Top 2023-2025 performers from ‘The Challenge’ at Africentric
The Challenge hosted by Afrienctric was a great opportunity to see five of the best Columbus City League teams against five of the best teams from the OCC. In this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2023-2025 performers from…
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Continue ReadingThe Challenge hosted by Afrienctric was a great opportunity to see five of the best Columbus City League teams against five of the best teams from the OCC. In this article I’ll be breaking down the top 2023-2025 performers from the event.
Dailyn Swain Dailyn Swain 6'7" | SF Africentric | 2023 State #81 Nation OH , 6’6 SF Africentric 2023: Swain put on a show for the host Nubians as he was dominating all facets of the game. Swain was displaying his impressive handle and self-creation ability with a lot of isolation mid-range jumpers and floaters. Swain is a long athlete who had at least 5-6 blocks in the game. Also, Swain’s passing ability is an underrated skill of his. Swain usually finds the open man and puts his teammates in positions to score. Swain is a no brainer high major prospect and receiving much deserved attention from national recruiting websites.
Mikey McCollum Mikey McCollum 6'3" | PG Olentangy Orange | 2023 State OH , 6’3 PG Olentangy Orange 2023: McCollum continued his breakout Junior season with another big-time performance in a victory over Northland. McCollum can play on or off the ball, but I think he’s a good enough passer to play point guard at the next level. McCollum is also a good shooter as he is dangerous on catch and shoot opportunities, especially against zone defenses. I expect McCollum to get a lot of interest from Division III programs next season.
Na’Varion Adams Na’Varion Adams 6'5" | C Westerville North | 2024 State OH , 6’5 PF Walnut Ridge 2024: Adams had a big game against New Albany in a competitive game that went until the final buzzer. Adams is a high-level athlete as he exploded for multiple dunks from a standstill. Adams plays with a high motor and doesn’t try and do things he’s incapable of doing. Playing for All Ohio Red and for Walnut Ridge, there are other offensive options that get more ball-handling and outside shooting reps, but Adams is proving he can play a role and his athleticism and motor give him some upside for the future.
Arness Lawson, 6’2 CG Pickerington North 2025: This game between Pickerington North and Eastmoor was hyped because it was a match-up between Arness and his older brother Aaron. Arness proved once again why he’s regarded as one of the top freshmen in the state because of his athleticism and defensive ability well beyond his age. Lawson got a steal and dunk in transition, showing off his athleticism. With so many guards on Pickerington North, I’m still not sure if Lawson is a point or an off-guard, I’m sure those answers will be found during the grassroots or his sophomore season.