Teams To Watch Grow This HS Season
June gives you a glimpse of what’s to come the following winter, and it’s a bit exciting. With that being said, I wanted to take a look at a few teams who could potentially be a problem for opponents next…
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Continue ReadingJune gives you a glimpse of what’s to come the following winter, and it’s a bit exciting.
With that being said, I wanted to take a look at a few teams who could potentially be a problem for opponents next season as they grow.
Programs:
• Delaware Hayes – Losing Terin Kinsway to graduation, is a big loss, but isn’t the end. Hayes has a very talented team still, in a tough conference. Playing Hilliard Bradley and Thomas Worthington twice a season, will so some wear this year, but mold a team that couple be a sleeper come tourney time. Nate Griggs returns as a scoring guard who can fill it up, working well off the bounce. Paul Burris will bring length to the wing position, and may play bigger than that if needed. A two-way threat in Addison Harvey could be the X-factor. A guard that competes hard, and makes the winning plays. With some bright spots in the lower levels last season, I could see Hayes being a tough outing night to night.
• Buckeye Valley – The talent was there for the Barons last season, just they were so young. A year later, I could see BV taking a step forward. Leaving the MOAC, Buckeye Valley will play an unfamiliar schedule in their new league. Senior Dylan Hebert will lead the way, and likely lead the team in scoring. The athletic guard is quick, and a three level scorer. Sophomore Troy Scowden should take a big step forward, after starting varsity his freshman season. Standing at about six-foot-six, Scowden is a matchup problem, and can get even better if adds some strength. Potentially a stretch four, that runs the floor well. Dylan Thompson is another 2022 that should take a leap. Two-way threat with some athleticism. Thompson is capable of being a three level scorer, that can get to the hoop. All in all, I believe Buckeye Valley could very well surprise some people this season. A good mix of youth and leadership.
• Thomas Worthington – I have mentioned Thomas Worthington as a team that could do some damage this coming season, and that is truth. But, I had to highlight them again with the transfer in of Tyrese Hughey. An athletic 2021 big, that is a D1 prospect with some upside. A growing ability to stretch the four, Hughey is going to pair well with the other Cardinals. Jalen Sullinger and Isaac Settles should both benefit tremendously with kick out opportunity. The pick and roll will be a vital part of the offense, with this trio. The adding of Hughey is very timely, after Ben Wight moving on to the next level. If the Cardinals put it all together, and depth steps up, they could be a team to watch out for.
• Walnut Ridge – D1 in the Central District is always a gauntlet, and Walnut Ridge could be right there potentially. I believe a hot start by the Scots will do numbers for this team, with multiple leaders. Von Cameron Davis is one of the best 2020 prospects in Central Ohio, a six-foot-five player that has improved his touch, stretching the floor more. If I was a betting man, I would put my money that Davis will lead the area in scoring this coming season, as many would agree. The gridiron star Qian Magwood will once again pair nicely with Davis, as a guard-forward tandem. Magwood is an athletic guard that does work off the bounce, and a willing defender on the opposite end. When you watch Magwood play, you can see why he’s a D1 football prospect with multiple offers. Maybe the most improved player is Kaveon Ross, who has shown ability to stretch the floor as of late with more fluidity. A floor runner that can grab second chance rebounds, and create more opportunities. This season, Ross should be more involved on the offensive end. The City League-South will once again come down to Walnut Ridge and Columbus South, which will be two very exciting games again. Walnut Ridge will be a dangerous team, if they take that next step that they’re capable of.