OHSBCA Showcase: Central Ohio Report
In a showcase setting like Saturday’s OHSBCA event, we shift our scouting lens. It’s simply not the same as high school or AAU basketball. You’re sharing the court with other highly touted recruits, guys you’ve never played with, and star…
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Continue ReadingIn a showcase setting like Saturday’s OHSBCA event, we shift our scouting lens. It’s simply not the same as high school or AAU basketball.
You’re sharing the court with other highly touted recruits, guys you’ve never played with, and star players from Division III programs aren’t asked to make every play. Heck you might be All-State and you’re starting games on the bench.
So, it should be noted: the setting ain’t for everybody. Some guys didn’t have their best day. And guess what? It’s not a huge deal. Certain skill-sets and personalities don’t lend themselves to this environment. And (most of) the coaches and scouts in attendance are taking a holistic approach to your evaluation — one that involves showcases, high school, AAU ball, and more.
Also, a “good” day doesn’t necessarily mean you averaged 20 points in the 5-on-5 sessions. Players made this list because they flashed a new skill, a small school kid may have finished in traffic against D-I bigs once or twice, defended against high-caliber athletes, or showed that they can play with other stars — the type of kids they’ll share the court with in college.
OK, let’s get into it already…
Top Three 5-on-5 Performers
Cali Davis (2020) | 6-1 G | Africentric / Hidden Gems Black
A bit of a coming out party for the senior to be. Davis should become a priority for college programs who like to push pace. He’s very comfortable making plays as he’s barreling full-speed down the court. Davis is unselfish if there’s someone ahead of him. Delivered accurate passes to the block and shooters late on the break. Knock-down catch-and-shoot guy. Energy.
CJ Anthony (2020) | 6-0 PG | Harvest Prep / All Ohio Red
Anthony is always in attack mode and we love that about him. Blazed down the floor in transition and finished through contact with his strong frame. Made plays in the pick and roll. Knocked down outside shots. Very engaged and active on both ends.
Henry Hinkle (2021) | 5-10 PG | Olentangy Liberty / Nova (Lemon)
Hinkle has entered our tier of Division II prospects in this 2021 class. Besides a couple turnovers in transition (those can be corrected) he was sensational on Saturday. Effective slasher when he receives a pass on the wing. Possesses the vision and poise to toss assists from under the rim after diving in there on a straight-line-drive. Better rebounder than his size suggests. Knows how to handle with pace. Laterally quick.
5-on-5 Standouts
Quinn Corna (2022) | 6-3 SG | Upper Arlington / Nova (Reese)
Like many of the handful of rising sophomores in attendance, Corna showed flashes. The score-minded wing connected on several one-dribble pull-ups and leaked out in transition for layups whenever possible.
Garner Wallace (2021) | 6-4 SF | Pickerington Central / Indiana Elite 17U
The three-sport phenom hasn’t lost a step in hoops since the last time we watched him. Wallace adds a transition element to the game with his blazing speed. He showed skill leading the break, too, by swiveling up the court against a swiveling defender, making the opponent turn his head back and forth before Wallace launched a short jumper.
A year from now when coaches hone in on Ohio’s 2021 class of wings, it will be enticing to swing for the fences on one of the many “upside” small forwards. With Wallace, though, you know what you’re getting every game. He’s one of the best perimeter defenders and transition weapons we’ve seen in a few years. And he checks every “character” box.
Desmond Watson (2021) | 6-4 F | Columbus DeSales / All Ohio Red
Watson has become more elusive as a slasher, often slipping past forwards after a second or third dribble. Ambidextrous finisher in traffic.
DJ Moore (2022) | 6-3 G | Worthington Christian / Indy Heat
Moore kept the ball swinging from side to side by playing an unselfish style and setting screens after initiating offense. Converted an outside jumper. Punished small guards around the basket throughout the day — effective post-up game.
Tyrese Hughey (2021) | 6-6 PF/C | Thomas Worthington / C2K Elite
Hughey is electric around the basket and ran the floor extremely hard on Saturday. Quick second jump. Good hands.
3-on-3 Standouts
Henry Hinkle (2021) | 5-10 PG | Olentangy Liberty / Nova (Lemon)
Hinkle’s smart cuts and clever passes in the lane speak to his wittiness as a player. He also shot it well and defended other quick guards effectively.
VonCameron Davis (2020) | 6-5 SF | Walnut Ridge / C2K Elite
Davis not only twisted and turned as a down-hill slasher, he looked more confident shooting 3-pointers. His powerful over-the-shoulder turns and pivots are pretty unstoppable, though. Finishes everything.