Best Freshman and Sophomore Prospects of Week 9
This week, I watched six games over the course of three days. We started in Columbus, stopped in Lima, ended in Canton for the Kosta Koufos Classic. Ohio, we are entering the most compelling portion of the basketball calendar. There…
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Continue ReadingThis week, I watched six games over the course of three days. We started in Columbus, stopped in Lima, ended in Canton for the Kosta Koufos Classic.
Ohio, we are entering the most compelling portion of the basketball calendar. There are 47 days until March 21, when four state champions will be crowned at the Schottenstein Center. What happens between now and then is the fun part. Legends will be made.
Brody Gowen (2022) | 6-8 C | Hoban
stats: 4 points, 4 rebounds
Gowen is an active 6-foot-8 post player with a lot of room to continue developing. On offense, he was constantly involved in high pick-and-roll action and showed good touch when he caught while diving. Defensively, he changed shots at the rim and closed-out with his hands up to affect shooters. Gowen is mobile, although you can tell his speed is yet to come as he’s still adjusting to his body.
Michael Greenlee | 5-9 PG | Toledo St. John’s
stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds
Greenlee displayed his shooting ability Friday versus Lima. He made a few catch-and-shoot jumpers while also getting to the free throw line on a strong drive. Skilled handle. Good on-ball defender, too.
Brandon Ivery (2023) | 6-2 SF | The Wellington School
stats: 14 points, 5 rebounds
Ivery is an athletic energy player with upside to become a lock-down defender and slasher. He pops off the floor to elevate for contested finishes. Good elevation on pull-ups, too. Unorthodox shooting release that will likely be ironed out. Provides energy off the bench. We like his physical tools.
Amire Robinson (2023) | 6-3 SF | Copley
stats: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
Robinson is a transition playmaker and slasher with a powerfully-built mature frame. Plus length. The freshman consistently created open shots for others while leading the break off the glass, often hitting shooters on crisp kick-outs. High-IQ player who also talks on defense. Scores in the paint by attacking off the bounce or by getting deep position inside by sealing his defender and pro hopping his way into a finish.
Jamal Sumlin (2022) | 6-1 PG | Rhodes
stats: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals
Who is the best pure point guard in Ohio? Not sure. But Sumlin is in the discussion.
He has command of the floor and picked Louisville apart in the first half, showing elite vision. The sophomore sees the entire floor. Makes smart passes after collapsing the defense. Picks his spots as a scorer and is a solid outside shooter. Combines elusive footwork with athleticism when he attacks the basket.
Elite lateral quickness and good hands on defense. Changes direction on a dime. He’s extremely sound as a perimeter defender. Jumps passing lanes, which is where all of his steals came from Saturday.
Khoi Thurmon (2023) | 5-11 PG | Copley
stats: 18 points, 2 assists
Thurmon has a very well-rounded, skilled offensive package. His 18-point performance included a variety of scores. He’s a creative finisher who can elude bodies on the floor with advanced gathers or hang in the air to score over a shot-blocker. The lefty shot it from distance without much space, showing comfort pulling off the dribble. Patient ball-handler who operates with pace. Thurmon doesn’t get in trouble with his dribble often.
Logan Vowles (2023) | 5-11 G | Hoban
stats: 3 points, 1 assist
The freshman starter showed confidence and quickness throughout the game. Made quick reads when he caught and didn’t hesitate to take the 3-pointer. Although he connected on just one triple, he hardly rimmed-out on a few of the misses. Alert defender who can move his feet.