Hamilton Mega Scrimmage Top Performers
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Saturday was the first basketball action I took in for the 2021-22 season as I headed down to Hamilton High School for a multi-team scrimmage hosted by the Big Blue. In total, I evaluated 10 schools from mainly Southwest Ohio…
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Continue ReadingSaturday was the first basketball action I took in for the 2021-22 season as I headed down to Hamilton High School for a multi-team scrimmage hosted by the Big Blue. In total, I evaluated 10 schools from mainly Southwest Ohio and one from Kentucky. The scrimmages let me get a look at the development of some previously seen guys while serving as a first look towards new prospects. Let’s dive in.
Louie Semona Louie Semona 6'7" | PF St Xavier | 2022 State OH (2022) 6-foot-7 PF St. Xavier
Semona is a name that seemingly makes every Top Performer list I put out. This is because of his overall talent plus his work ethic. Semona has great size at 6-foot-7 and can stretch the floor out as a PF. He has good range and a good handle of the ball when pushed out onto the perimeter. For the Bombers, he is one of the better all-around scorers on the team. Semona should be a household name within the GCL South and is poised for a big season for St. X.
Kyle Conner (2023) 6-foot-1 SG St. Xavier
Conner came off the bench for St. X, but it was his hustle and work ethic that caught my attention. Got himself involved on both ends of the floor whether it be taking perimeter shots, making the extra pass, or stepping up for help-side defense efficiently. St. X prides itself in physical, hard-nosed basketball and that’s what Conner brings to the table. With some starters struggling in Saturday’s scrimmages I would not be surprised if Conner finds himself getting quality minutes as a key reserve.
Steele Meister Steele Meister 6'4" | PF Newark | 2024 State OH (2024) 6-foot-0 CG Newark
Meister at first glance appeared to be an upperclassmen by his frame and composure on the floor. It came as a surprise when I discovered he’s only a sophomore. Meister showed great poise with the ball in his hands. Could put the ball on the floor and beat defenders off the bounce and didn’t seem phased by defensive pressure. In games against St. Xavier and Moeller, Meister was confident with the ball and made the smart plays. The fact he’s an underclassman makes these traits that much more impressive and should be a name worth monitoring as the season and his career progresses.
Leyton Read (2022) 5-foot-10 PG Highlands
Highlands was down two of their key players for the scrimmages Saturday which allowed Read to really step up into a bigger role. One of the biggest things I noticed was Read’s ability to shoot the ball and in different ways. Knocked down shots in the midrange and pull-up 3’s. Found space in the halfcourt off-ball and showed he could make shots in a catch-and-shoot situation with and without pressure. Read played with some extra physicality on both ends of the floor and showed he was not afraid to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim. The fact Highlands was down players and Read played the way he did makes me believe this could be a special season for Highlands down in the Bluegrass state.
Talan Noyes Talan Noyes 5'10" | PG Kings | 2024 State OH (2024) 6-foot-0 PG Moeller
Noyes did not play much in the game I watched as Coach Kremer played mainly his second string guys and younger players in their game against Newark. In the limited minutes however, Noyes impressed and showed he is valuable for the Crusaders in the backcourt. Overall, Noyes plays with a lot of intensity and toughness. Fights through screens and sits down on the defensive end. Noyes especially caught my attention with his shot making ability from the perimeter. Utilizes a quick release and good body control to get clean shots and utilize his mechanics. Moeller loses experience in their guard play and Noyes shows his work ethic will fill some of those voids.
Paul McMillan (2022) 6-foot-3 PG Woodward
McMillan originally was slated to play for Hillcrest Prep this upcoming season but announced his return to the Bulldogs right before the start of the season. His return ultimately makes this team a contender and this was on display Saturday. McMillan utilized his elite ball-handling and playmaking abilities against a Mason defense that had issues keeping in front of him. McMillan’s role in the scrimmage I watched looked more as a distributor as he looked to dish to the corners vs taking shots in the paint. He still took those shots and finished, but played more unselfish in this one. Woodward was probably the best overall team I watched during the day and definitely gives me confidence they’re going to be in the mix in D2.