Top 2022 prospects from day 1 of NEO Christmas Classic
The NEO Christmas Classic brought out some talented teams to Garfield Heights High School, in this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2022 prospects that I watched from day 1 of the event. Jamail Spivey Jr Jamail Spivey Jr…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe NEO Christmas Classic brought out some talented teams to Garfield Heights High School, in this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2022 prospects that I watched from day 1 of the event.
Jamail Spivey Jr Jamail Spivey Jr 6'1" | PG Lutheran East | 2022 State OH , 6’1 PG Lutheran East 2022: Spivey suffered an injury before I was able to see him in the spring, so this was my first in person viewing of the guard. I walked away impressed with Spivey’s quick release and ability to beat the VASJ zone defense. The competition level wasn’t very high in this game as Lutheran East walked away with a blowout victory, but Spivey was a clear bright spot for the Falcons.
Akinlana Popoola Akinlana Popoola 5'9" | PG Padua | 2022 State OH , 5’9 PG Padua 2022: Popoola was the leading scorer of the second game of the event, as Padua beat Lutheran West on a buzzer-beater 55-54. Popoola did a nice job going to the mid-range area and using two feet to finish in the 8–10-foot range. Popoola is undersized so the ability to score in the floater and mid-range area is crucial for him as a prospect. Padua had an impressive end to last season and Popoola has been a key player for them since his freshman season.
Ryan Mueller Ryan Mueller 6'7" | PF Gilmour Academy | 2022 State OH , 6’6 PF Gilmour 2022: Mueller was dunking everything in sight early in Gilmour’s victory over Kenston. Mueller has clearly improved his athleticism and aggressiveness around the basket since I watched him for TNBA in the spring. Mueller had a height and athleticism advantage in the paint and went to work in the paint. Gilmour has some intriguing pieces from a squad that went to the regional championship last season. Mueller should be a priority for Division III programs around the region with his size, athleticism and academics.
Elmore James Elmore James 6'4" | SG Brush | 2022 State OH , 6’4 SG Brush 2022: James has been on a mission to open his senior season and continued that against Cleveland Heights on Wednesday. James has a college-ready frame and uses this to overpower defenders when attacking the basket. James also uses pivots and counter moves well in the mid-range area, hitting some tough jumpers throughout the game. As one of the top seniors in the state, it’s going to be interesting to monitor James as he tries to lead Brush to their first regional championship under Chet Mason.