Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Day 2 Top Performers
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The Ohio Valley Hoops Classic finished up on Saturday with 5 games featuring teams from Ohio and Indiana to close out the event. I was in the building for all 5 games and while the games were not as close…
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Continue ReadingThe Ohio Valley Hoops Classic finished up on Saturday with 5 games featuring teams from Ohio and Indiana to close out the event. I was in the building for all 5 games and while the games were not as close as Friday, there was still plenty of good basketball on display.
Miles played an exceptional game and scored 30 points in the G-Men’s upset over Dayton Ponitz. Miles was getting it done offensively off ball and with the ball in-hand. Understands the movement to get open and was able to get some great looks off flashes across the paint. Breaks the defender down off the dribble and excelled exceptionally in catch-and-shoot. Several D3 programs were in the house watching Miles as his stock continues to rise with this performance.
Hathcock was a bright spot for the Golden Panthers in a losing effort to Georgetown. Facing a smaller team, Hathcock controlled the glass and was getting hands on second-chance offensive rebounds. His hands have greatly improved during the offseason as he controlled the ball at chin level and was soft on his touches. Even showed some post play presence with an over the shoulder hook shot or two. Hathcock’s ability to clean up the glass allows teammates Dayjuan Anderson and Jayden Buchanan to confidently get shots up knowing their big man can clean up the glass on a miss.
Woodward did not have the greatest game against Tindley, but Mills excelled from the tip and was instrumental in the Bulldogs win. Mills was getting by initial defenders and slashing throughout the game from different angles. His bigger frame and longer arms allowed him to bully opposing defenders who fouled his quite often on his attacks. Free throws were a struggle point for Mills as was comfortability using that left hand around the rim. Mills’ athleticism however is going to allow him to score in doses if teams can’t take away his attacking lanes.
Shrout delivered for his team and scored 26 points to guide the Arrows to the win. All eyes were on how well Shrout would play with Purdue commit Myles Colvin defending him. While Shrout certainly struggled to get by Colvin and his larger frame, he was exceptional with his midrange and perimeter shooting, especially off the dribble. In fact, Shrout seemed to be almost automatic in the 2nd half hitting shots when the Arrows needed. His unselfishness and ability to get teammates involved is improved, but the Arrows struggled with him not on the floor. There’s no denying Shrout makes this Preble Shawnee team a tough out.
Colvin was the other big name in the anticipated Heritage Christian/Preble Shawnee game. The Purdue commit set the tone early with a thunderous transition dunk over Mason Shrout Mason Shrout 6’4″ | SF Preble Shawnee | 2024 State OH early in the 1st quarter. Even after, Colvin’s shot selection was good and he buried some shots early on and showed versatility scoring the ball. His defensive toughness on Shrout was key as he took away the Arrows ability to get much offense through dribble drive. Colvin physically has the tools to excel in the Big Ten and is going to be a problem for opposing teams throughout the season.
Highlights
Diallo was fantastic for the Bulldogs in their dominating win over Lakota West. The 6’4 senior is a 3 & D player true and true. Offensively hit open jump shots early and was one of the most persistent players on the offensive glass that I saw. Simply wanted it more than the Firebirds’ defenders and was cleaning up the glass extremely well. He certainly makes a case to be a priority for D2 programs wanting an athletic wing.
Catchings had arguably the best performance of the day with a 30 point showing against Lakota West. The Purdue commit was automatic from the floor all game, hitting shots out on the wing/perimeter and creating his own shots off the dribble and executing. At 6’7, there’s few guys that can defend him when he’s in a rhythm for shooting. Catchings certainly makes a case to be one of Indiana’s best players in the 2024 class.
Leen played with one of the best motors I saw all day with a great offensive performance for the Knights in their win against Olentangy Liberty. Leen brought energy defensively and moved well with the ball. Utilized a quick first step and was getting plenty of layups before Liberty’s help defense adjusted. Leen and Anthony Ruffolo are going to be leaned on for the Knights offensively as they look to continue their dominant play after the Final Four run last year.