Upper Arlington Senior Nears Decision

Carter Smith-Senior PG Upper Arlington

Yesterday we profiled Matt Rhodes, a central Ohio senior who is currently considering several division II offers. Similar to Rhodes is Upper Arlington’s Carter Smith, a 5’9 senior PG. Like Rhodes, Smith is well known in central Ohio basketball circles as a fierce competitor, who has more game than his small frame and appearance may suggest.

We caught up with Smith last Saturday to talk about his recruitment, and he reported several D-II offers from the likes of Stone Hill, Hillsdale, Ohio Valley and Wheeling Jesuit. Smith also mentioned that Findley and Lincoln Memorial are showing interest as well. Right now, Smith’s favorites are Stone Hill, Hillsdale and Lincoln Memorial. Though he has no firm time table for a decision, Smith did indicate “I will make my decision pretty soon.” When he is ready to make the call, Smith will be looking for a “winning program, pretty good academics, and a good coach who I can vibe with,” said Smith.

Smith, though undersized, is a tough, scrappy floor general who finds a way to get his team a win. Armed with a tight handle, Smith is proficient at getting to the cup, finishing, or finding an open teammate off of a drive. He’s not just a penetrator, as he can also knock down the jumper if left open. At the Nike Peach Jam the summer before last, while running with All-Ohio Black, Smith more than held his own against elite level competition, and actually emerged as one of the team’s most reliable players.

NCAA Approves Significant Changes In Scholarship Values

Below is a link to an ESPN story about the major changes recently approved by the NCAA.  The biggest change now allows conferences and schools to decide of they will provide what amounts to stipends of up to $2000 per student-athlete, designed to cover what the NCAA describes as "The full cost of admission."  Although this measure stops  way short of  "pay for play," it does represent a win for college student-athletes who often struggle with the day-to-day expenses associated with the college experience.  Check out the story below.

ESPN Story

Kaminski Out for the Season

Kenny Kaminski- 6'8 PF Medina

Medina senior Kenny Kaminski will miss his senior season of basketball due to a recent shoulder injury.  According to Kaminski's father, his son dislocated his shoulder on a pass reception during a football game against Lakewood last week. Kaminski would remain in the game, and actually go onto to score a touchdown before a subsequest MRI diagnosed his injury. Kaminski will undergo surgery in 2 weeks to repair a torn Librium, and should be fully recovered before reporting to Michigan State.

The Kaminski's have been in constant contact with Tom Izzo and MSU, and have actually consulted with MSU doctors about the injury. "Coach Izzo has been fantastic," said the elder Kaminski. "Actually, Adrian Payne [MSU sophomore from Dayton] had the same injury and had a full recovery," continued Kaminski.  In theory, Kaminski could probably tough it out and play hoops this season, but in all likelihood, he would relocate the shoulder again, causing more injury. "Coach Izzo said if Kenny was a guard he could go on and play, but since he is a big man he would get hit too much," Kaminski said.

Before the injury, the Michigan State commit was one of the players most mentioned in the Ohio Mr. Basketball discussion.  Over the summer, the 6'8 240 pound forward gave his All-Ohio Red squad a serious perimeter threat with his ability to consistently drain the trey. Some may recall, Kaminski suffered an Achilles heel injury in the playoffs last season. The Buckeye Prep Report would like to wish Kaminski a speedy and full recovery.

Rhodes Ponders Tough Decision

Matt Rhodes-6'4 Senior Westerville North

Although he does not have a big statewide reputation, Matt Rhodes, a 6’4 senior shooting guard at Westerville North High School is known as a sharp shooter extraordinaire by most central Ohio basketball fans. As Rhodes prepares to enter his senior season he is trying to decide whether to pull the trigger on D-II offers from Walsh, Notre Dame College and Ohio Valley, or roll the dice and hold out for a D-I offer during the season. Rhodes indicated that he is also receiving interest from other D-II programs such as Lake Erie, Lincoln Memorial and West Liberty.

Though Rhodes’ game has long been about knocking down kick out treys, he has continued to develop his game to the point where is now proficient in shooting off the bounce, hitting mid range shots, and taking guys of the dribble and finishing. By most accounts, Rhodes has the size and skill to play low D-I ball, but he understands the risks of passing on a sure thing right now. “Coaches [college] want an early decision,” said Rhodes. “Some people want me to sign now and some people want me to sign late [to wait for D-I offers]. I think I can play D-I,” continued Rhodes.

Luscious Jones, Rhodes’ Hidden Gems AAU coach, knows Rhodes’ game as well as anyone. “I think Matt is a MAC player. Matt is receiving interest from BG [Bowling Green] and low D-I programs,” said Jones. Offensively, I think Matt Rhodes is a MAC player. On defense, he is NAIA. Matt can score on anybody,” said Jones. "Some coach will have to love Matt’s offense enough to put up with his defense,” Jones added.

Right now, Rhodes is torn between Walsh and Notre Dame, “I love Coach Young, and the campus is amazing. You know they [Walsh] just built a new arena,” offered Rhodes. I also really like Notre Dame. The coach [Kevin Bille] is not afraid to play freshmen,” Rhodes said. In terms of the upcoming high school season, Rhodes is very optimistic about Westerville North’s chances to go deep. "I think we will be very, very successful this year. It should be us [North] and Northland as tops in the Central District,” said Rhodes. “I really think we can win a state title Rhodes said.” Good luck to Rhodes and his family as he makes one of the biggest decisions of his life!

Pickerington Central Sophomore Turning Heads

Jae'son Tate-6'4 Sophomore Pickerington Central

Jae’son Tate, an athletic 6’4 sophomore wing from Pickerington Central High School, has already caught the attention of college coaches. After we watched Tate dominate the competition at the All-Ohio City Series on Saturday, we spoke with him about his recruitment.  Though he has only played one season of high school basketball, Tate has already established himself as at least a mid-major division I prospect.  In fact, several of the MAC’s top programs have already taken notice.  According to Tate, he already has offers from Kent State, Akron and Miami (Oh), while Michigan, Dayton, Ohio and Xavier are reportedly showing interest.  To date, Tate has only visited two schools, Dayton and Akron, and does not plan any additional visits anytime soon.

Tate still has 3 more seasons of high school hoops, but he is already thinking about what he desires in a program. “I want to play fast; really get up and down,” stated Tate. “I also want a coach that can teach me more,” added Tate. Right now, the biggest decision for Tate is rather he continues to juggle both football and basketball going forward.  Tate also plays outside linebacker for the Tigers. If he had his choice, Tate would concentrate on hoops exclusively. “My dad is making me play [football],” said Tate.  Right now, Tate is perpetual motion, and does not have an equal in his class in central Ohio.  Blessed with a strong body, plenty of bounce and a nonstop motor, the sky is the limit for Tate once he refines his jump shot.

Prep Spotlight's John Stoval, who has Tate ranked 4th in the state in the class of 2014, likes what he sees in Tate's game. "Effort, production and he plays hard," said Stovall about Tate.  "He finishes, plays bigger than he is and is improving," continued Stovall.  In terms of Tate's upside potential Stovall added, "It depends how tall he gets.  Every inch is another level.  If he gets to 6'6 he is mid [major] plus; if he gets to 6'8 he is high major," offered Stovall. Because Tate is already reaping the benefits of genetics (his father Jermaine was a standout at Ohio State and Cincinnati) the younger Tate may still have room to grow. "Historically, his father [Jermaine] grew as a sophomore," said Stovall. Jerry Francis, Tate's high school coach, sees the same potential in Tate as does Stovall. "His potential is untapped. A lot depends on his growth and development, but  if he grows to 6'8 he is high major plus," offered Francis.

Tate's AAU coach, Myron Bess, has also seen a big improvement in Tate's game. "Jae'son just keeps getting better and better each year," said Bess. "This summer, we always had a mismatch with Jae'son.  He is strong inside and can now step outside and hit the three pointer," continued Bess.

Tate's high school squad is predicted to compete for an OCC Capital league title, and has a good chance to improve on their district semi-final appearance last year (Tate scored 22 points in a 71-49 loss to Westrville South).  Undoubtedly, the Tigers will go as far as Tate leads them. Last season, Tate led the Tigers in rebounding and taking charges, and was the second leading scorer on his way to 2nd Team All-Conference honors. "Jae'son will have to take more of a leadership role this year," continued Francis. Although only a sophomore, look for Tate to make a major impact on a still young Tigers squad this season.

All-Ohio Nike City Series Tournament

Jack Gibbs-Sr. Westerville North

On Saturday I spent the day at Whitehall HS in Columbus checking out the action at the 3^rd Annual All-Ohio Nike City Series.  As expected, most of central Ohio’s top players were in the gym.  In fact, 120 players and 12 teams of 9-12 graders participated in the 2-day event. At the conclusion of this weekend’s tournament, 10-player all-star teams will be selected in each grade of 4 grade divisions to participate in the statewide competition scheduled for next weekend.  All-star teams from Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Akron, Dayton and Toledo will compete with each other for not only community pride, but some serious bragging rights. Undoubtedly, everybody recalls that Columbus swept all four divisions at last year’s event, and I’m sure the other communities are determined not to let that happen again.

Devin Scott-Sr Northland

Although I have broken down my top 20 players on day one of the event in the attachment below, there are a few kids I want to mention here, as they had outstanding performances on day one.  Westerville North’s Jack Gibbs had another monster day and continues to solidify his case as the top guard in central Ohio regardless of class.  As he does every time he steps on the floor, Gibbs dominates in just about every facet of the game (i.e., scoring, rebounding and defending). Northland’s Devon Scott was an absolute monster in game one of the day.  Scott tried to dunk everything in sight, and was successful more times than not. Not only did he score often in the post, his defense was relentless. Again, he tried to block everything in sight and he was successful more times than not.

Jalon Scott-Sr. Dayton Committ

Dayton commit Jalon Robinson had some bright spots of his own. I’m always impressed with Robinson’s footwork, but his mid range jumper appears to be improving.  Robinson is an elite motor away from doing some big things. Also, I have to think college coaches are eyeing Walnut Ridge’s Malik Dime.  The bouncy 6’9 center’s game is continuing to improve. He was very active around the cup on Saturday and is finishing at a high rate. I also have to mention Alasane Kah, a 6’8 senior from Walnut Ridge, as he logged in a solid performance as well. Hats off to coach Bates, as his front court has to be one of the best in central Ohio! There were several very good guards putting in work, including: St. Joe's Committ Kyle Molock, Westerville South’s Isiah Rogers, Mansfield South’s Keon Johnson, Brookhaven’s Randal Clarkson, Eastmoor’s John Draper, Gahanna’s  Aaron Jackson and Manny Powell and Canal Winchester’s Shemar Waugh.

Jae'son Tate-Soph Pickerington Central

One of the most dominating performances I saw all day was logged in by Pickerington Central’s Jae’son Tate. The 6’4 sophomore is a stat sheet stuffer, as he does it all, from scoring, to rebounding, running the offense and locking up guys on defense.  Tate is an explosive athlete who is always on attack mode. Another sophomore who really had a great day was little Rod "RJ" Mims, a 5’6 PG who displayed outstanding floor generalship. Every time I looked over Mims was making the right play; rather it was a creative pass or knocking down an open jumper.  Mims made great decisions all day and did what you want a PG to do, he created shots for others, scored when open, and he ran his team.

Rod "RJ" Mims-Sophomore Whitehall

I also like Dymiere Finch, a 6’2 guard from Walnut Ridge.  Finch already has good size for his position, he possess a solid handle and enough dribble moves to keep his defender guessing. Look for Finch to be one of central Ohio’s elite guards going forward. Also, keep an eye out for Eric James, a 6’3 sophomore from Westerville Central. Although I had not seen James before Saturday, I liked what I saw. Possessing good size and athleticism, James did a great job of finishing near the rim, and even stepping out and draining the trey.  From what I saw on Saturday, this kid has serious upside potential. Northland has another talented young guy on the way in Jaylen Tucker. The 6’5 wing demonstrated the ability to score in bunches, as he had a 20+ point performance in a game I watched.

Eric James-6'3 Sophomore Westerville Central

In any event there are always players who, though don’t necessarily have break out performances, do just enough to grab some attention while displaying enough talent to suggest they have upside potential. Some of these players included: Ronnie Williams (Brookhaven), Nate Jamison (Northland), Kalid King (Brookhaven),  Seth Anderson (Teays Valley), Seth Fuller (8^th grader), Tony Anderson (Marion Franklin), Michael Simon (Hilliard ), Seth McCoy (Canal Winchester), Jon Elmore (South Charleston, WVa),  John Bradley Saxton (Grove City). I can't wait for next weekend, and the battle of the cities event that pits the top kids in each of the larger metropolitan cities against each other.  If it comes close to matching the action last year we are all in for a treat!


Top 20 Standouts