Watch Out: Potential Breakout Sophomores
Even players that become Division I prospects don’t always play a major role at the varsity level as freshman. This rings especially true for lower level prospects that will eventually become the centerpiece for a high school program. There’s seven players who fans can expect to start coming into their own this season, even if they weren’t very involved at the varsity level last season.
Sammy Anderson (6’0” G) & Carl Blanton (6’2” G), Trotwood-Madison
Trotwood lost a couple key perimeter players to graduation from last year’s runner-up team. The expectations for the Rams may be a bit lower from the outside, but Anderson and Blanton should fill in the wing spot nicely for this team that Trotwood is known for. Both fit the fast-paced, in your face style of basketball. Anderson and Blanton are similar players in that they can stretch the floor or attack from the wing and are intense on-ball defenders.
Montorie Foster, 6’0” PG, Lakewood St. Edward
Foster is the lone member of St. Edward’s big three in the 2020 class that didn’t start varsity last season. Heck, he didn’t even play much. That should all change this season with a void at the point guard spot. Whether Foster replaces Tommy Schmock in that role or they play point guard by committee is yet to be seen, but Foster is capable of handling it. Our #10 player in the 2020 class is an extremely good defensive player, as his physicality can make ball-handlers uncomfortable. Foster is a strong finisher who often finds shots by cutting away from the ball, one of the many ways he doesn’t need the ball to be effective.
Ethyn Kuhns, 6’2” PG, Bloom Carroll
Kuhns started varsity last season, playing a distributary role for a team with two future Shawnee State players. Bloom Carroll won’t have as much of a luxury of talent this season though, likely providing Kuhns every opportunity to prove himself capable of scoring the ball himself. He has solid size and athleticism at the point guard spot and can shoot it with his feet set.
Caleb Smith, 6’4” G, Toledo Rogers
Smith remains a raw player at this point in his career. In the summer, it appeared that Rogers planned on using him as their primary ball-handler with certain lineups. But, with a coaching change and their sophomore point guard deciding to return, expect Smith to be a pure scorer as a wing. His shot is a bit awkward, but he can get hot from beyond the arch. As Smith gains confidence attacking the rim, his physical tools should shine.
Tahj Staveskie, 5’7” PG, Sandusky
Jayrese Williams, who is now at Vincennes, was Sandusky’s primary option on the offensive end last year. Staveskie could surprise folks this season, as we expect him to fill that role to some extent. He may be a year away from averaging over 15 points per game, but he’ll be a problem this season. Staveskie can play the point guard, as he excels in the open court and as a passer. However, his passing ability stands out because of the attention he draws as a scorer, as he can shoot it off the dribble from deep on in the mid-range already. The kid is very skilled.
Hayden Stone, 6’7” C, Carey
Stone has reportedly grown a couple inches since the end of last season. If he’s able to maintain his mobility in the post, Stone should score a ton with his back to the basket. He has nice touch on his hook shot. Also, it will help that Carey will likely see him as their first option, as he started as a freshman and was already (arguably) their best scoring option.