Ohio Mr. Basketball Watch List: Part Three
New day, that means part number three of players to watch for on the Mr. Basketball scene this coming season. We released the first two parts on Monday and Tuesday, now part three on Wednesday. All of these players can…
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Continue ReadingNew day, that means part number three of players to watch for on the Mr. Basketball scene this coming season.
We released the first two parts on Monday and Tuesday, now part three on Wednesday. All of these players can absolutely go at a high level, and will play at the next level in hoops.
Straight To It…
Josiah Fulcher (SG / 2020 / Lima Senior): Fulcher is fresh off a commitment to Bowling Green, which is a big get for the Falcons. The 6-2 wing can really score it, and is the best player on a talented Spartans team. Fulcher rebounds well from the guard position, and can create his own shot. Senior will have aspirations to get to Columbus this season, and it will take a huge year from their senior leader. Fulcher defends well, scores and can handle the rock. Everything a coach wants in a player, in one. With a big season that Lima Senior is in store for, they could have their second Mr. Basketball this decade.
Matt Allocco (G / 2020 / Hilliard Bradley): Matt Allocco is probably the best all-around guard in Central Ohio’s 2020 class. Allocco doesn’t turn the ball over, makes good choices and can get to the hoop with the best of them. A mismatch problem for majority of teams, the senior will once again do what he wants in terms of low-post scoring against other guards. Allocco rebounds, finds open teammates and picks players up on defense. Hilliard Bradley will be very good in division I and Allocco will be a huge reason. With a slight boost in scoring, he would put himself into that Mr. Basketball talk.
Jalen Sullinger (PG / 2021 / Thomas Worthington): Jalen Sullinger is a real sleeper for this award, but don’t overlook him. Sullinger has more help this season, so teams won’t be able to key in on the guards as much. The junior can score it with limit-less range, and a tight handle that gets to where it needs to. Sullinger is going to be the on-court leader for this team, and his stats will reflect that. A sleeper pick to watch for Ohio’s best.
Mark Wise (PG / 2020 / Cincinnati Taft): Wise is one of the most physically imposing guards you’ll find, that absolutely takes control of the game. He gets to where he wants, and finishes strong, for majority of his points. Forces turnovers, and not to mention will be on a new team this year. Wise will be just a part of a talented duo that will have a lot of production. Wise is going to put up his numbers no matter what. And, if Taft season fares a lot of wins, then watch out for Wise in this conversation.
Nekhi Smith (PF / 2020 / Cincinnati Taft): The lone returning starter for Taft — a team at the top of favorites to win this season’s Division III State Championship — averaged 20.0 points and 12.4 rebounds per game last season. Although Smith strolls into 2019-20 with three teammates capable of handling a go-to scorer role, it’s feasible that his own numbers balloon as well. After all, the bruising power forward is more skilled and powerful than a year ago.
CJ Anthony (PG / 2020 / Harvest Prep): CJ Anthony is heading into this season fresh off a D3 State Championship. Harvest Prep will once again be very good, led by their do-it-all point guard CJ Anthony. Anthony can go for 25 or more any given night, and will be one of the top scorers in the state. With the loss of Soul Hines, that scoring could even go up. Also, when you factor in his creating ability and defensive instincts, the senior is going to put up some numbers. Anthony is a player to watch for this award, especially if his team can win 20+ games.
Another name you must mention is Kalen Etzler of Convoy Crestview. We have Kalen as the top 2021 prospect for a reason, he can flat out play. A skilled four who can handle it like a guard with an improved shot from deep. Etzler will pick up a lot of the production lost from his brother, Javin who is now playing D1 basketball. At a Division IV school this is a tough award to win, but a player of Etzler’s stature should be at least thought of when it comes to this award. The Buckeye commit is one of the best players in the state regardless of class, or school size