Early Season Sophomore Sleepers
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The class of 2023 has really impressed in the Central Ohio area throughout the beginning of the season, putting on performances that have scouts, fans and coaches wondering what the future will be like for these young men. In between…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 has really impressed in the Central Ohio area throughout the beginning of the season, putting on performances that have scouts, fans and coaches wondering what the future will be like for these young men. In between the better sophomore performers who have taken control of their team, there are players that have not received the recognition they deserve for their big time play. These young men may not fill up the scoring column but their defensive effect, passing, or timely shot making put them on this list. Some call them “glue guys” because without those types of players, teams do not become successful. Some of these sophomore’s have had breakout games and some are flat out stat sheet stuffers and do a little bit of everything on the court. These are the most slept on sophomores in the Central Ohio area so far in the 2020-2021 season.
Bede Lori Bede Lori 6'2" | SG Caldwell | 2023 State OH – Caldwell: Let’s start this by being clear, the only reason Lori is on this list is because of the school he goes to because Lori is a certified scorer and a bonafide bucket and you can’t teach that. Lori has a tremendous handle and can get into the paint at will, with the ability to score in a multitude of ways once he’s there. He can finish at the rim with either hand, get his mid-range shot off over most defenders and is a consistent shooter whether he is creating the shot himself or in catch and shoot situations. Lori is crafty with the ball in his hands, being able to create space for himself on the offensive side. This kid can also pass and defend the basketball better than people think, he has good vision and some mustard on his passes. As a defender, he competes, stays in front of the ball handler and closes out on shooters very well for a young man who can score as prolific as he does. If he was at a school in a bigger conference, his name would ring bells all around the area.
Luke Kuhlman Luke Kuhlman 6'4" | SF Dublin Jerome | 2023 State OH – Dublin Jerome: Coming off the bench for the Celtics, Kuhlman brings stability and poise to the second unit. His handle on the basketball is solid, he makes sound decisions and he keeps his team in the game while not allowing them to give up big leads when he enters the game. Luke has a reliable jumper that will only continue to get better as his game enhances. Coming to spell the starters, Kuhlman is scoring just under six points per game while giving Dublin Jerome a forward that can pass the ball well and knock down open shots. Defensively, this sophomore gets his hands on the basketball and can start transition offense for his team. As his game develops, Kuhlman will become a solid prospect but for now he gets looked over because of his lack of scoring output, something that will change over time.
Gavin Headings Gavin Headings 6'8" | PF Pickerington Central | 2023 State OH – Pickerington Central: On a loaded team, this young man plays his role and understands that he does not have to score to affect games in a different way. The lefty has a nice looking jump shot that looks like it can drop with frequency and he matches it with a high arc. Defensively is where he puts his imprint on basketball games, the 6-foot-5 forward can defend players on the perimeter with quick feet and active hands. Headings can also get dirty in the paint and block shots for his team, with great timing, anticipation and doing so without committing fouls. With so much talent around him, Headings may get lost in translation but this kid is a piece of the glue that keeps the Tiger basketball team together.
AJ Taylor- Wellington: After a 14-point outing against Shekinah Christian, in only the team’s second game, Taylor is looking to make a leap off of this list as soon as possible. The 6-foot-4 wing is the son of head coach Artie Taylor, so his understanding of the game is already at a high level. Taylor can become one of the better offensive weapons in the Mid-State League’s Ohio division with his scoring ability from the perimeter and in the mid-range, along with his capability to get to the basket. As more games are played, it is obvious that he will become a more sought after prospect. On defense, Taylor is long with good lateral movement and uses that to bother other wings on the perimeter. A talented young player, Taylor has the skill set and basketball IQ to put fear in defenders now, imagine what will happen as years pass.
Chase Walker Chase Walker 6'8" | C St. Charles | 2023 State OH – St. Charles: A pure space eater on the defensive side and he can finish at the rim on offense, Walker is a young man to keep your eye on as he progresses at St. Charles. The 6-foot-ish sophomore can get on the block and punish defenders with his mere size and strength advantage. He also looks like he has gotten lighter from the summer which allows him to move a little more freely on both ends of the court. Walker’s conditioning looks to be really good, despite his size he plays with raw energy on the court and awareness that not many young players play with. Walker is averaging 16 points per game in the limited amount of games his Cardinals have played this year, scoring 20 points as a season high. This young man’s ability will get him recognized very soon, especially if he can keep control of his weight.
*All statistics provided by 270Hoops.com