New Names from D-II and D-III Semifinals
Prep Hoops strives to cover as many deserving players in the Buckeye State as possible. So, instead of covering the Top Performers from State Semifinal action, how about the underrated talent!
All Tournament Teams on Sunday will spotlight top performers. But those who thrived in secondary roles deserve recognition, too, especially if we believe they have a chance to find a fit at the next level.
Elijah Glenn (2019), 6’5” C, Harvest Prep
stats: 4 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
Glenn is more athletic and mobile than I thought going into the day. Came up with a few rebounds that he tracked down going across the lane. Glenn plays with a solid feel at the 5 and delivered a couple creative passes to guys who were back-cutting to the basket. Solid one-on-one defender in the post — defends with strength.
Raymond Robertson (2019), 6’3” W, Harvest Prep
stats: 8 points, 2 rebounds
Robertson’s five-point scoring burst at the end of the game pushed Harvest Prep into the State Championship game. He confidently stroked a 3-pointer when Harvest Prep held a one-possession lead in the final minutes. Plays with energy.
Andrew Tate (2019), 6’5” F, Harvest Prep
stats: 4 points, 5 rebounds
Tate may have missed a couple of bunnies at the basket. However, we were impressed with his effort level and athleticism throughout the contest. Crashed the offensive glass. Will need to finish with a bit more physicality but his scoring touch isn’t the problem.
TJ Blevins (2020), 5’9” PG, Lutheran East
stats: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
Blevins’s role has expanded since I last saw the Falcons at the Play-By-Play Classic in Elyria. He is relied upon more heavily to initiate the offense, for example. Blevins took care of the ball and hit a couple open 3-pointers within the offense. The junior also made one creative pass once he was in the air in transition. Quick athlete.
Landen Russell (2021), 6’1″ G, Sheridan
stats: 15 points, 7 rebounds
Certainly was not the team performance Sheridan was looking for Thursday, but Russell left us intrigued. The sophomore played hard, providing them with a spark on the boards and the scoreboard in the second quarter especially. Russell scored all of his points within the arch on contested floaters and pull-ups. Good scoring touch and had the presence of mind to pull-up instead of challenging South’s athleticism at the rim.