, outside shooter, and floor general. Edmonds shows terrific court sense and knows when he needs to effect the game as a scorer. Quick laterally and uses a strong upper body to fight through screens.
Bash Wieland | 6-4 SF | Lakota East
Wieland is a fundamentally-sound wing who, like Pfriem, will fit in nicely at Bellarmine. He’s capable of knocking down open shots from all three levels but doesn’t force it or over-dribble to create a look. Moves well without the ball and sets screens. Solid athlete who defends his man well and communicates on that end.
Noah Pack | 6-8 C | Georgetown
Pack is a tremendous signing for Thomas More, who only recently moved up from Division III to NAIA. A skilled post, Pack can put the ball on the floor, score inside on the move, shoot it from outside, while also being a good passer. He defends the basket well because of his size and can impact the game as an outlet passer off the defensive glass.
Garett Powell | 6-7 PF | Springboro
One of the top unsigned forwards in Ohio, Powell’s off-the-dribble abilities are rare for a kid with his size and frame. Powell can be a real playmaker when he drives to the basket, then turn around and out-muscle opposing posts on the glass. Shoots it well from the mid-range. Good feet and scoring touch.
Kellan Bochenek | 6-4 SF | Fairmont
Bochenek — one of Ohio’s top Stock-Risers from his 17U season to now — is just a very solid wing with an elite academic transcript. He just kind of has everything you’re looking for in a 3 — athleticism, makes shots, defends well, and doesn’t need to possess the ball to be effective. Holds offers from Bentley and Cedarville.
Anton Webb | 6-7 PF | Dayton Christian
After spending next season at Spire, expect Webb to be recruited heavily by programs in the Midwest. Webb has an intriguing blend of height, length, and ball skills. He can both defend the basket and take his man off the dribble. Uses his body well when he attacks the basket. Very good athlete.
Evan Conley | 6-0 PG | Fairfield Union
The West Liberty commit is an offensive weapon because of his two distinct strengths: passing and outside shooting — a pretty ideal combo for a point guard. Conley delivers on-target passes to shooters and finishers when he drives into the lane. He also cleverly finds open 3-pointers in the half-court by staying active without the ball.
Ryan Hall | 6-4 G | Fairmont
Hall holds several Division II offers after a breakout season at Fairmont. He’s an athletic score-minded combo guard with blow-by speed off the bounce. He’s at his best with the ball in his hands as the primary ball-handler. Capable outside shooter. Defends all positions on the perimeter and provides a rebounding presence as a guard.
AJ Garrett | 6-5 PF | Purcell Marian
Garrett is an intriguing athlete with a quick jump. Finishes over the top of defenders with his post moves because of his athletic advantage against forwards. Flashes skill as a face-up 4. He can defend in space while also being a shot-blocker around the basket. Unsigned senior.
Ethan Heller | 6-0 PG | Sheridan
Heller’s most distinct threat may be his outside shot, but we also like what he brings to the game defensively and as a slasher. Terrific pull-up jumper and knows when to take that shot instead of going into the trees for a layup. Quick athlete who doesn’t shy away from a physical back-and-forth with opposing point guards. Concord commit.
Kenny Jackson | 6-9 C | Hughes
We’re exciting to see what becomes of Jackson’s college career, under the belief that there’s a lot of untapped potential with the soon-to-be Hughes graduate. Possesses elite physical tools with his combination of a big body and gracefulness. Scores it around the rim with touch. Provides a defensive presence in the paint.