Toledo Top 64: Breakout Performances
Well over 30 college coaches made their way to Lourdes Univ. to see Northwest Ohio’s top talent compete in the Toledo Top 64 on Saturday. The inaugural event was a rare opportunity to see kids in an area that otherwise lacks this level of competitive environment during the offseason.
Michael Greenlee Michael Greenlee 5'10" | PG Toledo Central Catholic | 2023 State OH (2023) | 5-10 PG | Toledo St. John’s
Greenlee, one of Toledo’s most promising freshman, sparred with the area’s top upperclassmen guards with notable confidence. He’s yet to fill out and his size is a limiting factor defensively at the moment, but he routinely beats guys off the bounce with quickness. Impressive drive-and-kick plays to create open looks.
Devyn Jones (2020) | 6-5 SG | Cardinal Stritch
Jones is a slippery ball-handler who uses ball and head fakes to bait defenders in one-on-one situations. His moves often end in him finishing in traffic with length. Although Jones is slight of frame, his fluidity and height allow him to affect the game inside and as a perimeter defender. Finished ambidextrously and with a level of creativity in traffic.
TaVaz Lawler-Showers (2020) | 5-11 PG | Start
The transfer from Michigan was one of the only new names of the day. Lawler-Showers didn’t disappoint either, putting on what was the epitome of a Breakout Performance.
He’s a skilled lefty shot-creator who can blow-by and finish at the rim. TLS also shoots the ball well off the catch or dribble, which predicates his ability to hesitate at the arch and get past. Quick defender who likes to get into the dribble and pressure.
Jadakis Mack (2020) | 6-3 SG | Lima Senior
Mack continues his ascension into LM D-I/elite D-II stature as a recruit. He’s one of the most explosive wing-guards in Ohio. On Saturday, he once again wowed the crowd with thunderous alley oop finishes and full-court sprints that ended in an and-one. He’s remarkably physical and aggressive on drives. Mack also shot it better than he did a few weeks ago at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo. Plus rebounder. Versatile defender. Reminds me of Trotwood’s 2018 graduate Myles Belyeu.
Cole McWhinnie (2021) | 6-1 PG | Toledo Christian
McWhinnie, a coach’s son, may not blow you away with explosiveness but he’s always in the right spot at the right time. And most importantly, he’s automatic on open looks. And given that basketball offenses are designed to create open shots, McWhinnie’s ability to knock them down consistently is a vital attribute. The dead-eye shooter also knows how to position/reposition himself around the arch to create open looks. Takes care of the ball. Stays in front defensively.
Zachary Szul (2020) | 6-3 PG | Anthony Wayne
Szul earned MVP as his team didn’t lose a game all day and he was marvelous throughout. Key word: throughout — Szul looked like he was going 100-percent at the end of the day when everyone else on the court was dragging. He was rewarded, too, with a long line of college coaches talking to him before he left the gym.
The high-academic recruit (4.2 GPA/29 ACT) attracted college interest with his finishing ability through contact. He has great size and knows how to get to the rim with changes of speed. Szul draws contact at the basket. Engaged defender who uses his chest and stays in front. Good shooting mechanics. Plus rebounder.