Flyin’ to the Hoops Sunday Standouts
photos: Matthew Cletus Photography Flyin’ to the Hoop: You come for the nationally ranked five stars, but stay because of the gritty Ohio kids. Every in-state program came to fight on Sunday. And, as a spectator, that’s pretty much all…
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Continue Readingphotos: Matthew Cletus Photography
Flyin’ to the Hoop: You come for the nationally ranked five stars, but stay because of the gritty Ohio kids. Every in-state program came to fight on Sunday.
And, as a spectator, that’s pretty much all you can ask for! Well. And a few memorable individual performances…
Jesse Laster (2020) | 6-2 SG | Garfield Heights
stats: 27 points, 2 rebounds
After hitting his first two 3-pointers Laster confidently stepped into his shot, ultimately making seven shots from beyond the arch. An elite defender with athletic finishing ability, if he can also provide floor spacing Laster should land at a low-major Division I after two years at Lincoln Trail. He still needs to be a bit more consistent with ball skills, specifically avoiding turnovers.
Elmore James (2022) | 6-0 SG | Brush
stats: 21 points, 4 rebounds
James used his remarkably strong body to finish in traffic. The sophomore converted nine field goals, finishing in a multitude of ways: patient spin move, elusive euro step in transition, layup on a back-cut, acrobatic reverse, and a put-back. Plays well off of Hugley’s post-ups.
Defensively, James limited First Love’s shooter as an assignment defender. When they switched to zone, he was active in passing lanes.
John Hugley (2020) | 6-9 C | Brush
stats: 16 points, 11 rebounds
Dealing with immense contact and attention from the opponent, Hugley scored with skill and wowed as a rebounder. The way he tracked down rebounds was highlight-reel-worthy. Shooting it very well. Dunked after a euro step to elude a defender on a one-on-one break. Hugley also occasionally led the break off the glass. We imagine he will shoot up the national charts by year’s end.
Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
stats: 42 points, 13 rebounds
Branham passed NBA players Brandon Knight and Justin Jackson for the third-highest scoring game in Flyin’ to the Hoop history with his quiet 42 points. He scored, I believe, all of his points in the paint.
Branham has been working on his mid-post game this year and showed good touch on those back-to-the-basket touches. Does a great job of sealing his man and getting position for rebounds. Scored a ton on put-backs. He plays on his toes and has an elite second jump. His length is also an asset on the glass. Nightmare in transition. Very flexible.
Isaiah Ingol (2020) | 5-11 PG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
stats: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists
To compete with Trotwood, you need to have trustworthy ball-handlers who won’t panic against pressure. Ingol was able to be that guy today, He uses his body and length to protect the ball against swarming defenders. Found the open man consistently and shows rare unselfishness. Plus rebounder. Elite defender. Ingol’s shooting struggles continued, likely the reason he’s not swimming in Division II offers.
Marcus Johnson (2020) | 6-5 C | St. Vincent-St. Mary
stats: 13 points, 6 rebounds
You’re a Division III program looking for size. Don’t expect to be blown away with Johnson’s athleticism or ability to run the floor. But, here’s the thing, there may not be a better low-post scorer amongst D-III prospects in Ohio. He makes graceful, simple post moves that utilize his thick frame. Solid length. Excellent touch and uses the glass. Johnson buried Trotwood’s forwards under the basket.
Sammy Anderson (2020) | 6-2 PG | Trotwood
stats: 29 points, 7 rebounds
Cincinnati football commit. Anderson was the only Ram consistently creating offense. He was especially effective in the first half where he made getting to the rim look easy. Finished with both hands at a dead sprint. Very physical player who thrives in their run-and-jump press.
Grant Huffman (2020) | 6-5 SG | St. Edward
stats: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Huffman surpassed 1,000 career points on a third-quarter buzzer-beater, one of his two 3-pointers. He confidently shot the ball from distance when he wasn’t attacking the rim at will. One of the top finishers in the state and when he can attack with such ease, it’s going to be a long day for the opponent. Delivered a few nice finds via the bounce pass.
Devontae Blanton (2020) | 6-6 SF | St. Edward
stats: 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
The unsigned senior showed off an underrated part of his arsenal — the low-post game. Showed footwork, touch, and power against an undersized Princeton front-line. He has the tools to be a mismatch and he took full advantage of that. Equally capable of scoring over the shoulder or making a last-second assist.
Shane Macalla (2021) | 6-0 SG | St. Edward
stats: 7 points
Another year away from being a vital member of the team. But Macalla showed intriguing signs Sunday. He’s a good shooter who made a rhythm 3-pointer coming off a screen. Collegiate size and athleticism. Competes. Macalla caught our attention with a one-hand flush off the backboard in warmups. We’re willing to bet colleges will be talking about him this time next season.
Garner Wallace (2021) | 6-5 SF | Pickerington Central
stats: 17 points, 5 rebounds
If MarJon Beauchamp gets off in that game, Dream City Christian has a chance to catch momentum to run away with it. Instead, the NBA prospect scored just 12 points thanks to Wallace’s defense. He not only contained the dribble, Wallace made Beauchamp uncomfortable with his speed and effort. Unphased by his opponent’s athleticism and skill.
Conversely, Wallace made tough layups in traffic. He can finish on either side of the rim with or without the backboard’s help.
Conner Maciag (2020) | 6-2 SG | Pickerington Central
stats: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Maciag is very effective coming off screens. If he gets into a position where a defender is chasing him or closing out, Maciag will put it on the floor and make a play every time. Shoots it well off the bounce and changes pace.
Sonny Styles (2023) | 6-4 SF | Pickerington Central
stats: 4 points, 7 rebounds
Styles is a maturely built kid with an athletic frame. Breathtaking leaping ability for a freshman with size. Scored on a few nice finishes but is pretty raw in everything besides at-rim scoring. Great rebounder.
Gabe Cupps (2023) | 6-0 PG | Centerville
stats:14 points, 3 rebounds
Cupps is an advanced player with a truly elite jump shot. His developed skill-set is evident in the way he handles against pressure and finishes in nifty ways. Automatic shooter when open. Cupps is also a fiery competitor who often picks up the other point guard full-court.