Toledo Top 64: Wing Report
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…
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Continue ReadingWell 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.
Top 2020
Doesn’t include Breakouts
Mason Loeffler | 6-3 SG | Evergreen: I had to double-check if Loeffler was a lefty halfway through the day. It almost seemed like he was determined to show his comfort with the off-hand on finishes. Sure, he was one of the event’s premier shooters. But Loeffler mostly scored on shifty drives. He changes speeds and directions well while blending athleticism and skill to finish through traffic.
Top 2021
Steve Coleman | 6-4 SF | Rogers: Athletic, powerful athlete that shot it well and showed ball-handling ability. He’s a playmaker around the rim with his explosive rebounds and shot-blocks. But Coleman was pulling up for 3-pointers, showing more comfort shooting off the dribble, on Saturday. Defends at a high level.
Top 2022
Brock Makrancy | 6-5 SF | Findlay: Saturday was Makrancy’s best performance to date. First of all, his shooting range extended beyond the arch, confidently knocking it down with his feet set. Further, Makrancy used his size and length around the rim to drop in mid-range jumpers and finesse finishes over small guards. Used the pivot foot while keeping the ball high — fundamentally sound moves that created space to score inside.
Sleeper
Nate Brighton (2020) | 6-4 SF | Evergreen: Brighton displayed guard skills — namely, shooting — that we didn’t anticipate. The combo forward can also shot fake and attack, often ending his drives in a spin move finish. Rebounds well for his size and created mismatches for more traditional fours.
Standouts
AJ Adams (2021) | 6-4 SF | Findlay
Adams plays with tremendous balance in the paint. Often bumping off and around opponents for a spin move or euro step finish, Adams always remains poised enough to drop the layup in off the glass. He also rebounded well and caused deflections. No surprise his team made it to the championship round, as Adams is a star player who keeps everyone involved — although it wouldn’t hurt if his scoring takeovers turned into a more frequent occurrence. Flashed 3-point shooting.
Shane Garcia (2021) | 6-4 SF | Toledo St. John’s
Garcia displayed an efficient offensive game, scoring mostly on zero- or one-dribble moves after catching on the wing. Usually a hard jab step creates enough space for his high-release jumper, allowing him to not even put it on the floor. Defense, though, was where he mainly impressed. Garcia stayed in front against the area’s top athletes and used length to change shots. Plus rebounder, especially crashing the offensive glass.
Jayvin Landers (2020) | 6-5 SF | Antwerp
Landers flashed finishing ability around the rim. He has good size for a wing and it was nice to see him take advantage of it by going inside.
JR Lumsden (2021) | 6-3 SF | Maumee Valley
Lumsden is a filled-out, physical wing with some pop off the floor. Rebounds very well at 6-foot-3. Likes to take it off the glass and push tempo himself. Finishes through contact.
Jamiya Neal (2021) | 6-6 SF | Rogers
Sporting three MAC offers, Neal is being recruited at a higher level than any of the colleges in attendance. So, we were delighted that he used the opportunity to set up his teammates, defend, and flash his athleticism in transition. His athletic prowess was accentuated mostly on transition finishes and contested layups. But he also moved the ball and played with energy all day. Extremely fluid and lengthy.
Trevor Wensink (2021) | 6-2 SG | Toledo Christian
Wensink finishes offensive possessions. Flashes in the paint and runs the floor to create open opportunities at the rim. Scores on put-backs. Flashed outside shooting ability, too, although he mostly hangs around the rim. Great motor.