Top Returning Players: Greater Miami Conference
Our Top Returning Players series continues today with a look at the Greater Miami Conference. Always among the most talented in the state, if this list shows anything its that this year will be no different. Among the players on this list are a potential McDonalds All-American and a senior from Mason who is among the more underrated/versatile players in the city.
Darius Bazley 6’8 W- Princeton High School (#1 Class of 2018)
By now you are familiar with the talents of this versatile talent. A triple-double threat anytime that he walks on the floor, look for the Syracuse commit to be a leading contender for Mr. Basketball.
Jarett Cox 6’3 G- Lakota East High School (#42 Class of 2018)
Among the leading returning scorers in the conference (18.2ppg in 2016-17), Cox can get buckets in bunches. The Fairmont State commit will have to carry even more of a scoring load this season with Evan Kuhlman now playing at Evansville.
D’Marco Howard 6’1 G- Hamilton High School (Class of 2019)
This a young man that coaches at the next level will want to learn more about over the next two years. Howard can shoot off the dribble and spot-ups while possessing good enough handle to penetrate and finish in the lane. A second team all-conference performer last season, do not be surprised if Howard plays his way onto the first team this season.
Darweshi Hunter 6’4 G- Princeton High School (#74 Class of 2018)
After a fabulous summer which saw him receive offers at the D-II level, Darweshi is setting himself up for an outstanding senior year. Always known for his ability to shoot the ball, Hunter improved his off-the dribble game to make him even tougher to defend. He is one of the many reasons why the Vikings are mentioned as one of the best teams in the state.
Tanner Knue 5’11 PG- Mason High School (Class of 2018)
Featured in September by writer Anthony Garcia, Tanner is a tough, high I.Q. point guard who gets after it on the defensive end. Mason lost a lot of talent from last years team, which means that Knue will have to step it up from a leadership and scoring standpoint. But he will have some help from the next young man on the list.
Noah Pedelty 6’4 G- Mason High School (#85 Class of 2018)
After bursting on the scene last season, Pedelty has set his-self up to have a huge senior season. Noah has a versatile offensive skill-set and is able to defend multiple positions. It will be different for him this season being at the top of the scouting report. But after a solid summer with Ohio Unity Noah seems ready to handle the task.
Dominic Pierce 6’4 W- Princeton High School (#101 Class of 2018)
One third of the Princeton Big Three if you will. Pierce will be tasked with guarding the other team’s best scorer this season while also knocking down open shots on the perimeter. Dominic is also very good at moving without the ball which also helps get to the line where he is a solid shooter (75% in 2016-17).
Rodney Wiley 5’9 PG- Colerain High School (Class of 2019)
This quick and shifty point man, who was featured in Prep Hoops Ohio back in September, is hoping to lead a resurgence on the hardwood in Cardinal Country. Rodney averaged 9.0ppg last season, but showed vast improvement over the summer shooting the ball from the perimeter and mid-range. When you combine that with the fact he is as fast as anyone in the city with the ball, look for Wiley to increase his efficiency and scoring average this season.