Early Season Junior Sleepers
The class of 2022 is one the most loaded classes in recent Central Ohio memory, jammed with potential pros and productive college players. There are many types of beasts in this class as well, from athletic wings with big upside…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2022 is one the most loaded classes in recent Central Ohio memory, jammed with potential pros and productive college players. There are many types of beasts in this class as well, from athletic wings with big upside to guards that affect the game on both ends of the court. With so much talent in the area, players are bound to be overlooked and undervalued and this is where they can get some shine. Although the Columbus City League has not started yet because they are misguided in their approach, players such as Aaron Williams (Eastmoor Academy), Zion Blevins (Walnut Ridge), and LB Towns (Linden McKinley), are young men that are excellent juniors that deserve a chance to play so they can show why they would be valuable to college programs in the future. Here are more juniors that have been under the radar while balling out for their teams.
Noah Lawrence Noah Lawrence 6'0" | PG Westerville North | 2022 State OH – Westerville North: The second-leading scorer on his team, Lawrence has had a solid start to the season, impressing scouts with his offense skill set. Lawrence can handle the ball well and get into the lane where he can finish with either hand at the rim. His passing ability is often on display as well, tossing out assists with regularity and putting his vision on film for schools to see. Lawrence is also able to sink jumpers from all over the court, his mid-range shot is solid with a soft touch and his three-point jumper is consistent. He gets looked over because of the talent that surrounds him in his division, but Lawrence can get the job done on the court and could bloom into a star once his senior season comes.
CC Ezirim CC Ezirim 6'6" | C Jerome | 2022 State OH – Dublin Jerome: While the offensive numbers will not blow anybody away, his affect on the defensive end earns him a spot on this list. The 6-foot-7 forward protects the rim for the Celtcis with his athleticism and long arm to block shots in the paint. Ezirim can also slide his feet and defend on the perimeter, using his length to disrupt passing angles and get in the sightline of shooters. He is only scoring a tick under six points per game but he is an elite finisher in the lane, usually dunking on the opponent, and he is a great rim runner in transition with his speed in the open floor being second-to-none for a kid his size. His athletic ability is off the chart and as his offense game continues to develop, Ezirim will start to become a more sought after prospect in Central Ohio.
Marshawn Oliver- Harvest Prep: Playing on a team that is so balanced and dominant, plenty of players could be slept on from this school and this junior is the shining example. Oliver is scoring just over nine points per game with a season-high of 14, which he has scored two times so far this season. This young man plays hard on both ends of the court and his length on the perimeter helps the Warriors full court press be more effective. Oliver has a nice handle of the ball but can also play off the ball, cut around the court and finish at the rim with style and athleticism. The 6-foot-2 Oliver will translate nicely to the guard spot at the next level with his ability to be versatile on offense and defense along with his off ball play on the court.
Atticus Schuler Atticus Schuler 6'6" | PF Desales | 2022 State OH – DeSales: Playing alongside one of the best players in the Central Ohio area means that he will rightfully get the majority of attention from college coaches and Schuler feels that because he is a really good player that is overlooked. Schuler is a really good floor spacer that can find open spaces on the perimeter and knock down deep three-point jumpers. He gets the ball out of his hands quick on jump shots and never lets the basketball get lower than his face on shots. The 6-foot-6 forward can also block shots in the lane with his long arms and good timing. Schuler will be more of a factor as the season continues and he will be a pivotal factor in the Stallions’ run in the postseason.
Keylan Williams Keylan Williams 6'6" | PF Heath | 2022 State OH – Heath: After leading his team in scoring last season, Williams came back this season and has played just as well but the limited number of games is the only reason he lands on this list. The 6-foot-5 stretch forward has no conscience when he shoots, Williams can knock drain shots from four steps behind the three-point line with ease. Keylan can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim, and while his handles are not Kyrie-like it is plenty enough effective to get into the lane where he finishes at the rim with authority. With this season being strange in every possible way, Williams is getting overlooked due to the lack of games he has played but this kid can be a valuable asset to a college program.
Trey Smith- Lakewood: This defensive-minded point guard makes life hard on opposing guards with his quickness and active hands on that end of the court. The 6-foot Smith stays in the ball handler’s hip pocket and forces them into mistakes when he is in man-to-man defense while having the instincts and awareness to track the ball down and snatch it down when it’s in the air. Smith is also averaging close to six points per game, with a season-high of 15, and he does that with a consistent three-point shot and quick moves to the basket. Smith is a difference maker on the defensive end of the court, with his impact being felt by opposing guards and that is why he is a slept on point guard in the Central Ohio area.
Brandon Buchanan- Newark Catholic: The 6-foot-3 guard is his team’s second-leading scorer so far this season, averaging just over 10 points per game and does his work by getting into the paint and scoring in different ways. Buchanan has a pretty good post up game for a guard, with nice size and the skill to get his shot off over the top of his defender in the post. He can also rebound well for his size and position, carving out space with good timing and pretty good jumping abilities. The junior can also take his shot to the perimeter and bury three-point baskets when called upon as well. This kid has a great skill set to work around and the ability to score in different ways which will make him an interesting prospect for colleges looking for a big guard.
Parker Logan- Columbus Academy: Playing behind three players that average in double-digits, Logan is scoring nine points per game and he blends into the offense well while being able to defend at a pretty good level. Logan has active hands on defense and uses them to get deflections and steals for his team then is able to turn that into transition offense. He can also absorb contact when he drives the ball, using good body control and strength to still get the shot off. The 6-foot-3 swing guard plays a vital role on a very good team with amazing players that surround him and Logan will continue to play hard and effectively for the Vikings.
Tucker Harpe- Bexley: A long and intriguing prospect, Harpe disrupts everything teams want to do on offense with his 6-foot-7 height and lateral movement that helps him guard on the perimeter as well. Harpe is dropping in 11 points per game and does it by scoring inside the paint with a nice touch around the rim. It would be nice to see him finish with both hands around the rim but with the ability to get his shot off over any defender it does not matter much right now. His defense will be how he makes him money in the long run which people overlook but Harpe can be a game-changer with the right coaching and direction on the court.
Chris Mitchell- Bexley: Mitchell is a long athlete with great upside but he plays for a team that is playing really well right now and he is that team’s second-leading scorer, putting up 11.5 points per game. He can finish at the rim with both hands and gets out and runs fast in the open court, blazing past defenders for lay-ups. Mitchell can also shoot the ball fairly well from the perimeter, making sure defenders cannot just leave him open because he’ll make teams pay. The 6-foot-4 guard can also rebound and defend really well, with good timing and the jumping ability to snatch the ball down. The kid can also block shots inside of the paint, and does it with a certain rage that is pleasant to watch.
*All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com