270 Hoops Proving Ground Week 1 Winners
Sunday, September 5th, was the first edition of the 270 Hoops Proving Ground, comprised of four teams made up of players from around the Columbus area with each team trying to be the first to win seven games. A competitive…
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Continue ReadingSunday, September 5th, was the first edition of the 270 Hoops Proving Ground, comprised of four teams made up of players from around the Columbus area with each team trying to be the first to win seven games. A competitive sprint of an event that saw 24 young ball players come together and put on a display of basketball that shows Columbus area basketball will be in good hands. An event that includes all classes, there were some young players that did not look out of place while playing. The players that won the day stood out in a way that was undeniable, making plays for themselves and teammates or locking down on the defensive side of the ball, also players exhibited their hustle by diving for loose balls and crashing the glass relentlessly. This atmosphere was unique and every player showed a want to win, but here are the players that stood out over the rest of the pack.
John Mobley Jr.- Freshman; Reynoldsburg: The most hyped incoming freshman in the Columbus area in a long time, Mobley is a prodigy with a wonderful skill-set that has crafted and molded since he was born. After a slow start, “Junie” as he is called did not disappoint on this day, hanging with older talent and blending in like a seasoned player. Even when his jumper did not fall early in the day, this young man stayed composed and made plays with his passing and hustle. But, when his jumper did begin to drop, everyone saw why he may be the best shooter in his class; he pulled up from anywhere with extreme confidence and in completely different ways. Mobley pulled up off the dribble, in transition, standing still, off screens, it simply did not matter. This young man showed that not only is he ready for the next level, he will star in it.
Jaiden Guice Jaiden Guice 6'2" | CG Westerville South | 2021 State OH – Senior; Westerville South: Guice played with amazing swag in this event leading his team to winning the championship game, showing off the offensive repertoire in full detail. On the perimeter he showed his flashy handling skills and range from deep, starting hot from game number one and never really slowing down. He got into the paint and created confusion for the opposition so that he could finish around the basket. Guice was in control of everything happening on the floor, a true indication of an amazing point guard. When his team needed a stop, he pressured the ball and disrupted things to give his team chances to win.
Jarius Jones Jarius Jones 6'5" | SF Gahanna | 2021 State OH – Senior; Gahanna: Jones controlled the early portion of the event, with his team winning four straight games and him being the catalyst to those wins. Jones was everywhere on the floor defensively, chasing after loose balls, getting into the passing lanes and wrestling the ball away from other players on rebound attempts, this young man set the tone for his team on that side of the ball. Offensively, Jones showcased his talents after he set up his teammates early in the ball games. He shined in the mid range area, hitting jumper after jumper in the half court offense and getting the ball to the hoop and finishing in transition. Jones was the biggest winner of the early part of the day, leading his team to four straight victories and some of those were not even close.
Derrick James Derrick James 5'9" | PG Canal Winchester | 2022 State OH – Junior; St. Charles: “Doogie,” as he is affectionately called, was one of the best point guards on the court Sunday afternoon, continuously making plays for himself and keeping his team in the hunt for victories and putting his team in position to win the championship game. His passing was crisp and on point all day, hitting teammates in stride and leading them to easy baskets. Defensively he was a roll, playing passing lanes beautifully and using his long arms to blow up offensive sets. James had a stretch of games where he may have been the best player out there, showing that he can hang athletically with the best athletes in the area. St. Charles hopes that James will take the improvements made this summer into the fall season and help his team win more games this season.
Caleb Conard- Senior; Big Walnut: The MVP of the day and clearly the biggest winner, Conard played his tail off and was consistent in every game. One of the best shooters in the building, Conard kept his team in contention during games with his shot making and winning games with his three point and free throw shooting. Conard hit the glass over and over again, keeping possessions alive and getting put back tip ins, including one for a victory. The 6-foot-7 forward played hard and put on an impressive showing, never giving up on plays and defending with heart. His competitive nature was on front street, especially during the final game where he was determined for his team to get a win. Big Walnut hopes that Conard will carry over the progression of this summer into the regular season.