Top 5 Columbus City League Senior Frontcourt Players
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Being a frontcourt player in the Columbus City League is a different experience because most big men lack the enormous size that other conferences show, with some teams having centers that are 6-foot-4. One of the best players in Columbus…
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Continue ReadingBeing a frontcourt player in the Columbus City League is a different experience because most big men lack the enormous size that other conferences show, with some teams having centers that are 6-foot-4. One of the best players in Columbus City League history, Jamelle Cornley, was around 6-foot-6 on a good day and had his way in the paint at every level he played so he showed it was possible but that isn’t the way to survive in basketball. With all of that as the caveat, there are some impressive front court players in this class (even if the class is not that deep), with some being true big men and some that will be moved to swing-man at the next level. With Columbus City League basketball being delayed until mid-December, this writer will give his readers plenty of lists that will get you ready for the season’s start and give you the players to look forward to once they begin. Remember, this list only includes players that played varsity last season.
5. Xayvion Brooks- Columbus East: The big senior (standing at 6-foot-5) sure does pack some weight (255 pounds to be exact) and can throw it around. Brooks plays with a physicality that is seen in football players, which makes sense as he is also the starting tight end for the Tigers, and is used as banger in the post in the Columbus City League north. Defensively is where he shines by using his body to press against other post players and using his quick feet to not get out-quickened by players who are slimmer. Not a refined athlete by any means but he can run the floor and is not afraid to get dirty rebounds and scrappy points. His physical ways should offset the more finesse game of newcomer Mehki Bloodworth as well. Brooks can get better on offense by become a more reliable mid-range and shooter.
4. Gabe Oduro- Eastmoor Academy: Coming off an impressive season, Oduro looks to continue his momentum into this season when it starts. The long-armed senior has a motor that runs for days and excels in transition basketball. His high energy infects the team and lifts spirits, while letting him get easy baskets by being a rim runner. In the half court, Oduro is a great screen setter and gets his feet set and rarely gets plowed over by defenders. On defense, this young man covers ground in a hurry and uses his long arms to not only disrupt entry passes but also block shots. Oduro has quick feet along with jumping ability that he can rely on at this level of the game. He needs to work on and develop his perimeter scoring ability, he is not the type to get the ball and break down his defender one-on-one, which will be a skill he will need in the future.
3. Marquise Hawthorne- South: Hawthorne is big game experienced with a college ready build and intensity to match. This kid is more of a true post player with the ability to step out and make defenders pay for not putting a hand up. Good feet with multiple moves at the hoop make him a load to defend in the paint. He has really good hands and catches some really difficult passes and is still able to finish in traffic. An excellent passer for a kid his size, and has a whip of an arm that can spectators off guard when watching him. He can be used a pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop type of player. Hawthorne has had excellent coaching at South along with some teammates that have made his road easy, but this season he will need to improve his motor and go full out all game. He was able to relax at times in previous seasons due to the talent around him, but this season more will be on his plate as a team leader.
2. Earnest Johnson- Africentric: Johnson is the best defender and rim protector in this class. The lanky 6-foot-7 post man controls the paint for the Nubians, making offensive players change their mind and forcing shots from the other side of the court where he is at. If a ball handler is driving they understand the chance that Johnson sends the ball onto James road which forces them to alter their own shot over top of him. Johnson also snatches rebounds as if the ball owed him money and has been hiding for week, with his natural jumping ability and great timing. Around the rim this young man has a soft touch and can finish with the best of them. Johnson has to improve his handle to become a bigger threat offensively because he is a pretty good shooter but he cannot make the play for himself on his own until his handle gets better.
1. AJ Glover AJ Glover 6'4" | PF Independence | 2021 OH – Independence: This young man is the most well-rounded frontcourt player in this not-so-deep class and he does it by being an offensive mismatch and defensive problem. On offense, Glover can stretch the defense out and make the opposing teams big man guard the three-point line. He has an above average handle for his around 6-foot-5 size and can break down other frontcourt players, get by them to either score or pass it to an open teammate. On defense, Glover can simply slide his feet very well and stay in front of his man. He is not a tremendous leaper or a big time athlete, and he does not make splashy defensive plays but this young man shows heart on defense and disrupts shots in the process. Glover needs to work on being more aggressive, which should come this season since the record-setter Andre Trent is gone and Glover along with Keshawn Harris Keshawn Harris 6'0" | PG Independence | 2021 State OH will carry the load for the Sixers.