Spy Report Senior Spotlight: 2022 High-Academic Standouts
Spy Report Invited some of the top 2022 players in the Ohio area to a “Senior Spotlight” in front of 20+ Division III, and NAIA programs. Although there were some D1 prospects on the floor, here is my takeaway on…
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Continue ReadingSpy Report Invited some of the top 2022 players in the Ohio area to a “Senior Spotlight” in front of 20+ Division III, and NAIA programs. Although there were some D1 prospects on the floor, here is my takeaway on players to watch in the 2021-2022 season. Congratulations to Team Black featuring, Jake Leibacher Jake Leibacher 6'1" | CG Margaretta | 2022 State OH , Nev Robson, Kevin James Kevin James 6'4" | SG Massillon Jackson | 2022 State OH , Ben Morrison Ben Morrison 6'3" | SG Rossford | 2022 State OH , Kannon Klusmeyer, Jagger Landers Jagger Landers 6'7" | PF Antwerp | 2022 State OH . If you look at the GPA, these players should be applauded for their efforts in the classroom as well. Thanks to Ohio Buckets and Spy Report for putting on a fantastic event.
Kannon Klusmeyer (2022), 6’5 F 3.97 GPA, Perrysburg
Kannon had a successful AAU campaign with Hopson Elite, where he averaged 14.3 ppg, 7.5 reb. 2.2 stl. The strong, athletic wing was able to get to the rim with ease with his signature spin move finishing with both right and left hand, he turned some heads with his ability to shoot the ball as well as defend on the perimeter and at the rim. He plays with a confidence that will serve him well this season. He already has the size and strength that coaches are looking for at the collegiate level. He is currently drawing lots of interest from several DIII and NAIA programs, some of who were in attendance and Kannon did not disappoint, from his 3 point ability to his willingness to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. He will make a college program very happy that they landed such a talent. Look for Kannon to have a big season in the NLL, he is “One to watch.”
Akinlana Popoola Akinlana Popoola 5'9" | PG Padua | 2022 State OH (2022), 5’9 PG, Padua
Akinlana aka “AP” is coming off a fantastic AAU season with TNBA – Cleveland. He is one of the quickest players I have seen with the basketball, a one-man fastbreak. I was impressed with the superb speed and his handle, he set up his teammates with easy baskets with his ability to draw and break down multiple defenders. He has good shooting ability, but coaches who watched him, saw his skills as a crafty passer and a really good on-ball defender, he was one of a few that actually talked on defense (a VERY useful skill at the college level), and his ability to control the pace of the game. The Padua Franciscan prospect will have plenty more suitors after a great senior season. He is “One to watch.”
Jordan Kynard Jordan Kynard 6'0" | PG Toledo Rogers | 2022 OH (2022), 6’0 CG 3.4 GPA, Elevation Prep via Rogers
Kynard is a really good combo guard who has very good 3 point range, although he played to get his teammates the better shot, you can see the leadership and his skill set. He can guard the ball and was a pest for some of the guards. His AAU season was a successful one as he averaged 16.5 ppg, 4.1 asst. 3.0 stl. for Bates Fundamentals Red. He is leaving his current High School (Rogers) and will attend Elevation Prep for his senior season. They will play a national schedule and will compete against some of the premier programs in the country. The Toledo City League will miss such a talented player who has grown to become one of the fiercest combo guards in the area. Look for Kynard to make an impact at not only at Elevation Prep but on his college of choice as well. “One to watch.”
Bryce Burns (2022), 6’3 SG 3.7 GPA, Tiffin Columbian
Burns is coming off a very successful AAU campaign for Hopson Elite where he averaged 9.7 ppg, 4.1 asst. 3.1 stl. He was one of the few players who concentrated on both sides of the ball, Burns guarded multiple positions on the floor at the defensive end, on offense he consistently made the “on time, on target” passes when needed for his team. What I think impressed most of the programs there was his ability to shoot, defend and do more than one task during the game. He has great instincts and showed it all day long with multiple deflections that lead to baskets for his teammates. Burns has good range and really good footwork, his lateral movement on the defensive end is already next level, as he continues to play with confidence the All-District, All-Conference selection from Tiffin Columbian is due for a really big season. He is currently being recruited by multiple D3, NAIA programs that could use a skilled player like himself at the next level. “One to watch.”
Ben Morrison Ben Morrison 6'3" | SG Rossford | 2022 State OH (2022), 6’3 SG 3.9 GPA, Rossford
Ben is one of the best players at his position, he had a remarkable season with Ohio Buckets where he averaged 17.2 ppg, 4.5 ast. 7.1 reb. Ben displayed his high basketball IQ all day long, from his ability to move without the ball (a lost art) to his precision passing ability to his unlimited 3 point range which was on display all day long. Ben can score on all three levels and ran the floor very well, he is extremely hard to guard because he is constantly moving. If you play off of him he will make you pay with his jump shot, if you crowd him, he is crafty enough to get by you and get in the paint. The Rossford guard has good size for the collegiate level, his shooting ability will be a much-needed service for any program. Morrison is currently being recruited by multiple D2, D3 programs. Someone will be getting a heck of a player. “One to watch.”