2022 Rankings Update: Players To Watch On The Back End
In the next breakdown of the 2022 class, I’m taking a look at some Central Ohio prospects on the back end of things, thus far. All still top 100 prospects, that will definitely have the chance to play college basketball.…
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Continue ReadingIn the next breakdown of the 2022 class, I’m taking a look at some Central Ohio prospects on the back end of things, thus far.
All still top 100 prospects, that will definitely have the chance to play college basketball.
Mostly guards, with some exception, let’s dig in!
• 68. Tayshaun Mayfield (6’2” / F / Hilliard Bradley / Pumas-Sheldon): Tayshaun is a physical presence just like his senior brother Chris is. Tayshaun is a multi sport athlete, that will have next level chances at either sport. Mayfield fills up that stat sheet as he is a work horse and does all the dirty work. Willing scorer inside that can out-muscle. Rebounds well, finds open teammates and contests shots. Mayfield is a do-it-all kind of player.
• 72. Noah Lawrence (5’10” / G / Westerville North / Pumas-Sheldon): Lawrence isn’t the biggest or most athletic, but he’s a crafty scorer who can get it done. A solid freshman season at Westerville North, which should be an even bigger sophomore season. Lawrence knocks down the outside jumper, and can work off the bounce. A willing defender that applies pressure. Excited to watch Lawrence and North this coming season.
• 74. Josiah Smith (6’2” / G / Africentric / JH1 Elite): Josiah Smith came onto the scene that last few months with some solid play with JH1 Elite. Works well as a primary ball handler, and knows when to turn it up. Cuts through the paint quick and can finish at the hoop. Does his best work with the ball in his hands where he can take control in spurts. Africentric has produced some solid guards, with some solid upper-class there right now as well. Smith is next up after those guys.
• 78. Derrick James (5’6” / PG / St. Charles / JH1 Elite): St. Charles has some young talent and James is right in the mix of that. Despite being undersized Derrick finds ways to put the ball in the hoop. A nice handle to the game, and knows how to get his shot off. Obviously the 5-6 guard can’t do a lot of damage at the rim but he works well from distance and the 15 foot area. Last season I liked the freshman duo of James and Frey, and I think that improves this season. James is a two way threat that gets after it.
• 87. Ethan Smith (5’10” / SG / Olentangy / Nova-Reese): Olentangy may have their next guard that can score it, post Sean Marks era. Smith is a crafty ball handler, that finds ways to get a shot off, no matter the amount of space. Also, can work off screens in the half court, and burry the open jumper. Smith often uses ball fakes to get the defender off balance to burry his shot. Smith is going to have every opportunity to be a contributor this year for Olentangy.