Brawl for the Ball: Center Report
More than anything, college programs are looking for size. Always. So we shifted our lens a tad bit in Grand Rapids, paying extra attention to Ohio’s post prospects at Brawl for the Ball. We found a multitude of prospects who differentiated…
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Continue ReadingMore than anything, college programs are looking for size. Always. So we shifted our lens a tad bit in Grand Rapids, paying extra attention to Ohio’s post prospects at Brawl for the Ball.
We found a multitude of prospects who differentiated by level, skill-set, and physical profiles. From there, we split it up into a two-part recap of 4s and 5s. Click here for our Power Forward Report, and keep scrolling to learn about the centers.
If you’re interested in point guards or wings, we posted on those earlier in the week, too.
Prospects with Offers
known players on the recruiting scene who exceeded high expectations (click name to view list of offers on their Player Profile)
Brandon Noel (2020) | 6-8 C | Chillicothe / Mid Ohio Pumas (Staib)
In a game against Nova that featured over 15 Central Ohio recruits, Noel was pretty clearly the most talented guy out there, Lima Senior’s Josiah Fulcher excluded. He blew-by fellow forwards on straight-line-drives and finished. Light feet. Hit 3-pointers after getting the defense to respect his drive. Noel banged a step-back triple, too. Active rebounder with a good second jump. Blocked and contested several shots. Able to slide his feet when his matchup attacks the basket.
Breakout Performer
this player made the lasting impression from Grand Rapids
Ben Westrick (2020) | 6-7 C | Ottawa-Glandorf / Northwest Ohio Basketball Club
Westrick is a Division II center prospect who we were way too low on coming into the weekend. Strongly built. Westrck isn’t a clunky big that prods or struggles to get around. Instead, he moves more like a wing. Made tough catches in traffic, both in transition and on the glass. Speaking of that, he gets ahead of the break by hustling the floor. He put it on the floor for straight-line-drives, too. Capable shooter who converted jumpers despite a flattened arch. Agile and big enough to provide rim protection.
Sleepers
unheralded college prospects
Marcus Peaks (2020) | 6-4 C | Watkins Memorial / Mid Ohio Pumas (Justice)
Peaks has filled out since we saw this Pumas team last season. More muscle and upper body strength has helped him on the glass, where he always gives second efforts. Peaks can still slide his feet in space and run the floor. Scores at the basket with patience and pump fakes.
Carsten Mayes (2021) | 6-7 C | Toledo St. Francis / All Ohio Gold
Mayes showed touch on tip-backs and contested short-range finishes throughout the weekend. Consecutive dunks shifted momentum in Gold’s first game of the weekend, too. He moves effortlessly around the floor for a 6-foot-7 kid. More varsity experience will help Mayes become more cognizant of drop-down passes, making him that much more of a threat soon. Finisher.
Javan Simmons (2022) | 6-5 C | Hartley / Nova (Reese)
This big-bodied post is tremendous with his left-hand (dominant hand). Scored over the right shoulder several times. Controlled his area on rebounds. Tough. Good feet. Plays with an edge and was not taking any s*** from this kid who was trying to get in his head … kudos, Javan.
New Names
first impression on a new discovery
Cliron Hornbeak (2021) | 6-8 C | Toledo Central Catholic / All Ohio Gold
Hornbeak is young for his grade and stands 6-foot-8 with a thick, strong body. Runs the floor and shows solid mobility for his size. Contests shots, showing patience and length against post moves. Occasionally flashes the ability to score over the shoulder. While Hornbeak still needs to develop, he has tools.
Jagger Landers (2022) | 6-6 C | Antwerp / Northwest Ohio Basketball Club
Landers is a big kid who uses strength to create high-percentage looks over the shoulder. Strong and agile enough to rebound outside of his area. He can move pretty well for his size. Landers sometimes hesitated with the ball, which doesn’t take advantage of his size difference — something that can definitely improve by the high school season.