Top Northeast Ohio Juniors at the Midseason Mark
Recognizing player achievement is what Prep Hoops is all about. In this week’s extensive Midseason Mark series, we will go all across Ohio, identifying which players are leading the way in the 2019-20 season.
We’re now in Northeast Ohio for the second portion of a three-part series:
Jalin Billingsley (2021) | 6-7 PF | Lutheran East
Billingsley’s game has shown signs of maturity in year three as he becomes more productive off the bounce. While creating more often from the perimeter, he has also shown more physicality inside on both ends of the floor. Lutheran East is one of the best three teams in Division II and will need huge nights from him in March to win the title.
Malaki Branham (2021) | 6-5 SG | St. Vincent-St. Mary
Branham has led St. Vincent-St. Mary to an 8-4 start, establishing themselves as the No. 1 team in Division II at the midway point. The go-to scoring prowess we saw in the summer has translated to the winter months, where the game tends to be more structured than AAU season. Very versatile defender. Branham has put together huge nights against the Moeller and Sierra Canyon (CA) amongst others.
Florida offered on Dec. 15.
Faris Dahman (2021) | 5-9 PG | University School
Cerebral lead guard who sees the entire floor. Dahman makes impressive passes with a live dribble, especially in the pick-and-roll, while being able to push pace in the fullcourt, too. Scores with skill and extends the floor as a shooter.
Gavin Dobbins (2021) | 6-2 SG | Open Door
Dobbins has been dominant for Open Door. The junior averages 23.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He uses his size to finish in traffic while possessing a capable jump shot.
EJ Farmer (2021) | 6-5 SG | Cleveland Heights
In his first year as a Tiger, Farmer has picked up offers from Arkansas-Little Rock and Toledo. He’s a bonafide scorer with enticing athleticism and upside. Volume scorer from the perimeter who is beginning to attack the basket with greater authority.
Justin Garcia (2021) | 6-7 PF | Westlake
Garcia has put together a few major scoring outbursts this season. He has appealing size and skill. Shoots it very well for his size. Capable of putting it on the deck to create shots, often using moves that capitalize on his size advantage. Garcia is averaging 19.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Jaden Hameed (2021) | 5-11 PG | VASJ
Hameed has thrived this year in a new role where he needs to look for his shot as more of a first option. He shoots it well from distance, even on multiple-dribble moves at the point of attack. Finishes on strong takes when he gets downhill. Impactful defender who gets low and can pressure the ball. He’s averaging 27.1 points while dishing 4.2 assists.
Daryl Houston (2021) | 6-0 PG | Beachwood
Dynamic scorer who is quick off the bounce. Displays a flashy skill-set as a shot creator. Houston gets whatever he wants in the open floor but can also create and make tough baskets in tight spaces. His athletic burst and scoring ability suggests upside if those tools are developed. He averages 17.4 points and 4.5 assists.
Josh Irwin (2021) | 6-6 PF | West Geauga
Irwin continues to put up major numbers, just as he’s been doing since freshman year. This season, his averages are at 22.7 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. He’s a remarkably high-IQ four with an inside and outside game. He brings cohesion to a team in the way only point guards tend to do because of his communication, screening, and passing.
Toledo offered on Nov. 27, the opening day of the season.
Tyler Jackson (2021) | 6-4 SG | Garfield Heights
Jackson has been a major bright spot for the Bulldogs. Garfield flew a bit under the radar during the preseason chatter but has proven frisky. Guys like Jackson are the reason why! He’s a skilled, athletic wing who can create shots, defend multiple spots, and finish in traffic. His size is appealing.
Fairmont State offered yesterday, according to Garfield head coach Sonny Johnson.
Kobe Johnson (2021) | 6-3 SG | Canton McKinley
Among Ohio’s D-I prospects in the 2021 class, few have raised their stock like Kobe Johnson this season. Bowling Green offered after his huge performance in a road victory over Lima Senior. McKinley is better than expected at 10-2, ranking No. 9 in our Division I Power Rankings. He’s an elite power athlete with the ability to play either guard spot. Defends multiple positions. His jumper is getting better and better, too.
Bryon Ottrix (2021) | 5-10 SG | Glenville
Some kids score a lot of points, others are scorers. Ottrix fits into the latter category. He requires a face-guard at this point because of his consistency making shots when afforded separation. He’s becoming more polished away from the ball. Has the rock on a string when he handles it. Shoots from distance in motion. Quick.
Ashton Price (2021) | 6-0 G | Bay
Price set a single-game points record on Dec. 17, dropping 47 against Valley Forge. He has sustained his production, scoring 26.2 points per game. Price thrives in the fastbreak, when he can get all the way to the rim and finish with touch. Extends the defense with his jumper, too. Clever ball-handler.
Henry Raynor (2021) | 6-7 PF | St. Ignatius
Raynor picked up his first offer on Dec. 13, coming from St. Francis (PA). He’s a remarkably skilled face-up forward who has proven capable of rebounding against elite athletes. Can play with either hand and create his own shot. Also showing more signs of becoming a knock-down outside shooter this season.
Andrew Rinn (2021) | 6-3 SG | Revere
Rinn continues to put up consistent scoring numbers for Revere. He’s a big guard with skill who can create separation for his shot. Plus shooter. Big enough to defend a few positions and provide rebounding.
Stefan Stanic (2021) | 6-5 SF | Normandy
Stanic is a few months away from blowing up on the 17U grassroots scene — that’s a guarantee. In terms of physical traits and motor, Stanic is one of the top 2021 wings in the area. He’s also skilled enough to get to the basket off the drive while possessing a capable jump shot. Routinely scoring big numbers for Normandy.
Jamarr Talbert (2021) | 6-2 PG | Richmond Heights
Talbert’s long arms, fluidity, and height are ideal. He’s also added polish as a ball-handler and shooter since his sophomore season, where he was more an energetic change of pace off the bench. He has upside as a defender and is developing into a very productive offensive weapon.
Jonah Waag (2021) | 6-2 PG | VASJ
Waag is a dangerous player in the open floor and he single-handily creates transition opportunities by pushing off the glass. Likes to play fast but knows how to change speeds in order to get to the rim. High-level defender, too. Shoots a nice rhythm pull-up. Averaging 15.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.