Early Season Central Ohio Area Junior Stockrisers
Coming into this crazy basketball season, it was understood that the class of 2022 was jammed packed with difference makers and absolute beasts but also, coming into this season some of those young men were yet to make the splash…
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Continue ReadingComing into this crazy basketball season, it was understood that the class of 2022 was jammed packed with difference makers and absolute beasts but also, coming into this season some of those young men were yet to make the splash they feel they could have made. Now that this season has begun to hit its stride, there are certain young men who have seen their stocks rise in the eyes of scouts and coaches alike. The young men that have saw their stocks rise are the ones that have made a leap from their sophomore year; whether that be through scoring, defensive ability or just pure playing time, these juniors have upped their game and are proving to be wonderful prospects for the future. Here are the top stocks risers of the 2022 class, these kids have worked hard to improve and deserve some more looks from college programs around Ohio.
Brae Friesner- Berne Union: This 5-foot-10 point guard can get the job done on both ends of the court, with the ability to put the ball in the basket and defend at a high level. Friesner is averaging over 11 points per game after averaging just over five last season. He has upped his scoring average with an improved jump shot and getting out in transition for easy baskets at the rim. Friesner has kept his same defensive edge, competing on every play and not giving up any easy buckets while being able to block the shots of other guards and getting his hands in places to knock the ball loose. This season has done huge favors for Friesner, he has showcased his skills and given college coaches and scouts someone to consider when they are looking for a point guard that can control pace on offense and slow down opposing guards on defense.
Seth Cooper-Utica: After scoring around three points per game last season, Cooper has exploded on the scene this year with an over 18 point per game average which includes a season-high of 26. Cooper is not Bret Hart by any means but he is a sharpshooter and that has been on display this year, with a quick release and a beautiful form. The 6-foot guard has good size, strength and can also get to the basket, take the contact and score with good body control while he is in the air. He has a soft touch in the mid-range and can finish with both hands at the rim, Cooper also shows a decent passing gift with nice vision and the skill to drop the ball off to open shooters on the perimeter. Defensively, Cooper causes chaos and accumulates steals at a high rate, he has good timing and can defend without fouling.
Nick Heath- Upper Arlington: The 6-foot-3 swing guard can knock the net off the rim with how well he shoots, which only adds to his offensive skill set. Heath has gotten better from last season and is putting his game on display for colleges around the area to see. Nick can finish at the rim using his decent athleticism and focus, showing his ability to attack the basket which is something he has improved upon. He is also a talented passer, swinging the ball to open teammates with good vision and awareness of the offense and where his teammates will be. His size causes problems for other guards on defense, he is able to use his long arms to play passing lanes for steals and easy transition scores for the Golden Bears. This is a young man that programs should get familiar with because not only will his game translate to the next level but his versatility will allow Heath to be an effective player at the next level.
Kevin Reeves- Columbus Academy: After scoring just over seven points per game last season, Reeves has stepped up this year and has more than doubled that by dropping in 15 points per game this year. He has improved his post-up scoring ability in half court situations, he can still get better at scoring around the rim though. Reeves is great in transition, he is an excellent rim runner with great hands and can get the ball in the hoop. The kid excels on the defensive end, using his 6-foot-7 frame to protect the rim for the Vikings, blocking shots at a high rate, bothering even more with the awareness to grab steals when the opportunity presents itself. Reeves is an interesting prospect that is in the midst of his breakout season, continued performances will get his name mentioned more among the best big men in the class of 2022.
Henry Brandt- Bexley: With one of the best clips in the Mid-State League, Brandt should literally be shooting his way onto the radar of college coaches. So far in this young season, the Bexley guard is scoring over 16 points per game and is putting on shooting clinics in the process. The 6-foot-1 guard is great in catch-and-shoot situations while seemingly being unfazed by the hands that come flying towards him. He knows how to get open in the half court, with non-stop movement side to side and in transition he sprints to the corner for what turn out to be mostly open jump shots. For schools that need a shooter, which in this era is all of them, this young man is as good as it gets in this MSL.
Dillan Stewart- Licking Valley: Before a rough game against Northridge, Stewart was playing really well this season, scoring over 14 points per game and scoring double-digits in every game except two. The versatile guard can really shoot the ball, having multiple games with more than three made three-point jumpers, he has a nice form and if his feet are set then it’s going to the bottom of the net. Stewart also is active on defense, keeping his hands high and moving to block shots or collect steals. His defensive instincts are really good as well, running shooters off of the three-point line and playing without fouling on that end of the court. Stewart has shown that he can help teams with his shooting ability, some program that needs him should continue to monitor his progression as the season continues.
*All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com