All-Ohio City Series Tipped off on Saturday

Kentucky Commit Tyler Ulis was Impressive

On Saturday, I made my way over to Reynoldsburg High School to check out the day-one action at the All-Ohio City Series. Although the level of competition and number of teams are down from year one of the event in 2010, there was still a lot of talent in the high school divisions. The best player in the gym was Kentucky commit Tyler Ulis from Chicago, IL. I know you what you’re asking; because Ulis is originally from Lima, and developed his significant skill set in that city before relocating to Chicago, he was allowed to run with Quincy Simpson’s Lima team as a symbolic gesture.  If you don’t believe Ulis is a Lima kid, checkout this old highlight video of Ulis putting in work at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase when he was in middle school. To be honest; it was an unexpected treat to see the dynamic PG display the talent that garnered him a scholarship with one of the top college programs in the country. Ulis did not disappoint, as he led his Lima squad to an 83-53 win over Team Akron, while leading all scorers with 23 points.  Ulis made it look easy as he commenced to break down defenders off the dribble with crafty moves, dropping sweet passes, and draining treys, all without breaking a sweat. Justin Blanks paced Akron with 20 points followed by Martyce Kimbrough who finished with 14 points.

Javon Bess-Michigan State Pledge

In another 12^th grade division game, Columbus Red got by Dayton 85-73. Columbus was in control the entire game, and was up big early.  However, Dayton mounted a late run and trimmed the lead to 10 points (50-60) with 8 minutes left in the contest. Michigan State pledge Javon Bess was big for Columbus, finishing with a game-high 20 points. Trotwood’s Dazhontae Bennett finished with a team-high 15 points followed by Jordan Smith (Dunbar) who added 11 points.

Ryan Mikesell Had a Big Day

The 11^th grade division saw a great game between Columbus Red and Dayton.  Although Dayton was winning for most of the contest, and was actually up by 16 points into the second half, Columbus came roaring back to take a 1 point lead with 7 minutes left in the game.  Dayton would regroup with a 7-0 run to push the score to 81-73 by the 1:24 mark.  Dayton would go on to capture the 87-77 win. St Henry’s Ryan Mikesell led all scorers with 23 points, followed by Wayne’s Ahmed Waggner (18 points) and Xeyreus Williams (10 Points). Columbus was led in scoring by Jaquan Harrison who finished with a team-high 11 points followed by Nicholas Bapst (9 points).

Ty Wiley & Jabari Perkins Shined

Because most middle school divisions were held at different facilities, I only had the opportunity to catch one middle school game.  I have to admit, it wasn’t much of the game, as a loaded Columbus Red dismantled an undermanned Columbus Grey squad (it was 25-8 at one point).  When I say loaded, I’m talking about a team that featured some of 2018’s best players with guys like Ty Wiley (5’7 PG), Jabari Perkins (5’10 SG), Jamiel Goliday (6’0 SG/WF), Jerome Hunter (6’3 PF), DeShawn Daniels (6’3 PF/C), Juan Elmore (6’3 C) and Cory Baker 5’9 PG/SG). In this evaluator’s opinion, Jabari Perkins and Ty Wiley were the stars of the game. These to kids run together with the Ohio Hoopsters in the summer, but they always seem to find themselves on the same team, and it shows with how they play off of each other. Both players can handle the rock, are aggressive and can knock down jumpers if left unguarded. Wiley is craftier of the two in terms of his handle, while Perkins is more about using his strength and athleticism to get to the cup.

Ryan Ross-Has Potential

I also saw some good things from Jerome Hunter. Hunter is new to the state-wide scene, but by most accounts, his upside potential is good if he continues to develop. Although I saw more jump shots than rebounds from Hunter, he has the ability to be productive closer to the bucket. Ross Ryan, a 6’5 PF from Centerburg was the best player on the Grey team, and showed a lot of promise with his size, footwork and post moves.  Not only can Ryan score in the post, he has the ability to step outside and knock down a jump shot as well. He is overshadowed a team full of talent on the Ohio Hoopsters, but the kid can play. Hopefully I can get back over to the event on Sunday to check out the City Series final.

Tyler Ulis City Series Highlight Video
Saturday Highlight Video