Carry Has a Chance to be Special

Sincere Carry-5'6 PG Solon

 As most of our readers know, next weekend Columbus will host the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, where many of the region’s elite players will go head to head for competition, development and exposure. Although this writer is extremely excited with the talent level in the gym, and is very much looking forward to see the truly elite players, a few kids standout as “must sees.” Of course the event will feature nationally ranked high school players such as Marc Loving, Jea’sean Tate, VJ King, Josh Jackson and many others, but one of the young guys I’m really excited to watch more closely is Sincere Carry, a dynamic 5’6 PG from Solon, Ohio

Although Carry is only a 7^th grader, his game has already established him as possibly the top floor general in the state. Now I know many of you will question the wisdom of hyping up a 7^th grader, and will voice some concern with a target being put on the kid’s back, but in my experience, the great ones can handle the heat, and talent can be evident and should be celebrated at any age. In fact, according to one high school coach in the Cleveland area, Carry’s name is already being mentioned by at least 1 big time college program in the state, and his play is starting to create a buzz around northeast Ohio.

What makes this kid so good? When I had the chance to check him out at a tournament in Cleveland several months ago, I was blown away by the kid’s poise, IQ, vision, handle and his ability and willingness to create shots for his teammates.  But that’s not all, at first glance you might peg Carry as just another over dribbling “And1” type streetballer, but his superior handle allows him to routinely defeat his defender and get into the paint where he excels at finding guys either under the bucket or spotted up at the three point line. That’s still not all the kid can do; back off him to avoid the embarrassment of falling and he will drain a trey on you! I must admit, I tend to like my guards a little flashy and more than willing and able to put on a show. Carry can deliver the highlights, but he also plays a complete game.

According to Gene Reddy, Carry’s AAU coach at SMAC, “the best part of Sincere’s game is his leadership skills, both on and off the court, and his ability to control the team while getting guys the ball in the right spots and at the right time.” In addition, “when the bright lights are on he is at his best,” continued Reddy.  “He is very coachable and always listens,” offered Reddy. 

Carry is not the only quality PG in the state, and props must be given to guys like Cincinnati’s Kane Cooper; Dayton’s Deshon Parker; Cleveland’s Jerry Higgins; Lima’s Brian Miller Jr.; Columbus’ Ty Wiley; Hilliard’s Braden Norris; and Gahanna’s Chase Rankin. However, Carry could be the best of them all, and next weekend could go a long way in establishing the PG pecking order in the state, as all but 2 of the above guards will be in the same gym at the same time. In fact, the Ohio North vs South challenge game will give several of the top floor generals to go head to head. For those of you who follow the players in the class of 2018, go take a look at Carry and the rest of the top guards next weekend and you be the judge.  It should be a lot of fun! As a teaser, check out a recent highlight video of Carry putting in work.

Jordan Mitchell-6'0 WF Gahanna

While I’m talking about up and coming young guys I really want to see next weekend, I have to give some ink to Jordan Mitchell, a versatile 6’0 WF from Gahanna. I’ve seen Mitchell play for several years now and from this evaluator’s prospective, Mitchell is not only the top player in the class of 2019 (6th grade) in the state, he the argument could be made that he is one of the best players in the country.  Case in point; a few weeks ago Mitchell competed at Clay Dade's Jr. All-American Camp where his stellar played garnered big time attention and a spot on the camp’s all-star team.

  

This past summer, Mitchell ran with All-Ohio Red, one of the top teams in the country over the past couple of years, and Mitchell was clearly the engine that made that team run. Mitchell already has great length and a skill set that allows him to play multiple positions.  If you need rebounds and defense in the paint, Mitchell can handle that.  If you need him to step outside and handle the rock, he can do that also.  If you need him to get you buckets, oh yea, he can handle that as well. The best part of Mitchell’s game is his upside potential and his ability to score the ball.  If he continues to work hard to develop his game, and he keeps his head on straight, the sky is the limit for this kid. If you get a chance next weekend check Mitchell out at the showcase.  Although he will be playing up against 7^th graders, I’m confident he will shine.