2021 Notes: Summer Risers To Note
Wrapping up the month of July, with one of my favorite pieces to date. This summer I seen a ton of talent, from team camps to AAU events. Now, at the end of all of that, we like to rewind…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWrapping up the month of July, with one of my favorite pieces to date.
This summer I seen a ton of talent, from team camps to AAU events. Now, at the end of all of that, we like to rewind and speak on what we saw.
The 2021 class in Ohio offers a ton of talent, in my opinion maybe the deepest out of current high schoolers.
I’m taking a look at risers, who improved and who did good overall in these Summer months.
• Preston Crabtree (6’2” / SG 2021 / North Union / Pumas Gilliland): Crabtree came on my radar last season when I watched him during the Wildcats regular season. Has the ability to play on or off-ball, and does a decent job at both. Also, at times can become a high volume scorer that can fill it up. Sweet shot from deep, that is often money. When he’s feeling it, watch up. I like the ability Preston has to score from all three levels, which he approved on this Summer. Rebounds from the guard spot, solid athlete and creates a bit as well. Crabtree should put up even better numbers with North Union, come winter.
• Cody Lantz (6’1” / G 2021 / Shelby / Extreme Heat): Lantz will move into an increased role with Shelby, come this winter. The Pugh/Lantz combo very well could be one of the best in the MOAC. Lantz played well with Extreme Heat this Summer, showing improvements in his game. The jumper is trending up, and noticeable improvements on defense can be seen. The junior is getting to the hoop off the bounce more regularly. Also, using back cuts and working just as much off the ball. Sneaky athleticism is a phrase to use when talking about the 2021 prospects game. Lantz can play above the rim, and finishes tough at the hoop. A player that was on my list of risers, personally the last few months.
• Kobe Buford (6’4” / WG 2021 / Worthington Christian / Nova-Lemon): Kobe Buford was forced to sit out much of his sophomore year, after transferring to Worthington Christian. Watched Kobe multiple time these last few months, he’s shown some noticeable progression from prior. Buford showed the ability to create as a secondary distributor, as well as getting to the rim on open cuts. The junior makes high IQ plays, hustles and works on defense. Buford seems to always make the right play, that you sometimes don’t expect. Buford should have an increased role with the Warriors, a player to watch this coming season.
Some length:
• AJ Braun (6’8” / C 2021 / Fenwick / Team Flyght): The 6-8 big proved himself to be a D1 prospect this summer. Playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit, Braun was one of the better 2021 post prospects. A solid floor runner, that rebounds well. Needs to add some more strength to his frame, but does a solid job of handling things inside at this stage. Ability to stretch the floor is there, as Braun is a solid spot-up shooter from deep. A good motor, length around the rim and toughness helped Braun have a solid last few months. Braun is a riser in my book, after this grassroots season he went through.
• Trey Woodyard (6’5” / SF 2021 / London / NEO Tru Game): Trey Woodyard is in my opinion, one of the better wing prospects in all of Ohio on the offensive side. I only got to watch Trey once this grassroots season, but you could see noticeable jumps. Woodyard was getting to the basket with more fluidity, and finishing in different ways. The junior holds a couple offers, that will definitely grow. Showing an increased vertical, and extra step to his game, I have him as a riser. Woodyard has the ability to take smaller wings in the post and beat them with a variation of moves. Playing with NEO Tru Game, Trey played with some good talent, and fit right in. At London, Woodyard does a lot of the work for them. The 6-5 wing will be one of the top scorers in Central Ohio this coming season.
• Nolan Burney (6’6” / PF 2021 / Carlisle / Ohio Players): I’m not sure a big man in Ohio had a better last few weeks, than Burney. The forward is a floor stretcher that is also an enforcer inside. Burney has showed an improved shot from deep, as well as the 18-footer. Tough on the boards as he crashed everything, working hard. The 2021 prospect is a legit scholly player. Glad to have been able to learn more about Burney’s game in July.