2021 Rankings Update: Newcomers
Our 2021 Prospect Rankings expanded from 105 players to 125. Eight of the highest debuts came from the following players: Brayden Sipple | 6-3 SF | Blanchester A trip down to Blanchester for a Friday night game was one of…
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Continue ReadingOur 2021 Prospect Rankings expanded from 105 players to 125. Eight of the highest debuts came from the following players:
Brayden Sipple | 6-3 SF | Blanchester
A trip down to Blanchester for a Friday night game was one of the most unique nights of the season for me. From the pre-game Homecoming charade (isn’t Homecoming in the fall?), to the fearlessness of the players, and finally Sipple’s flashes — it was so memorable.
Anyways, Sipple is a really natural scorer from the wing who shoots the ball with rhythm off the dribble and glides past defenders for layups. Wiry build. Aggressive shot-taker. Sipple finishes athletically but too often avoids contact at the rim — he has the quickness and leaping ability to get to the free throw line several times a game. Athletic rebounder.
Tae Perie | 6-0 PG | Buchtel
Transferring from St. Vincent-St. Mary afforded Perie opportunity on the court as a sophomore and he capitalized, coming up big at times in Buchtel’s run to States. Perie is a skilled ball-handler who knows how to run the pick-and-roll and has shooting range that extends beyond the high school arch. Scores from the second-level when he attacks the basket via clever runners and floaters.
BJ Busbee | 6-2 SG | Benedictine
Busbee is a strong 2-guard with a lot of scoring ability. Hits open shots and has the ability to attack the basket on straight-line drives. Scored efficiently in his role off the bench for Bene but might be more of a playmaker than he showed as a sophomore. Nice shooting stroke.
Vernon Smith | 6-7 C | Buchtel
Smith showed very exciting flashes at the 2019 Flyin’ to the Hoop, yet was unavailable in the other two times we watched Buchtel this season. The only reason he’s not higher in the rankings is that we simply need to see Smith play more. He’s an athletic post who finishes above the rim and showed a defensive presence as a shot-blocker. Runs the floor fluidly and plays hard.
Ricky Radtke | 6-7 PF | University School
One of the few stretch-4s on our radar after their sophomore season, Radtke’s shooting ability really piques out interest. Legit height but needs to become physical enough to use that to his advantage in the post more. Capable of putting it on the floor when he has an avenue to attack. Still developing as his movements are a bit mechanical.
Brock Unger | 6-4 PF | Berne Union
Unger is a true shot-making combo forward who excels from beyond the arch. Brings an edge to the game as a physical rebounder. Solid foot-work around the basket when he looks to score in the post. Unger is a pick-and-pop 4, but he’s not one-dimensional.
Bryon Ottrix | 5-10 G | Glenville
A volume scoring combo guard, Ottrix puts a lot of pressure on the defense when he brings the ball up. Creative floater and off-the-dribble scoring ability. Uses quickness to get to his spots and can change speeds.
CamRon McKenzie | 6-2 SG | Hughes
McKenzie’s knack for finishing from tough angles in traffic is a nice strength to have. He fearlessly attacks the basket as a straight-line-driver and scores improbable buckets. Flashes shooting ability with space. Good athlete.