Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Sleeper Players
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In a conference that gets overlooked by the masses in the state, there are going to be plenty of players that get overlooked as well in the process. There are seniors in this class that deserve a look from small…
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Continue ReadingIn a conference that gets overlooked by the masses in the state, there are going to be plenty of players that get overlooked as well in the process. There are seniors in this class that deserve a look from small programs and this is what this article intends to do, give those that undervalued a new sense of value and to give scouts and coaches a look from players they do not know much about at this moment. Juniors on this list still have a shot to become a sought-after prospect next season but this article will serve as a springboard into the rest of this season and into their senior season. With some pretty good players already in this conference, there are plenty of players that are worth D3 or NAIA looks based on their resume and skill set. Here are the sleeper players from the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference so far during the 2020-2021 basketball season.
Merritt Burgholder- Senior; Clear Fork: After leading the Mid-Ohio in blocked shots last season, Burgholder doubled-down and is repeating that accomplishment so far in the 2020-2021 season by averaging around 1.5 blocks per game. The big man for the Colts also is snagging down a conference-leading 9.2 rebounds per game as well, carving out space and using his basketball instincts to grab boards. Burgholder does not put the ball in the basket at the highest rate but he defends and protects the paint on the defensive end, with his broad shoulders and knowledge of where the basketball will come off of the rim. The senior does have a soft touch on put back shots after grabbing offensive rebounds, he is tough and physical in order to even grab the offensive rebound to begin with. Some players are instant offensive, well Burgholder is instant defense with his ability to come in the game and shut the water off of opposing offenses.
Karson Lang- Junior; River Valley: The second-leading assist man in the conference and on his team, tossing just over four dimes per game. Lang also adds in just over six points per game, mainly coming from layups and floaters in the lane. This junior shows potential flashes of doubling his assist total next season when the ball is in his hands more because of his court vision and the zip he puts behind his passes. The 6-foot-2 guard is tasked with ball handling duties when Ethan Bell Ethan Bell 5'10" | PG River Valley | 2021 State OH plays off the ball and does an excellent job at getting Bell the ball when he gets open. Lang is also responsible for defending the other team’s best perimeter player and he excels in that role by pressuring the ball handler and causing problems for offense’s to get into their sets. His skill set will be more on display in his senior season, but for now Lang is displaying his passing gift for scouts and coaches to see.
Jahki Henderson Jahki Henderson 6'5" | PF River Valley | 2021 State OH – Senior; River Valley: A 6-foot-6 monster that controls the paint for the Vikings on defense and makes sure he is a factor on the offensive side of the ball as well. Henderson is dropping in over eight points per game and is impressive in the paint in a multitude of ways. The senior finishes strong around the rim, whether it is off the pick-and-roll or him cutting into the lane and getting the ball. He also handles the ball well enough to get in the teeth of the defense by putting the ball on the floor and getting past his defender. Henderson is alert on defense himself, consistently being in the correct spot and being able to disrupt shots in the paint for his team. An active player on both ends, Henderson will be able to help a program because of his versatility and athleticism.
Jeremy Holloway- Junior; Shelby: A difference maker on the defensive side of the ball, Holloway is a flat out hellraiser on that side of the court. Holloway averages a razor thin edge under three steals per game and just under a block per game as well which is impressive because of the fact that he is not that tall. His nose for the basketball when it is in the air is unmatched in this conference, being able to track the ball down and hustle over to get his hands on it. The most underrated part of that is his ability to keep the ball inbounds and begin his team’s transition offense. While defending in the half-court, Holloway stays in the ball handler’s hip pocket, wreaks havoc on opposing players and is able to poke the ball away in those scenarios as well. His height will make college programs shy away from him but if someone takes a swing on him, they will get one of the toughest and smartest defensive players that small-area Ohio schools can provide.
Ayden Rich- Senior; Marion Harding: Rich is a jack-of-all-trades type of player and a mini stat sheet stuffer with his ability to get everything done on the court. He scores close to 10 points per game along with just over three assists and is second in the conference in blocks with 1.3 blocks per game. He is the rare point guard that turns his offense into defense then back into offense, being able to score the ball, grab a steal and finish at the rim again in the span of 30 seconds. Rich displays nice instincts on both sides of the ball, knowing when to pass the ball and when to get in the lane to score also while being able to fight through screens on defense. The long armed senior has a skill set that can translate to the next level as well, being versatile enough to guard both guard positions while still having the offense game to be a playmaker for his own team.
Troy Manning- Senior; Galion: Like a gnat at a BBQ, Manning bugs the heck out of opposing point guards, already amassing two six steal games along with a four steal outing as well. The senior takes advantage of the opposing player’s mistakes by scooping up loose balls and getting his team into their transition offense. Manning also shows flashes of athleticism with his jumping ability, he gets higher than you think just by looking at him. He is not the most productive scorer but he runs his team with poise and pace, getting them into the correct plays and trying to get them the best shot possible. The 5-foot-11 point guard can be a productive player at the next level due to his defense and calmness with the ball in his hand.
Jon Nagel- Senior; Ontario: This kid really fills out a jersey, an impressive looking athlete that doubles as the football team’s defensive end and brings that intensity to the basketball court. Nagel knows how to move players out his way using his lower-body strength to snag rebounds, averaging over six boards per game and rejecting a shot per game as well. He serves as the rim protector for the Warriors, staying active and keeping his hands high in the paint as opposing players drive into the lane. A pure bruiser on the offensive end as well, Nagel is a straight-up, back to the basket player that wants to punish any defender on the block. If he doesn’t choose to play football at the next level then his toughness and that pitbull type of mentality will translate into any college program.
Jake Williams- Junior; Pleasant: One of the best catch-and-shoot players in the conference, with the understanding of getting open along the three-point line. So far this season, Williams is putting up just over 10 points per game and has already had three games with hitting at least two three-pointers. Williams runs hard for the entirety of the game (would love to see his step-counter post game) and works for his shots. He has a quick release and is willing to shoot the ball over any defender. The 6-foot-3 guard is big enough to disrupt other guards as well with his strength and basketball IQ. Williams will have another to expand his game and be the go-to guy next season where he should be able to show his entire skill set and become a more sought-after prospect.
*All statistics provided by moacsports.com