2022 class: 5 prospects I expect to have a great ending (Part 2)
We are near the end of August. Teams have already started open gym sessions. Coaches are conditioning their players. November will be here in a little over two months. So, I will continue to give previews on 2022 prospects in…
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Continue ReadingWe are near the end of August.
Teams have already started open gym sessions. Coaches are conditioning their players.
November will be here in a little over two months.
So, I will continue to give previews on 2022 prospects in the state who, I think, will have a great season.
Felix Okpara, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy: Okpara committed to Ohio State University over the summer. Since his recruitment is behind him, Okpara can now just focus on playing basketball at a high level. The 6-foot-11 big man has proven that he’s a rim protector. Okpara is a disruptor in pick-and-roll situations. Offensively, he can play with his back to the basket and has a nice touch at the rim. With solid guard play, Okpara should easily average 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Cade Pendleton, East Hamilton: Pendleton has the frame to play at the next level. The 6-9 forward also has the skills to have a great statistical senior season. Pendleton’s ability to put the ball on the floor is a plus. He has long leaps that a forward his size needs in order to run the lane in transition. Pendleton shoots a high percentage from 3-point range. He can be effective in pick-and-roll situations, because he can either roll to the basket or pop out and knock down shots. I’m predicting Pendleton averages 22 points and nine rebounds in 2021.
Jakobi Gillespie, Greeneville: Gillespie was impressive over the summer, displaying his variety of offensive gears. The Belmont commit knows how to pace himself. In half-court, Gillespie displays patience, sees a play all the way through before a shot goes into the air. In transition, he’s shifty and has smooth ball handles to get most defenders. I expect Gillespie to be a Mr. Basketball finalist.
Chip Brunt, Whitehaven: Brunt is a legit 6-4 combo guard that plays with hunger. That’s how he played over the summer with EAB 17U. Now, in his final year of high school, Brunt has to make a statement. He has to be efficient on offense and play solid on-ball defense. Brunt showed over the summer that he’s capable of doing both. Brunt is knocking on the door of having a lot of high mid-major programs coming after him. He shoots the ball well enough to play at shooting guard, and his ball handles, communication, and passing allows him to be a floor general. Brunt just needs to put it all together for his senior year.
Chandler Jackson, Christian Brothers: Jackson probably had the best summer, from a recruiting standpoint, than anyone else in the class. He has over 20 solid Division 1 offers as he heads into his senior season. It will be all on Jackson to lead the Purple Wave back to the state tournament. He will be one of the strongest guards in Division II-AA. Jackson will also be one of the most talented guards in the league as well. He can punish defenders when he’s downhill. Jackson can stop in his tracks and knock down shots around the free throw line. The highly-recruited prospect should have another year where he’s a Mr. Basketball finalist.