CMAC Preview: POY Candidates, Breakouts, and Standings
The Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference provides electric offensive outings on a nightly basis. Not only are the games played with pace, those fastbreaks are also often led by the area’s top guard prospects. In 2019-20, several the guys at the…
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Continue ReadingThe Cincinnati Metro Athletic Conference provides electric offensive outings on a nightly basis. Not only are the games played with pace, those fastbreaks are also often led by the area’s top guard prospects.
In 2019-20, several the guys at the top represent Mr. Basketball candidates. As far as teams, Taft and others may find themselves battling for a trip to Columbus come March.
POY Candidates
Paul McMillan IV (2022) | 6-1 PG | Woodward
McMillan took the conference by storm last season, averaging a gross stat-line of 24.7 points, 4.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game at Hughes. He takes on a new challenge in year two, now at Woodward High School.
The production should be consistent with last season’s numbers for the high-major prospect. His ability speaks for itself and he’s now surrounded by fellow guards who demand defensive attention to go with a 6-foot-7 athletic center who can hang out in the dunker spot and run the floor with McMillan.
Nekhi Smith (2020) | 6-5 F | Taft
Smith combines a versatile skill-set with outstanding strength, making him a mismatch for the rest of the league. No matter the game, he can manipulate the defense by stretching the big man to make them defend at the arch. Smith draws fouls and is a top rebounder in the league, too. We expect a double-double from him on a nightly basis.
Mark Wise (2020) | 6-4 G | Taft
Wise’s transfer from Deer Park solidified Taft as Ohio’s Division III state championship favorite. He brings a championship pedigree and physical guard play to the Senators lineup. If the floor is spread, Wise can pick on his matchup by getting all the way to the rack. Crucially, he’s also a smart drive-and-kick player who will make the defense pay for collapsing. Provides rebounding and defensive versatility.
Jakada Stone (2021) | 6-0 PG | Aiken
We have Aiken picked to finish third in the conference. But the separation between them and Taft isn’t wide. If the Falcons finish on top — again, a realistic outcome — Stone will have earned the honor.
He’s a heady floor general who thrives with or without the ball. Makes good decisions when he attacks. Very good shooter from distance with his feet set. Stone will likely shoulder more offensive creation opportunities with D’Arris Dean no longer in the fold.
Additional All-Conference Selections (First, Second, or Third Team)
Greg Stewart (2020) | 6-4 SG | Aiken
Very athletic slasher set to play the entire season. Stewart possesses blow-by speed on straight-line-drives and explodes on finishes. He should benefit from the defense collapsing on their guards by attacking close-outs at an elite level.
Davion Mace (2020) | 6-7 C | Woodward
Mace is an athletic marvel with a strong build. He will rebound and block shots at the rim, allowing his guards to pressure ball-handlers. Should finish a lot of drop-down passes when his guard’s draw help-side.
CamRon McKenzie (2021) | 6-2 SG | Hughes
McKenzie has proven capable of playing off of superstar guards as an underclassman. Now it’s his turn to be the guy for Hughes. The slasher should average over 15 points by sheer opportunity alone, and he has the upside to be at 20-plus.
Leroy Walker (2020) | 6-4 SF | Taft
Winton Woods transfer with size and a skill-set that should thrive in this league. He’s explosive around the basket. Walker may not need to score huge numbers but it’s nice to have another guy to create shots alongside Smith and Wise, especially if one goes to the bench.
Anthony Felder (2020 | 6-5 C | Shroder
Felder is a prolific rebounder and shot-blocker that plays actively. He has flashed the ability to score inside, something he may be challenged to do more often as a senior. Averaged 8.7 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks last season for the Jags.
Aboubacar Cisse (2022) | 6-4 SF | Western Hills
Cisse is an athletically built wing who plays with power as an interior scorer and rebounder. Flashes the ability to play from the perimeter and attack, often going to spin moves and other maneuvers that capitalize on his athleticism. Defends multiple positions.
Zion Reynolds (2021) | 6-3 SG | Western Hills
Reynolds is another supremely athletic attacker of the basket. He impresses with straight-line-drives due to his explosiveness and quick first step. Wiry athlete with an intriguing amount of potential.
Rayvon Griffith (2023) | 6-4 SF | Taft
The top freshman prospect in Cincinnati and possibly even all of Ohio, Griffith should be able to develop at whatever pace he needs this season given Taft’s surrounding talent. What’s scary is that he may draw the fourth or fifth best opposing defender on most nights.
He’s remarkably athletic and will thrive in the open floor. Has the ability to cause havoc on defense with his explosiveness and length, which we assume he will be challenged to do by the coaching staff.
Montev Ware (2021) | 6-0 PG | Woodward
Michael McCants (2020) | 6-3 F | Gamble
Demetrius Watkins (2020) | 6-2 G | Western Hills
Breakout Players
Michael Norton (2023) | 6-1 G | Gamble
Kanye Moreland (2023) | 5-11 G | Woodward
Robbie Cass (2022) | 5-8 PG | Aiken
Chance Davis (2022) | 6-4 SG | Aiken
Aaron Davis (2021) | 6-0 PG | Woodward
TJ Grove (2020) | 6-6 F | Gamble