Billed as the “Battle of the Cities,” the 3rd year All-Ohio Nike City Series was just that, a battle from the opening tip on Saturday until the whistle blew on Sunday afternoon. The 2-day event featured approximately 60 kids in each of the 4 high school-aged divisions. Each division was made up of teams from Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Akron and Toledo. What has continued to make this event a success is the level of talent it attracts, and the fact that the kids compete hard to represent their respective cities. This year, the competition seemed extra fierce and drama filled as players, parents and coaches were determined to make statements. As always, the event provided opportunities for kids to begin preparing for the upcoming high school season while gaining more exposure.
Each of the coaches chose 4 players to represent their teams as all-stars. The list of senior all-stars included: Isiah Rogers, Jalon Robinson, Devin Scott, Malik London, James Brown Jr., Tyler White, Jacob Rossi, Justin Rossi, Bobby Conley, Ron Miller, DJ Blanks, Bryson Smith, Carter Smith, Matt Kurelic, Khalid King, Terry Hopewell, Willie Moore, Geovonie McKnight, Mark Minch, Rozelle Nix, Devin Carter, Desmond Ridenour, Tyree Gaiter and Curtis Oakley.
The 6-player All-Tournament Team included: Caress Levert, Matt Rhodes, Devin Scott, Rasheed Brooks (MVP), Jamaine Freeman and Geovonie McKnight. It should be noted; the MVP and All-Tournament Team selections were based on all-star game performances, and do not necessarily reflect who the top performers were throughout the 2-day event. Therefore, I have put together my on list of players who I felt logged in outstanding performances over the course of the weekend (see link below).
I have to mention the play of Jalon Robinson (6'8 Northland) and Isiah Rogers (5'8 PG Westerville South). Robinson put together a great weekend and did the bulk of the scoring in the paint for Team Columbus, while Isiah Rogers handled the PG spot as well as any guard in the division. Not only did Rogers score the ball, he consistently found a wide open Matt Rhodes and Caris Levert on the perimeter all weekend. Both Levert and Rhodes took turns knocking down treys, while Chillicothie's Malik London patrolled the paint defensively and threw down a handful of nasty dunks. It should be noted that Western Hills' Lionel Hill had a monster all-star game, scoring a team-high 20 points, while Brush's Curtis Oakley started Saturday's action on fire and continued his solid play through out the weekend. I had a chance to see John Hay's Devon Carter for the first time and I left impressed with his ability to knock down shots. Trotwood Madison's James Brown Jr., Massillon Washington's Bobby Conley and Withrow's Rozelle Nix all caught my eye this weekend.
Other Standouts
Although Columbus teams did not pull off a sweep in all 4 divisions as they did last year, they came close, winning 3 out of 4 divisions, including the 10th thru 12th grades. In the senior division, Columbus faced off against Cincinnati in the championship game. Having just playing Cincinnati in a very contentious 12-minute challenge game (which was called off 4 munites into the game), both teams had something to prove. Although the game was close early, Columbus’ superior talent eventually wore Cincinnati down, and they went on to claim a 76-62 victory.
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| Rasheed Brooks-Senior Division MVP |
The Columbus roster included: Isiah Rogers (Westerville South), Grant Harris (Walnut Ridge), Caris Lavert (Pickerington Central), AJ Ireland (Bloom Carroll), Rasheed Brooks (Lexington), Matt Rhodes (Westerville North), Alasane Kah (Walnut Ridge), Jalon Robinson (Northland), Devin Scott (Northland) and Malik London (Chillicothe). The Cincinnati Roster included: Jamaine Freeman (Taft), Max Hassel (Clark), Malcolm Smith (Princeton), Lionel Hill (Western Hill), Paul Woodson (Aiken), Chris Connell (Woodward), Willie Moore (Aiken), Geovonie McKnight (Middletown), Mark Minch (Lakota East) and Rozzelle Nix (Withrow).
Each of the coaches chose 4 players to represent their teams as all-stars. The list of senior all-stars included: Isiah Rogers, Jalon Robinson, Devin Scott, Malik London, James Brown Jr., Tyler White, Jacob Rossi, Justin Rossi, Bobby Conley, Ron Miller, DJ Blanks, Bryson Smith, Carter Smith, Matt Kurelic, Khalid King, Terry Hopewell, Willie Moore, Geovonie McKnight, Mark Minch, Rozelle Nix, Devin Carter, Desmond Ridenour, Tyree Gaiter and Curtis Oakley.
The 6-player All-Tournament Team included: Caress Levert, Matt Rhodes, Devin Scott, Rasheed Brooks (MVP), Jamaine Freeman and Geovonie McKnight. It should be noted; the MVP and All-Tournament Team selections were based on all-star game performances, and do not necessarily reflect who the top performers were throughout the 2-day event. Therefore, I have put together my on list of players who I felt logged in outstanding performances over the course of the weekend (see link below).
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| Jalon Robinson-6'8 Dayton Commit |
I have to mention the play of Jalon Robinson (6'8 Northland) and Isiah Rogers (5'8 PG Westerville South). Robinson put together a great weekend and did the bulk of the scoring in the paint for Team Columbus, while Isiah Rogers handled the PG spot as well as any guard in the division. Not only did Rogers score the ball, he consistently found a wide open Matt Rhodes and Caris Levert on the perimeter all weekend. Both Levert and Rhodes took turns knocking down treys, while Chillicothie's Malik London patrolled the paint defensively and threw down a handful of nasty dunks. It should be noted that Western Hills' Lionel Hill had a monster all-star game, scoring a team-high 20 points, while Brush's Curtis Oakley started Saturday's action on fire and continued his solid play through out the weekend. I had a chance to see John Hay's Devon Carter for the first time and I left impressed with his ability to knock down shots. Trotwood Madison's James Brown Jr., Massillon Washington's Bobby Conley and Withrow's Rozelle Nix all caught my eye this weekend.
Other Standouts
The kid from Cincinnati Princeton did very well. He scored by attacking and 3 pointers. Jerry Im surprised you did not see this. He is a very quite threat. Check your sheets again. You will hear about Malcolm Smith at Princeton.
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