Mid Ohio Intrasquad Scrimmage Sleeper Players
Some players came into the gym over the weekend of August 1st and 2nd and had eye-catching performances, others showcased their abilities in ways that did not leap off the court and into your minds unless someone was paying extra…
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Continue ReadingSome players came into the gym over the weekend of August 1st and 2nd and had eye-catching performances, others showcased their abilities in ways that did not leap off the court and into your minds unless someone was paying extra close attention. These players are the ones that were slept on over the weekend, with no one really talking about how good they played in a setting that was conducive to one-on-one play and flashy athleticism. Solid defense, a commitment to playmaking and a potential to be an efficient scorer are what got players onto this list. This list has players that people should keep their eye on because these are the players that become what scouts and coaches have termed “glue guys” (a cliche this writer hates) and can turn into productive next level players.
Tabree Beacham- Ohio Varsity (Northland): Watching his team closely because they were packed with talent, Beacham happened to always be around the ball and the basket. Whether he was fighting for rebounds or getting a steal in the paint, Beacham put on a defensive performance that not many would realize unless you saw his impact. Beacham had to leave the gym with skid marks on his arms from diving on the floor for loose balls on Saturday afternoon. He showed a determination that was appreciated by his teammates, with them constantly surrounding him as if he hit a game-winner even though he only got a defensive stop. It will be interesting to see how Beacham translates his improved game to this upcoming season for the Vikings.
Jaiion Lowe- Ohio Hoopsters 17U; Guice (Whitehall): Being 6-foot-7, he’s hard to miss but people were sleeping on his game. The big man finished really good around the basket while exhibiting nice touch as well. Lowe also did something that scouts and recruiters find appealing in a big, he set amazing screens and did it in different ways. He was solid with his body, stopping players colder than January 11th, and also slipping screens for easy layups when called upon. Very agile for his size, Lowe also showed the ability to handle that ball to make plays for himself and teammates with his driving to the basket.
MJ Davis- Ohio Hoopsters 17U; Tillman (Westerville Central): His defensive prowess was on front street, with Davis using his long arms and quick feet to start transition offense, especially on Sunday. Defense is usually a boring thing to watch which is why Davis was slept on, his defense going overlooked because AAU basketball is always about scoring on your defender and running in transition. Davis showed a propensity to hit open jumpers when given the chance and his handle is good enough to break down a defense and get into the lane to finish over taller players.
Shamarion Rogers- Columbus 101 (Linden McKinley): Tougher than a $2 steak is the best way to describe Rogers, he is so scrappy that one would think he was associated with Lil’ Jon and will fight for with every ounce of sweat in him to get a victory. Diving on the floor and fighting for rebounds seem to be his expertise but he can also put the ball on the floor and score for himself. Rogers showed off his brand of offense with putting his head down and attacking the basket, finishing with a nice amount of floaters in the paint and numerous mid range jump shots. Rogers’ performance went unnoticed because of the attention that his AAU teammate and the other half of the Panther duo, Chance Groce Chance Groce 6'5" | SF Linden McKinley | 2021 State OH , who was double teamed all Saturday afternoon.
Parker Smith- Ohio Ballistics (Bellevue): Playing on the most cohesive, in-sync team, Smith’s performance (much like others on his team) flew so low under radar that he is still submerged somewhere around New Covenant. Smith did a little bit of everything for his team, he shot the ball well, finished through contact and was a capable passer. Spacing the floor superbly as well, he continuously made himself available for drive and kick jumpers in the half court and filling the lanes appropriately on fast breaks. This young man defended at a decent level, playing with a level of toughness that did not match his athleticism.