Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Day 1 Top Performers
In this article:
The Ohio Valley Hoops Classic featured some intense action, in this article we’ll look at the top performers from day one of the event. Raleigh Burgess OH #5 C #1 HEIGHT 6'10" POS C CLASS 2024 View Profile Raleigh Burgess…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Ohio Valley Hoops Classic featured some intense action, in this article we’ll look at the top performers from day one of the event.
The clear top performer of the day, Burgess was dominant in Sycamore’s win over Dublin Jerome in the marquee battle of the day. Burgess finished with 25 points and a handful of dunks and blocks. Jerome didn’t have anybody to match the physicality or size of Burgess and he made them pay. Pretty much every time Sycamore was able to get the ball into Burgess he scored in the paint. For a while I’ve been higher on Burgess than the national consensus and the top ranked player in Prep Hoops Ohio 2024 rankings proved why on Friday evening.
Elmer is already committed to Miami (OH) but the senior continues to improve his stock with impressive performances. The growth Emler has shown as a shot maker has completely changed his ceiling as his physical gifts were always obvious, but the rest of his game is coming along as he grows more confident with his jumper. Elmer played a huge role in the comeback effort Taft had against Harvest Prep and could prove to be a steal in the MAC next season.
In the upset of the day, Burris led Delaware Hayes past Lakota East in a highly contested battle. Burris plays at his own pace and doesn’t get sped up with the ball in his hands. A bit of an old school game on the wing, Burris is comfortable with his back to the basket and uses his body and strength effectively. Burris also hit some impressive jumpers including a nasty step-back 3-pointer that ended with him on the deck. Simply put, Burris refused to let his team lose and continues to show why mid major programs are interested in the wing as he holds offers from Ohio, Akron and Miami (OH) currently.
Nutter came up short against Sycamore but was one of the most impactful players in the event on Friday. Nutter is a strong point guard who isn’t afraid to throw his body around and be physical with the defense. Nutter scored through contact multiple times and made some mid-range jumpers as well. Nutter is also one of the best floor generals and leaders in the state as he was directing his team offensively with assists and communication. Dublin Jerome despite the loss appears to be one of the top teams in central Ohio this winter.
Allen went off in the second half and completely changed the game after the Wolverines fell down by as many as 20 points. Allen was getting after it defensively and most importantly getting hot from the 3-point line. Dunbar started turning over the Comets and Allen was the opportunist by scoring during full-court pressure chaos. Allen looks like a scholarship combo guard and should be a high priority for up-tempo Division II and NAIA programs. Despite not getting the win in the end, Allen’s heroics in the second half were impressive and showed the resiliency of his team.
Ullom was the biggest reason why Mason had a 20+ point lead early in the third quarter as he had a huge game offensively scoring around the basket. Ullom also knocked down a 3-pointer off movement which was a new skill I previously haven’t seen him show. His release still takes some time but he’s shooting the ball with more confidence than the summer. Ullom was also impactful on the defensive end with a couple steals and deflections. The game seemed to flip when Ullom fouled out early in fourth quarter, Mason held a double-digit lead at the time. and despite falling behind the Comets were able to battle back and come out on top. The GMC will be competitive pretty much every night but with a solid group of upperclassmen, Mason is a sleeper team that the top teams can’t overlook.