MVL 1st Team Predictions
The MVL took a major hit this offseason with so many players graduating from a year ago. So little experience comes back it is no wonder there is concerns on how the league is going to look this upcoming season.…
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Continue ReadingThe MVL took a major hit this offseason with so many players graduating from a year ago. So little experience comes back it is no wonder there is concerns on how the league is going to look this upcoming season. Even with the loss of talent, there is still some hard working and skilled players in the league ready to make their marks. In this piece, I will provide my favorites to be 1st Team All-MVL.
DJ Zimmer (2022) Greenville- 6-foot-3 PF
Zimmer was the heart and soul for the Green Wave a year ago and arguably one of the league’s best interior players. Undersized for a PF, Zimmer makes up for his height with his hustle and brute strength. Understands how to use his body and long arms to contest shots in the paint. Good fundamentals on the offensive end with his footwork and finishing in the paint. While not the most athletic player on the floor, there’s no denying Zimmer plays with passion and this allows him to be one of the better players on the floor regardless of who the Green Wave play.
Dre’sean Roberts (2023) Piqua- 6-foot-1 PG
Roberts made his mark in the MVL as a sophomore last year and showed even more glimpses of what he can do this Summer with Emerge Elite. The lefty PG has a very lethal and quick first step off the bounce. Once Roberts finds the lane, he is going to finish the shot regardless of what the defense is showing. His quickness and athleticism translates on the defensive end as well as he can be a disruptive perimeter presence with his quick hands and footwork. While his jump shot will need to improve, Roberts has already shown he can be a dynamic scorer in this league as an underclassmen. Don’t be surprised if his numbers make you do a double take.
Devin Taborn (2022) Sidney- 5-foot-11 SG
Taborn has evolved from a role player off the bench as a sophomore, to a more consistent part of the defensive rotation as a junior. His football frame combined with his quickness makes him very difficult to get by on the perimeter. Taborn showed throughout his career a solid perimeter shot that can be hard to defend once he gets into a groove. Combine this with his ability to also out the ball on the floor and you have a dangerous 2G. While not as big as his older brother Darren, Devin’s ability to defend the perimeter is what makes him unique as the point scoring will come regardless.
Nick Prince (2023) Troy- 6-foot-2 SG
Prince transferred in to Troy after spending last year with Miami East. One of the “older” players on that Miami East team, Prince found himself in a role of being a shooter for the Vikings. A gifted shooter at that, we didn’t get to see much more of his game as a result. The move to Troy comes at a perfect time as the Trojans lost their top two scorers to graduation and then lost Hollis Terrell (2023) to the transfer market. Prince will see a different role with Troy as likely their go-to scorer. He showed confidence over the Summer putting the ball on the floor which combined with his shooting touch could translate to some high scoring nights.
Sam Walker Sam Walker 6'7" | PF West Carrollton | 2023 OH (2023) West Carrollton- 6-foot-6 C
Walker may be the early favorite for Player of the Year honors in the MVL. After leading the league in rebounds and blocks a year ago, it has become apparent Walker is simply too big for teams in the league to handle. The 6-foot-6 true Center has a good feel around the rim. Strong enough to back guys down at the rim. Finishes through contact and causes contact on the defensive end. With the amount of players graduating from the MVL, it is clear Walker again may lead categories and even be a double-double average player. These numbers makes it hard to argue against the West Carrollton junior to be Player of the Year.