Central Ohio Area Top Performers Of 2020
As this world we live in approaches a new year, so many things have changed (like, everything) but one thing that has remained the same is the level of basketball in Central Ohio is still outstanding. From seniors trying to…
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Continue ReadingAs this world we live in approaches a new year, so many things have changed (like, everything) but one thing that has remained the same is the level of basketball in Central Ohio is still outstanding. From seniors trying to make the most of this season, to juniors proving that they are the golden class of this era and even some players that have not played an official game this season, these young men have been the most impressive players that this writer has covered since the entire year has started. Central Ohio is home to a couple of teams that have real state high school title aspirations, such as Gahanna, Westerville Central, Westerville South and even the Beechcroft Bearcats, if they ever get to take the court and play (get it done Columbus City League), and there are many more teams that can get to regional and district championships as well. With the criteria being strictly performance throughout the summer, fall and their respective seasons so far, these are the top performers of 2020 from the Central Ohio area.
Sean Jones Sean Jones 5'10" | PG Gahanna | 2022 State #102 Nation OH – Junior; Gahanna: The best overall player in Central Ohio, Jones has lived up to the hype in the early part of his regular season after a quiet off-season. He has done damage to opposing teams while not 100% healthy because of a gimpy ankle, when he gets all the way healed up in 2021 expect his Lion team to be a major factor in the Ohio High School State playoffs. Jones is smooth as silk and tough as nails as well with his ability to get in the lane and absorb contact from bigger players. The junior is a sniper from behind the arch, especially off the dribble but he can play off the ball and shoot just as well from a catch-and-shoot perspective. He has a solid handle and surprising athleticism from a 5-foot-10 inch point guard, Jones also runs the offense to perfection and gets his teammates in the correct spots for the best shots. Defensively, Jones can disrupt with his strength and use his active hands to deflect passes and get steals for easy transition baskets. As he goes through the process of choosing what school he is going to attend, colleges are salivating over getting him on their campus and developing his game even more.
Amani Lyles Amani Lyles 6'7" | C Beechcroft | 2022 State OH – Junior; Beechcroft: If this writer believed in momentum, he would have had the most coming into his basketball season, sadly the Columbus City League has not started yet, Lyles had the most dominant summer of any player in Central Ohio. Everywhere he went he put up numbers on the offensive end, showing his face-up game by getting the ball and either taking the ball to the cup or hitting smooth 16-foot jumpers over defenders, he even pushed his range out to the three-point line and if he gets consistent at that then he will be the ultimate match-up nightmare. Lyles really impressed this guy with his defense, treating opposing offenses like the brick treated Debo’s face in ‘Friday,’ he attacked it by never letting them get too comfortable. On pick-and-rolls he can blitz the ball handler or he can switch off and defend perimeter players like he’s a guard himself. Lyles will make some school very happy in the future, he is just now realizing how good he can be and that is scary.
DJ Moore DJ Moore 6'3" | PG Worthington Christian | 2021 State OH – Junior; Worthington Christian: Steady and consistent are the two words that best describes the future Liberty point guard, the first college-committed player on this list. Moore plays with pace and demonstrates the ability to get in the lane and finish over taller players while still having a consistent jump shot to match it. So far this season, Moore is putting up over 15 points per game after a relatively quiet summer. Moore’s ability to generate offense for his team is amazing, with an explosive first-step that gets him around his defender and the passing vision to get the ball to his teammates when the defense collapses on him. The junior has been tremendous in leading his team so far this season, off to a 10-0 start, making winning plays down the stretch of games. Moore is a player that come 2021 will make his name bigger to make people double-back and wonder if he’s more of a power-5 recruit.
Javan Simmons Javan Simmons 6'7" | C Gahanna | 2022 State OH – Junior; Gahanna: Possibly the most effective big man in all of Central Ohio at this moment, Simmons has been a beast to start this year. He has worked hard on his cardio, being able to run up and down the court without getting as winded as he did last season which allows him to give maximum effort on both sides of the court. Simmons has also developed a more consistent three-point jump shot and that did not do anything but make him a more effective player. On defense, Simmons controls the paint with his size and agility, he has great lateral movement and quick feet to match with a quick jump that allows him to disrupt shots in the air. He has been the most consistent player on the loaded Lion roster so far in the 2020-2021 season, dominating games on both ends of the court and leaving his imprint on the game. Recently getting an official offer from the University of Toledo (as tough as it was to write that being a Falcon) shows that his hard work has paid off.
Henry Hinkle Henry Hinkle 5'11" | PG Olentangy Liberty | 2021 State OH – Senior; Olentangy Liberty: One of the best shooters in the area, Hinkle is an unsigned senior point guard who flat out wins games by doing anything he needs to do. If he needs to score 30 then he can do that and if he is in foul trouble and can only muster 11 points but hit a timely three-point shot then get a game-sealing steal to end it, he can do that. Hinkle is smart, physical and a play maker, displaying amazing poise by not making many mistakes along with playing a fourth quarter with four fouls. This senior has good vision as well, being able to find open teammates and deliver passes with accuracy and zip behind them. How Hinkle has gone unsigned is a mystery that can only be solved by hopping in the mystery machine and going state to state to pull off the masks of scouts and coaches around the world. Whoever ends up with this young man will find them a gem among other gems in Central Ohio, Hinkle brings everything a college team needs in their program.
Tyler Kindberg Tyler Kindberg 6'4" | SG Worthington Christian | 2021 State OH – Senior; Worthington Christian: After a hot summer, Kindberg carried his good play into the early part of the season and parlayed all of that into committing to Indiana-Wesleyan a few weeks back. Kindberg came to some events over the summer and played his game, shooting well and putting the ball on the ground while making plays in the lane with his athleticism. When he gets his feet set, get ready to take the ball from the net but when he drives defenders should watch their head because he is trying to dunk on it. Kindberg will continue his great play in 2021 and hopefully it pays off with a district title this season. Not much needs to be said about one of the most consistent players of 2020, always displaying the talent to be a great prospect from this area.
Mason Purvis- Senior; Millersport: The best scorer in the area, Purvis not only scored his 1,000th point this season but he is also putting up over 32 points per game so far in 2020-2021 and does not seem to be slowing down. Purvis has no qualms about where he wants to shoot the ball from, pulling up from Bellville with no conscience and hitting the shots with consistency. The senior can also distribute the ball when he needs to, having pretty good vision and delivering good passes to teammates where they can finish with ease. Purvis is a good team defender as well, being able to close out on opposing shooters and rotating well on the perimeter. He leads his team with his play and his words, refusing to let his team lose in the process. Another kid that should be signed somewhere and it is a crying shame that he is not, Purvis is a walking bucket, a true leader and a player that can start from day one at a small school and consistently win for a program.
Andre Irvin Andre Irvin 5'8" | PG Olentangy Orange | 2021 State OH – Senior; Olentangy Orange: One of this writer’s favorite players to watch because Irvin plays hard, with a great jumper and the toughness of a 1996 Dodge Neon. Irvin gets into the lane and can finish over players taller than him and can take defenders off the dribble and shoot the ball over the top of their head. He has the poise that a senior needs to display and the ability of a new-aged point guard, being capable of hitting open teammates and scoring the ball himself. Irvin has a 30-point outing in the midst of a season where he is averaging over 22 points per game so far. His skill set allows him to do what he wants on the court, Irvin is a prospect that should intrigue colleges because he can flat out ball at any level.
Ajay Sheldon Ajay Sheldon 6'2" | PG Dublin Coffman | 2022 State OH – Junior; Dublin Coffman: The leading scorer in the Ohio Capital Conference, Sheldon is averaging over 25 points per game for the Irish but it started with amazing showings over the summer. Whenever this writer saw him over the summertime, he displayed the same excellent shooting ability he is exhibiting so far during this basketball season. Sheldon can also put the ball on the ground, attack the basket and finish at the rim with some nice, athletic lay-ups and great body control in the air. He can play with different paces with the ball in his hand and utilizes his handle to create space from defenders. His hustle is tremendous as well, diving on the floor for loose balls and soaring in the air for tough offensive rebounds. On defensive, Sheldon competes and plays hard with decent lateral movement and an aggressive mindset on that end of the court as well. A prospect that has played better as 2020 continued and 2021 seems to be promising for this young man.
Jalen Sullinger Jalen Sullinger 5'11" | PG Thomas Worthington | 2021 State OH – Senior; Thomas Worthington: A future Kent State Golden Flash, Sullinger has done his last name proud, being a consummate point guard and being nothing but solid since the summer started. Sullinger has multiple great outings over the summer and has carried it over to the start of the regular season where he is putting up 17.1 points per game. The next in the line of amazing Sullinger basketball players, Jalen runs the point guard position with amazing confidence and displays all the qualities a point guard should have. He has a consistent deep jump shot and can get into the paint at will, with a quick first step and decent athleticism as well, Sullinger does damage to defenders with his fresh-braid crispy handle. Sullinger can get where he wants on the court on the offensive end and plays the passing lanes and creates turnovers on the defensive end with a solid base and strong upper body. 2021 should treat Sullinger well as he tries to lead his team to another district championship.
Jaiden Guice Jaiden Guice 6'2" | CG Westerville South | 2021 State OH – Senior; Westerville South: After an amazing summer that saw Guice consistently be the best point guard at the events he was at, he is second in the OCC in scoring to start out this season at 23 points per game. The lefty has a crafty handle that he uses to break down defenders like a folding chair at the end of a BBQ and can finish in the lane with a plethora of ways to get his shot off. Guice’s three-point jump shot is great as well, creating space on the perimeter and getting it off at any moment. In transition he is amazing, gliding through defenders and having the ability to score himself or pass to teammates with great anticipation and touch on his passes. Guice can also wreak havoc on ball handlers with the way he applies ball pressure, smothering the ball and not letting opposing point guards get their teams into good sets. Another young man who should be getting more offers than he is because he is an amazing basketball player with a great upside and a great, athletic bloodline.
Aaron Williams- Junior; Eastmoor Academy: As last seasons’ Ohio State High School playoffs ended for Eastmoor Academy, Williams left a lasting impression with his defense and ability to hit open three’s on a senior-laden team. Williams was used to relieve pressure from the more experienced guards and was able to run the offense the way it was constructed with poise that was beyond his then-sophomore years. He clearly spent his quarantine getting bigger, packing on muscle to absorb contact better and he also improved his ball handling and aggressiveness. Whenever he took the court, it was clear who the leader of the team was without words being said, it was like everyone knew he was the best kid on the block. Williams controlled action with pace and an understanding of how to attack the basket and still make plays for his teammates, showing great vision and passing skill. This young man can be a special point guard once the Warriors hit the court this season.
Gavin Foe Gavin Foe 6'2" | SG Johnstown | 2021 State OH – Senior; Johnstown: One of the most fearless players in the area, Foe has some really nice showings for himself over the summer and has flowed his good play into the regular season. The 6-foot-3 guard is an on-court leader with his play and his words, settling his team down and getting them into the correct sets without having to take much instruction from his head coach. Foe is also a fearless shot taker and maker, getting off shots that only an experienced and tough player like him can take. He has a nice handle and protects the ball while it is in his hand, rarely making a bad decision when he is in control of the offense. On the defensive side of the ball, Foe competes at a high level and uses his size and length on the perimeter to disrupt the flow of the offense and begin transition offense for his team. This senior is the epitome of a competitor at the high school level, something that his coaches at Marian University will love.
Derek Goodman- Freshman; Olentangy Berlin: The only freshman on this list, Goodman has impressed this writer with his aggressiveness and skill set to start his high school career. Goodman exploded in his second game with 18 big points and has not really slowed down yet after an impressive summer at multiple events. The freshman has shown that he will be a problem for the next three years, with his ability to score inside and out. The 6-foot-2 guard has displayed a consistent jump shot and good rebounding for his height as well, being able to start and lead fast breaks on his own. To keep it short because he will continue to shine from 2021 and beyond, Goodman has the ability to become the best player in his league really soon.
Javian Williams- Senior; Briggs: Another player from a conference that sadly has not started yet (get it done Columbus City Schools), Williams was impressive in the times he got to play this summer and from all accounts was ready to start the season in dominant fashion. This young man’s skill set is off the charts sensational, with the ability to get in the lane, shoot the ball from the mid-range, nail jumpers from distance and handle the ball. Williams is a complete offensive package inside of a 6-foot-5ish frame that is well put together and will only get bigger once he goes to college. On the defensive end, Williams uses his strength to not allow ball handlers to penetrate and get into the paint. Confidence is not a problem for him either, playing with the swagger of a top prospect because his talent demands he do that. Whatever school steals Williams will be a better program for it.
*All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com*