Ohio Capital Conference- Ohio Division Sleeper Players
With so much talent in one division, some players are bound to get looked over in favor of the bigger names but these players are the glue that holds not only their team but also this division and conference as…
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Continue ReadingWith so much talent in one division, some players are bound to get looked over in favor of the bigger names but these players are the glue that holds not only their team but also this division and conference as a whole together. The players on this list represent the underrepresented kids of the OCC-Ohio division, the ones that have not been on the radars of colleges. These young men will hopefully have the season that can get their name out to the masses and get them a scholarship. With a shortened season in their future, these sleeper players hope to get on the court to show scouts and coaches alike that they are worthy of the attention many other players receive.
Dior Conners Dior Conners 6'2" | PG Pickerington North | 2022 State OH – 2022; Pickerington North: Some of the most underrated handles in this conference as a whole, Conners can break down defenders and get past them in a flash. He has a funky looking release on his shot but the most important part is that it is quick and it falls for the most part, with him being more of a streaky shooter. Good defensive anticipation puts him in line to play passing lanes and get easy transition baskets. It is impossible to keep him from getting into the paint, and once he’s there he knows how to give good dump off passes to his big men for lay-ups.
Zach Combs- 2022; Grove City: A duel-sport athlete, Combs shines on the football field as well as a fierce hitting with great anticipation and the willingness to stick in nose in the dirty places and come up with key plays which is much like his basketball game. He is a scrappy competitor who may not average much more than the 3.6 points per game he scored last season because he does all the things the other players won’t do. He dives for loose balls and soars for offensive rebounds while being savvy enough to get his fingertips on the ball to keep possessions alive. Combs is a glue guy for his team and should be seen as a key piece for a team’s success.
Justin Perry Justin Perry 6'7" | PF New Albany | 2022 State OH – 2022; New Albany: The close to 6-foot-7 Perry average close to 15 points per game last season and is still overlooked because the win column is not where his team wants it to be. New coach Ryan Grashel will be able to to use him a plethora of was ways once this season begins. Perry is a reliable shooter with more athleticism than defenders would think. Grashel will hopefully make him more aggressive and his scoring output can actually increase, he looks like an 18-20 point scorer on this level. After this season, Perry may not be a sleeper much anymore.
MJ Davis MJ Davis 6'4" | SF Westerville Central | 2021 State OH – 2021; Westerville Central: The second team all-conference performer can handle the ball and run the offense as a point guard but can also shoot the ball well enough to play off the ball. His defense is outstanding, showing a real passion to get in a defensive stance and lock up offensive players. Davis is a ball of energy on the court, cutting non-stop when the ball is not in his hand. The senior is ready to be on the radar of colleges, with a huge season in store for him, he will be in no time.
Donovan Hunter Donovan Hunter 6'7" | PF Spire | 2023 State OH – 2023; Westerville Central: He is a sleeper for now, but if you’re reading this then you should invest in this young man now because he has star written all over him. The now-sophomore is so skilled for his age, with an amazing dribble and the ability to break down a defender. He can also be the big in pick-and-pop situations because he has a trustworthy jump shot. Hunter has good instincts and a nose for the basketball on defense, using his long arms to get steals and deflections. His age will allow people to overlook early this season but at the end of this season, this writer guarantees he will be an impact player.
Eljae Deas- 2022; Gahanna Lincoln: A bouncy junior guard who had an excellent summer/early fall. Full of fast-twitch muscle fiber, Deas has an explosive first step that can get him past any defender, coupled with the ability to finish at the rim. He relies on his handle to get him out of situations, which works, staying low to the ground and gliding through a defense on his way to an athletic finish. Deas is a pesky defender who stays in the ball-handler’s hip and gets steals with relative ease. A casualty of the talent around him, Deas will be a key contributor on this team without being recognized by on-lookers as one of the teams better players.
Caleb McCleskey- 2021; Gahanna Lincoln: Another casualty of the talent around him, McCleskey will look to actually show that he can hang with the varsity team this season. The 6-foot-5 swing man looks as if he can play with the bigger boys, with a nice build and a frame that can pack on more pounds if necessary. Although he is not a super athlete, his basketball IQ will have to get him by if he is used at this level. McCleskey was not on the basketball scene much this summer but the videos from personal workouts and last season shows that he has a nice jump shot, with the height to shoot over defenders. He used his long arms to block shots but with the height difference in players, he may be more of a player who plays passing lanes at the varsity level. A small eye should be kept on him to see if the potential is somewhere in there.
*All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com*