Mid Ohio Instrasquad Scrimmage Saturday Standouts
This was not the first of the month that Ohio’s own Bone Thugz N’ Harmony harmonized about, except in a basketball sense once the players went to roll to the pad they counted up they profits and added it to…
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Continue ReadingThis was not the first of the month that Ohio’s own Bone Thugz N’ Harmony harmonized about, except in a basketball sense once the players went to roll to the pad they counted up they profits and added it to the stash, but in any event on Saturday August 1st some of Ohio’s best took the court with college scouts in attendance. Multiple AAU programs played two games a piece, showcasing players at their peak, in a free flowing and fast pace game. The big news coming out of the Saturday session was the Ohio Hoopsters 17U Tillman point guard and Kent St. commit Jalen Sullinger Jalen Sullinger 5'11" | PG Thomas Worthington | 2021 State OH seemed to tweak his ankle in some way, failing to play the entire first game and missing the second one completely. Sullinger was performing in a manner that would’ve earned him a spot on this list, but these players are the ones who played both games and stood out among the other talents.
Eljae Deas- Ohio Hoopsters 16U (Gahana Lincoln): The starting point guard for the Hoopsters showed his quickness with his crossovers and his speed in the open court blowing by defenders before they realized he was coming. His ball handling skills also kept him away from turnovers, being able to dribble out of pressure. Deas also used his speed to disrupt things on defense, not allowing other guards around him at times and picking the pocket of multiple players. The jump shot did not fall at the rate he would like but his shot selection was really good, understanding when to involve other players on his team.
Chance Groce Chance Groce 6'5" | SF Linden McKinley | 2021 State OH – Columbus 101 (Linden McKinley): Playing through double teams and opposing teams getting the ball out of his hand, Groce showed why he is so valued. This young man never got rushed and always made the right decisions running primarily the point guard, taking advantage of defensive confusions for easy buckets. Groce continues to prove that teams cannot leave him open at the three point line because he consistently knocked it down on Saturday. He looked like the seasoned player he very well is, playing passing lanes and getting steals leading to easy transition baskets for him and his teammates.
Amani Lyles Amani Lyles 6'7" | C Beechcroft | 2022 State OH – Ohio Varsity (Beechcroft): The best big man in the Columbus City League proved why on Saturday, showcasing a defensive prowess that was unmatched on the court. He completely owned the paint, making the other team settle for jump shots because of his mere presence. It seemed like no one else could get a rebound while he played, anchoring the defense of a team who made both games a route. His offense was off a bit, keeping his well crafted mid-range game to a minimum and not finishing through contact like he usually does, that could be attributed to how deep his team is.
Landon Tillman- Ohio Hoopsters 17U; Tillman (Westerville Central): Tillman may have been the best shooter on the court, displaying his ability to not only nail open three’s but also difficult ones over taller defenders because he is only 5-foot-8. Tillman’s frame is different because he has long legs and long arms which makes him a better defensive player than other players his height. He can run point guard like he ended up doing but he worked better playing off Sullinger, being able to find soft spots in the defense to get open from penetration. Tillman is good in transition as a ball handler because of his passing skills, able to hit teammates in stride for easy layups.
Jerry Saunders Jerry Saunders 6'0" | SG Pickerington North | 2022 State OH – Ohio Varsity (Pickerington North): If there is a sleeper section, he leads the way, Saunders had a solid day. It took a little while but in the last 10 minutes of each half the all around game was there with Saunders doing a good job on defense and hitting open shots when the time called. The guard showed that he can handle the ball and create for himself as well, breaking down defenders numerous times and making it seem easy. He is built like a basketball as well, with broad shoulders that fit his 6 foot athletic frame. Aggressiveness seemed like an issue but that could be due to the dominance his team showed or the fact that they can throw multiple talented bodies at the other squad.
Drey Carter- Ohio Hoopsters 17 U; Guice (Westerville South): He could turn out to be the best long-term prospect in the building, Carter impressed this writer with his ability to defend every single player on the court. He started off being able to guard the big men very well, being stronger than he looked and able to get rebounds then bring the ball down court to set up teammates and himself for scoring chances. Carter also defended point guards and disrupted the flow of the entire offense. The 6-foot-7 slim framed player, plays bigger than what you would think, absorbing contact for and-one’s on offense.
Maurice Barnes- Ohio Varsity Shooting Starts (Columbus South): Once someone gets past the nonchalant demeanor and the blank expression on Barnes’ face, they will realize that he has game. Nothing shakes or affects the lefty, staying steady despite facing pressure all day long and being the primary ball handler. “Buck,” as they call him, showed himself to be a streaky shooter, but once he gets going he can shoot the ball with the best of them. Barnes has a quick release and good shot selection.
Jaiden Guice- Ohio Hoopsters 17U; Guice (Westerville South): Guice got into his bag on Saturday, and pulled out all the tools. The handles, the shooting, the passing, the smarts to run a team, everything that a college would want in a point guard. He paced his team in half court situations, getting them into sets and playing within the system but in transition his speed was eye catching. He hit difficult shots over defenders, not only from the perimeter but also in the paint as he displayed an ability to hit floaters over taller players.
Scotty Lomax- Ohio Hoopsters 17U; Tillman (Groveport Madison): One of the most athletic players in the building, Lomax did not disappoint in transition, delivering a couple of dazzling dunks and dunk attempts. He was a very good defender, using his long arms to begin his transition offense. He demonstrated the ability to hit open jump shots a high rate on Saturday, leaving college scouts buzzing about his improvement from that area. Lomax also impressed with the control in his game for such an athletic player, slowing down a step and allowing his explosiveness to mean something.