Flyin’ to the Hoop: Monday Stock-Risers
Eight Ohio prospects performed at a level that made us say, “Hey, we underestimated that kid. Let’s move him up our rankings at season’s end and, you know what, college coaches might like him.” We call ‘em stock-risers.
Chanze Amerson (2021), 6’0” PG, Thurgood Marshall
Amerson persevered against a 2-3 Fort Loramie zone, somehow maneuvering into the lane for tough finishes. He looks like a player who will develop into a premier slasher. Amerson showed the point guard gene on a couple passes in the second half and turned it over just once. Checked the effort box also, as Amerson is competitive kid on the defensive end. Quick first step and creates shots even when the defense collapsed onto him.
Anthony McComb (2021), 6’2” G, Thurgood Marshall
Presumably Amerson’s running mate for the next three years at TM. The two showed chemistry playing off each other. McComb searched out jump shots, hitting one triple and a few from the mid-range. He impressed us with his runner/floater just outside of the paint. He scored 16 points and shot a tick under 50-percent.
Evan Berning (2018), 6’1” PG, Fort Loramie
Confronted with body-to-body ball pressure, the majority of Fort Loramie’s team struggled handling the rock and had 12 turnovers. Then there was Berning — didn’t need to pick up his dribble, got to his right hand on the drive, made plays for others, and was simply reliable. He shot an efficient 6/8 from the field for 12 points.
Berning’s fundamental skills and style of play are very suitable for the Division III level.
Javohn Garcia (2019) 6’3” G, Pickerington Central
Garcia was the bright spot for the Tigers, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven boards. His rebounding numbers are a result of his high-motor and nose for the ball, which also led to a couple forced turnovers. Offensively, he’s a very slippery ball-handler with an effective in-and-out crossover to split double teams. Garcia is a crafty scorer in the paint.
Going to be a crucial summer for Garcia, one of the top combo guards in Columbus. Stony Brook has offered. He’s wavering between a high-Diviison II/low-major grade.
AJ Smith (2018), 6’4”-6’5” W/F, Hughes
In just 22 minutes, Smith had his best performance in front of Prep Hoops to date, scoring 20 points with eight rebounds. The senior can push the break after a defensive rebound, showing a decent handle in the open court. Smith cut for open looks and finished at the rim. Six of his rebounds were of the offensive variety, as he played with a ton of effort. Yet to prove consistent as a shooter, but he can defend both forward spots at a small school.
Giovanni Santiago (2018), 6’1” PG, Hughes
The 6’1″ Puerto Rico native keeps everyone involved for Hughes. He handles himself as a court general with a special gift for court awareness. The team’s fastbreaking style of play suits Santiago given his end-to-end speed and ability to change directions without breaking stride. Routinely initiated the break as Santiago tallied nine rebounds. Low major colleges looking to push in transition should take another look at the lefty.
Santiago had five assists (should’ve had at least two more because of blown layups) and three turnovers.
Mike Ketner (2019), 6’0” PG, Minster
Minster 6’0″ junior point guard Mike Ketner’s name belongs on Division III recruitment boards across the state. Scoring on corner 3s and sneaky drives where he’d often pump fake, Ketner had a team-high 21 points and shot 53 percent. Ketner never forced the issue but was ready to attack once the ball swung around. Solid athlete and a good handle.
Told us after the game that he plays football and baseball but prefers hoops.
Ethan Conley (2019), 6’3”-6’4” G, Franklin Monroe
Conley is a 6’3″-6’4″ junior wing that recently went over 1,000 points for the Jets, adding 35 more Monday. He showed the entire repertoire today but scored primarily from the mid-range. He has a reliable one-foot fallaway jumper, can pull-up, or weave between the defense with a spin move. He gets it done around the basket too with his strong frame and body control in the air. Conley also snagged nine rebounds against a Minster frontcourt that goes 6’9″ and 6’6″.