Ohio Top 250: Breakout Performers
Which players drew the most attention from scouts and colleges coaches at Ohio’s Top 250 Expo? Nolan Burney | 6-5 PF | Carlisle Burney showcased improved ball skills throughout the day while also proving to be a more fluid athlete…
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Continue ReadingWhich players drew the most attention from scouts and colleges coaches at Ohio’s Top 250 Expo?
Nolan Burney | 6-5 PF | Carlisle
Burney showcased improved ball skills throughout the day while also proving to be a more fluid athlete than a year ago. Flashed everything from outlet passing (namely connecting on a long-distance bounce pass assist that split two defenders) to attacking from the perimeter. Capable shooter, too.
Khalil Luster | 5-4 PG | Lima Senior
Even in an environment where you’re thrust into playing with a new set of teammates, Luster was able to develop chemistry one at a time. The floor general impressed in a two-man game, often passing then immediately repositioning for a 3-pointer. He made shots from distance without much space. The ball is always on a string and its never stolen from him. Pressured the ball on defense.
Demari Martin | 6-5 SF | Winton Woods
We didn’t quite appreciate Martin’s physical tools until Saturday. He has extremely long arms with broad shoulders. He stays in front to contest shots on the wing and has tremendous defensive upside. Even with an unorthodox release, Martin knocked down 3-pointers off the catch and dribble.
Aidan Reichert | 6-4 PF | Jackson Center
It doesn’t take long to realize and/or be reminded of what makes Reichert special. The 6-foot-4 forward is a tireless competitor who efficiently scores the basketball. Sprints the floor with more consistency and energy than any four in Ohio right now. The lefty finishes off the glass with great consistency. He also showed more pop off the floor this weekend, finishing more over the top than through the body. Very versatile defender who rebounds in traffic and uses his length to contest shots all over the hardwood.
Javan Simmons | 6-5 C | Gahanna
Simmons produces. He once again showed how avid of an offensive rebounder he is on Saturday. Often those second chances end up in a deuce or and-one off the glass.
But besides being a workhorse in present day, Simmons’ upside is revealing itself, too. Once he leans out in due time, the powerful force will become more explosive off the floor while maybe becoming a more effective defender in space. Given his solid second jump and lefty touch, we believe Simmons’ potential is very high. Now it’s just time to see how much he progresses.
Ethan Smith | 5-10 G | Olentangy
Smith is a likely candidate to get hot from deep during a day of hoops. He did just that, including a couple shots from about 25-feet, but that’s not the reason he’s in this article. The sophomore showed intriguing playmaking ability later in the day and that’s what grabbed us. He displayed a side-to-side game in breaking down opponents. Made plays by driving and kicking. Finished finesse runners off the glass.
Josh Thorbahn | 6-5 SF | Ottoville
Thorbahn was one of the handful of players who overwhelmed opponents with sheer talent. Combining a strong frame with crafty scoring ability, Thorbahn shifted opponents with his handle and took it to their body for bucket after bucket. Displayed his elite outside shooting ability and provided rebounding, too.
Brenton Walker | 6-7 C | Canton McKinley
Walker adamantly posted up underneath the block and powered through defenders for finishes and and-ones. He most often scores without using the glass, an area for potential improvement along with posting higher up the lane. Went coast-to-coast off the defensive glass on occasion, displaying skill when stepping through defenders for a layup. Quick off the ground as a leaper. Walker has a high ceiling.
Ben Westrick | 6-7 C | Ottawa Glandorf
Westrick’s nimble feet and scoring touch led to several feathery finishes inside. He found space for touch finishes by diving to the rim without the ball or using quick and powerful gathers out of the face-up. He shoots it consistently from the mid-range and has potential to extend his shooting range in college. Continues to rebound and protect the rim actively.
Jadakis Mack | 6-3 SG | Lima Senior
Mack played like he had something to prove. And without a scholarship offer to his name, Mack kind of does!
He’s an elite athlete who plays a very physical style. Consistently scored through the teeth of the defense after ripping through from the wing. Exploded for dunks in transition or even straight-line-drives in the halfcourt. Pogo stick leaper. Rebounds like a power forward. Mack also displayed an improved ability to change pace with his handle, which led to buckets at the rim. Flashed shooting ability on one-dribble pull-ups. Versatile defender who can pressure guards. Very energetic.