8th Grade Top Performers

8th Grade Top 5 Finsihers

In terms of competition, the 8th grade division of the 2012 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase was top dog. Also, at least in Ohio, the 2016 class is shaping up to be one of the best classes in many years. The class already has a few quality guards and bigs with long term potential, but what makes this class so special is the depth. All of those elements were in place on Sunday. Not only were there a number of elite guards, there were quality wings and bigs in the house as well. According to some people, the top of the 2016 class in Ohio may warrant a national level ranking.

Derek Funderburk-6'6 SG/WF Bedford Heights

Since I started with the guards with my last story, I will kick this piece off with the bigs. The biggest kid in the gym was Derek Funderburk, a long 6’7 swing man from Cleveland. Funderburk is a serious competitor who fights for every rebound and is all about getting his team the W. Also, Funderburk possess a solid handle for his size, and he can knock down the 15 foot jumper. Although he is not an extreme athlete and this point, nor does he block a lot of shots, he may have has the skills to play a stretch 4 at the next level, and his upside potential is significant. If Funderburk continues to develop, I think it’s high likely he will be playing high major college basketball in a few years. Oh yea, his coach said the kid has a good attitude. For all you players reading this write-up, people recognize what type of attitude you display, they communicate that to coaches, and it matters!!

Derek Daniels-6-6 C Dayton

Although he is not quite as tall as Funderburk, Dayton’s Derek Daniels, an athletic 6’6 center, had a monster day on Sunday. At this point in his development, the best part of Daniels game is his athleticism and his ability to block shots and rebound. Not only does Daniels defend the paint well, he has a couple of offensive moves that he uses to score. Daniels plays hard, and if he can continue to refine his jump shot and tighten up his handle, there is no reason this kid shouldn’t be playing D-I basketball down the raod. As proof of his athleticism, check out the Ty Kish highlight video. Before we move onto the point guards, I need to acknowledge the play of Lima’s Ruben Flowers who logged in a good camp, as did Andrew Homer, Terrance Landers, Ryan Custenborder, Jalen Thomas, William Maynus II and Teddy Hughes.

Xavier Simpson-5'7 PG Lima

As I mentioned earlier, the point guard play was impressive on Sunday. Arguably the top 2 PGs in the class were in the gym staking their claim to the top spot. For the sake of this story, I will start with the 8th grade MVP, Lima’s Xavier Simpson. Simpson is a veteran of our showcases and his consistency has been unmatched. Once again he showed poised, a high basketball IQ and the ability to excel at the lead guard spot. Because he has competed so long at a high level, Simpson knows how to play the game. Needless to say he has all the skills necessary to play division one basketball, including great ball skills, solid vision and passing skills, and the ability to create space for a shot. He is not just offensively gifted, he is a great defender.

Rodrick Caldwell-5'8 PG Dayton

Like Simpson, Rodrick Caldwell has participated in numerous Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases and every time he has participated he has not only excelled, but has found a way to take home some hardware. Caldwell is super crafty floor general who does a great job with tricking his defender to create space for a solid jumper. What I like most about Caldwell’s game is his ability to run a team, and to get his teammates involved in the game. In addition, the kid never panics, and despite the fact he is almost always the best player on the court, he is unselfish and handles himself well. Caldwell is a good defender as well, and he seems to be a charter kid with a solid head on his shoulders.

Jalani Roger-5'6 PG Westerville

Make no mistake, I’ve talked a lot about Simpson and Caldwell, but there were a number of outstanding guards at the event. Westerville’s Jalani Rogers had another nice showcase. The best part of Roger’s game right now is his creative handle and his ability to find his teammates with pin point passes. Not only can he dribble and pass, Rogers and can also knock down the jumper if given space. As Rogers continues to gain strength, his place among the elite guards in this class will be solidified. Some of the other standout lead men included Dayton’s DJ Hoskins who shows a lot of promise. I saw Hoskins several weeks ago and was very impressed with his game. His showcase coach was obviously impressed as well as he ranked Hoskins as the number 1 player on his team.

Anthony Christian-6'2 SG/WF Akron

Although he is not a point guard, I have to show some love for Anthony Christian. Thou he started a little slow early in the showcase, and struggled with finishing, he was still able to demonstrate big time potential. In fact, as he did when he last attended our showcase, Christian performed at a high enough level to make the all-star game, and to make the Top 5 cut. Hopefully this kid continues to work hard to develop his game, because all of the tools are in place for him to play college basketball.

Ryan Custenborder-6'2 PF West Carrollton

Of course I already featured Indiana’s Chris Hedgepeth in an earlier piece, but I have to also show a little love for Dayton’s Terrance Landers who more than confirmed the reports I had received indicating the kid could play. I like the kid’s athleticism, and as his skill level catches up, watch out for this kid. Landers parlayed a good all-star game performance into a Top 5 award. Add Ryan Custenborder’s name to the list of standout performers, as he too, got it done in the all-star game on his way to Top 5 honors.

Terrance Landers Jr.-6'2 WF Dayton

I could not close out this piece without talking a little about Lima’s Trey Cobb and Cincinnati’s Jeremy Larkin, both of who are considered among the best in their class, and both of whom played well on Sunday. Larkin would go on to make the all-star game, while Cobb barley missed the cut. Although he did not get the All-star game nod, most people in attendance felt that Cobb played at an all-star level.

Andrew Homer-6'3 WF Loveland

Other Players to watch: Trey Landers, Henry Badley, Jakob Prall, Justin Sylver, Corde Kyles, Messiah DeWeaver, Levi Ethridge, Nathan Shirley, Clay Guillozet, Mitch Peterson, Henry and Darious Dunson.

All-Defensive Team: Rueban Flowers, David Barnett, Xavier Simpson, Jalen Thomas, Keith Smith II and Corde Kyles.

All-Hustle Team: Rodrick Caldwell, Nickolas Reissland, Joey Denny, Yerusalem Hill, Teddy Highes, Larnell Neeley, Cameron Glover and Sevann Williams.

J.J. Huddle Article

Top 6/7th Grade Performers-My Vantage Point

6/7th Grade Top 5 Award Winners

With over 270 players participating in the event, it can sometimes be difficult for players to standout in the crowd. Because I’m forced to play the role a showcase administrator during my event, I don’t always get a chance to see all of the standout players personally. However, I bring in scouts like John Stovall (ESPN/Prep Spotlight/Nike), Spencer Pulliam (Dunkdog.com), Kurt Stubbs (JJ Huddle), Ty Kish (City League Hoops), Brian Rogers (CourtCred.com), Darnell Strickland (Cap City Prep) and others to do the bulk of the scouting.With that said, I do get a limited opportunity to walk around and watch a few games, and that’s when a player gets an opportunity to catch my eye. Although there will be additional post event reports and videos coming from some of the above scouts in the next few days, and I have posted a list of the all-stars in an earlier piece; I wanted to feature some of the kids I saw and was impressed with.

6th Graders

Cody Blakenburg-6th Grader Lansing MI

Since I already featured the spectacular play of Chicago’s Jordan Simmons, I will start with some of the other younger guards I saw. Remember this name; Cody Blankenburg. This little PG showed a game beyond his years. Only a 6th grader, Blankenburg is crafty, aggressive and possesses solid ball skills. Because Blankburg is a ball hawk on defense, if he guards you, your handle had better be straight. His standout performance not only earned him a spot on the all-star team, but he took home Top 5 honors as well.

Chase Rankin-6th Grader

Staying with the point guards, Gahanna’s Chase Rankin had a good day as well. Rankin is just a 6th grader, but his skill level is advanced for his age, as he can shoot, it, dribble it and pass it. Rankin’s sold play punched his ticket to an all-star roster, on his way to a piece of Top 5 hardware. As he continues to strengthen his mental toughness, Rankin has a chance to do some great things. Columbus guard Troy Taylor Jr. looked good as well, and represents another skilled 6th grader with a bright future. Taylor, son of former Ohio State standout Troy Taylor, has all the tools to excel at the high school level. If he chooses basketball as his first love (he is a big time golf prodigy), the sky is the limit for Taylor.

Brian Miller Jr.-6th Grade

Before I finish with the guards, I have to send a shout out to Brian Miller Jr. who impressed some guys on Sunday. Miller creates well for him or his teammates, he has a nice little floater and runner, and he does a great job with on ball defense. Miller really can score the ball, and he does a sold job with running a team. Add Deshon Parker to the list of standouts as well. In addition, you might want to keep an eye on Zeb Jackson and Ketann Wyatt, both of who reside in Toledo and are only 4th graders and have a bright future. Finally, Trey Syroka, a 5th grader, impressed his coach with his high basketball IQ and his solid point guard play.

Antown Johnson-6th Grader

According to his coach, not only was Dayton’s Antown Johnson the number 1 ranked player on his team, he was the “Best Defender and “Mr. Hustle” all rolled into one. I have seen Johnson play on several occasions, and every time I see him he is dominates the competition. Although he may be a bit undersized for the post, he is virtually unstoppable under the bucket. Johnson’s success is not just limited to post play, he can handle the rock and knock down the 3-ball if left unguarded. As if that was not enough, the kid just plays hard. Similar to Johnson, Jeremiah Snorton from Cincinnati is a beast around the cup. Although his team did not have the benefit of a legitimate big man, Snorton went into the paint and collected the lions share of the rebounds for his squad. The best part of his game right now is his assertiveness, strength and determination.

7th Graders

Jaylen Harris-7th Grader

Unfortunately, there was a tournament scheduled this past weekend which conflicted with the showcase. Consequently, the numbers and the talent level in the 7th grade division was a bit down from the past showcases. With that said, there were still some very talented 7th graders and superior performances at the event. Let me start with Cleveland’s Jaylen Harris, who logged in another dominate performance on Sunday. As was the case at the September showcase, Harris was clearly one of the top 2 or 3 players at the event in his class. Possessing good size and athleticism, Harris is a match up problem for most players his age. If he continues to work hard and to develop his craft, we could be talking about Harris for many years to come.

Keegan Saben-7th Grader

Although he attended his first Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase on Sunday, it was not the first time I’ve seen Beavercreek’s Keegan Saben ball. As he has done just about every time I’ve seen him play, Saben proved that his game is superior to most kids in his class. Saben has good length, a high basketball IQ and he can really put up numbers. Also, when he puts his mind to it, Saben is a good defender. When I release by 7th grade rankings in a few weeks, Saben's name will be near the top! Dayton’s Jacquel Freeman-Park has another great showcase as evidenced by his all-star game selection and Top 5 finish. Known as “Shaq,” Freeman-Park is perpetual motion on the court, as he pushes the rock in transition at break neck speed, and defends the heck out of the ball. Despite his diminutive size, I’m not sure there is anyone in the class that plays harder than this kid.


Jaquel Freeman-Park-7th Grader

I have to give some props to Ryan Peaks who continues to stake a claim as one of the top 7th graders in the state. Peaks had another all-star caliber performance on Sunday, thus building on his already sizable basketball resume. In addition, add Alonzo Booth, Tommy Grogan, Alphonzo White, Braden Van Cleave and Dan and Matt Sichterman to the list of top 7th grade performers. each of these guys played well on Sunday. I will be posting similar pieces on the other 2 divisions over the next couple of days.

All-Defensive Team: Chase Rakin, Dan Sichterman, Antown Johnson, Jordan Simmons, Kameron Gover, Ryan Peaks and Jaylen Harris.

All-Hustle Team: Jaleel Long, Jakoby Harvey, Antown Johnson, Anthony Mills, Braden Van Cleave and Matt Sichterman.

Non-Buckeye State Standout Performers

Jordan Simmons-Chicago PG With BIG Game

Although the 2012 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases cater to Ohio kids primarily, more and more kids from around the country are making the trek to Columbus in search of competition and exposure. On Sunday, there were several kids from outside the state of Ohio who displayed an impressive level of talent and caught the eye of the scouting services who were covering the event. Below are profiles of some of the kids who made an impact on Sunday.

Although he is still very young, Jordan Simmons, a dynamic point guard from Chicago, had the gym buzzing with a spectacular display of skill, competitiveness, IQ and swag. The 5’4 sixth grader’s combination of handle, craftiness, vision and passing ability far surpassed that of any guard at the event regardless of class. Now that’s saying a lot considering some of Ohio’s top floor generals were in the house, but the kid’s game warrants that kind of praise. Simmon’s outstanding play would later garner him all-star honors, including an MVP nod. We all know Chicago has been known for producing elite PGs, and Simmons has a chance to follow in the long tradition of Chi-town guards. Believe me when I say this; the kid has game!

Eric Hamilton-Atlanta Wing With Bounce

In the high school division, Atlanta’s Eric Hamilton created his own buzz, as the athletic big man used aggression to impose his will on his opponents. According to an opposing coach, Hamilton relentlessly attacked the rim, and did his best to dunk over people. Hamilton is big, athletic, can play both inside and out, and has good length and great bounce. Once Hamilton adds some strength, he is really going to be tough to handle. If I had to make a call, D-I college coaches might want to get this kid on a mailing list. In addition, Hamilton’s AAU teammate, Peyton Smith, made a little noise of his own. Smith is a smart floor general with a solid handle and is a good defender for his size. According to his coach, Smith was his best overall defender.

Algevon Elchelberger-Michigan Post

Michigan’s Algevon Elchelberer is no stranger to the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase as he has attended several past events and has excelled every time. Sunday was no different as the 6’5 eighth grader dominated the paint in the games I watched. Elchelberger is a wide body who finishes at a high rate in the paint, rebounds well and blocks or alters a boatload of shots. As he has done every time he has made the trip to Columbus, Elchelberger established himself as an all-star. Oh yea, did I mention that Elchelberger has already received interest from at least 1 Big Ten school? The kid has a chance.

Chris Hedgepeth-Indiana Guard

Indiana’s Chris Hedgepath lived up to the billing. Several months ago a scouting friend of mine told me about this kid in Indiana who he really liked, and suggested I invite him to the showcase. Well I took his advice and I’m glad I did. Hedgepeth is an athletic 5’10 combo guard who has a high motor. His coach described him a “very coachable,” a “good listener,” and “plays hard.” The Indiana guard can play multiple positions and excels at getting to the rim. After some of the observations this weekend, kids who are coachable and possess a good attitude are at a premium! Stayed tuned to Buckeye Prep as we profile other standout performers from Sunday's action!

Showcase Pictures

2012 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase All-Star Teams

On Sunday, the 2012 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase hosted over 270 elite middle and high school players from the Midwest and beyond. In addition to the high level of competition, there were several scouting services and videographers in the house capturing the action. Below is a link to a list of showcase all-stars, including the MVP and Top 5 Award winners. Look for a more detailed list of standouts in upcoming post event reports.

High School All-Stars

8th Grade All-Stars

6/7th Grade All-Stars

2012 Buckeye Prep All-Star Teams

Nike All-Ohio Winter League-Look In

I had a chance to take in some of the action at the All-Ohio Nike Winter League on Saturday, and a couple of players caught my eye. The most productive player of the day was DJ Tyree, a 5’9 8^th grader from Columbus. It was clear from Tyree’s play on Saturday  that the extra work he is getting in with his trainer, Anthony Rhodman, is paying off big. Not only has Tyree stretched out a bit since we saw him last, he is clearly stronger and more aggressive to the cup. Tyree not only shot the ball well, he did a good job with finding guys for jump shots and layups.

DJ Tyree-5'9 Guard

In the last showcase game against a pickup team from Springfield, Tyree teamed up with Jalani Rogers, 5’4 PG from Westerville.  It should be noted that both Tyree and Rogers are listed among Buckeye Prep’s top 30 8^th graders in the state. The best thing Rogers did on Saturday was create for his teammates with penetration and precision passing. Although he did not finish at a high rate, Roger’s superior handle allowed him to create space for a shot, or beat his man of the bounce for a drive and dish. I also liked Kalib Younger, a 6’2 PF from Columbus. Although Younger is still a little raw, he is strong, aggressive and handles the ball pretty good for his size. Younger attacked the basket with a vengeance all day long.

Jalani Rogers-5'4 PG Westerville

Despite the backcourt power of the Nike Winter League team, they proved to be no match for the Springfield squad, who would headed south with a convincing 69-36 win over the Columbus based team. The standouts for Springfield included David Barnett, a tough as nails PF who finished everything he shot around the bucket; Jeremiah Ward, a 6’1 WF and Jordan Bailey, a super quick PG from Northridge Middle School in Springfield. A couple other kids caught my eye, but I will have to make a return trip to catch their names. 


Pictures

State Tournament Predictions-Part 3

This year is very balanced. There is a clear cut favorite in D1, D3 and D4. In D2 there is a definite top 2 - Dunbar and Taft (unfortunately they are in the same region). Trying to pick a top anything this year is a crap shoot but here is my best guesstimate going into the tournament.

Division 1

1. Columbus Northland - clearly the best this year.

2. Mentor - despite loss to Garfield. Very, very slight edge.

3. Cincinnati LaSalle - surprise of the year to me. Heart of a champion.

4. Columbus Walnut Ridge - size and depth

5. Garfield Heights - has the talent, must be consistent.

6. Toledo Whitmer - best in Toledo....barely

7. Shaker Heights - very talented. Must defend.

8. Pickerington Central - another talented team but young

9. Cincinnati Moeller - always watchout for them come tournament time.

10.Warren Harding - talented but can be Jekyll or Hyde.

5 Others (alphabetical)

Cincinnati Withrow - they have the pieces.

Lakewood St. Edward - tough. They have the secret weapon. Myles Hamilton

Olentangy Liberty - solid team. Has had a great year.

Toledo Central Catholic - starting to put it together under Coach Welling.

Toledo St. John - Loving is great. Loss of Gardner really hurts

Sleeper

Cleveland St. Ignatius - disciplined defenders always tough come tourney time

Division 2

1. Dayton Dunbar - best team on paper. Starts 5 future D1 college players

2. Cincinnati Taft - the toughest team in the state period. Tough to have them #2.

3. Akron St. Vincent - St. Mary - look for another tourney run from the Irish.

4. Cleveland Benedictine - too much talent for me to count them out.

5. Franklin - have a great guard (Kennard) and good bigs (Rossi's)

6. Dayton Thurgood Marshall - have had a tough year but have great pieces.

7. Plain City Jonathan Alder - solid bunch. The R&R boys (Roby and Randall)

8. Akron East - tough squad. 2 very good guards

9. Mentor Lake Catholic - tough and talented. Have some kids that can score.

10. Alliance - undefeated but I question the schedule.

6 Others

Bowling Green - sleeper team that played a D1 schedule.

Columbus Brookhaven - good guards and toughness.

Defiance - another team with a great record but......

East Liverpool - Thompkin is good. Nice squad

Lexington - another solid dquad. Brooks is a keeper.

Sleepers

Dayton Meadowdale - tough team in a bad regional.

Trotwood Madison - Starting to put it together. Probably not enough to get out of their region though.

Vincent Warren - great record but who have they played?

Division 3

1. Cincinnati Summit Country Day - best team on paper in D3.

2. Bloom Carroll - solid squad with guards, coaching and shooters.

3. Chesapeake - how far can McMaster take them.

4. Ironton - the duo of Carter and Fletcher are hard to stop.

5. Bedford Chanel - tough and scrappy bunch will make some noise.

6. Leavittsburg LaBrae - Aldridge is a load in D3.

7. Lima Central Catholic - historically tough team.

8. Portsmouth - has some talent and starting to put it together. McKinley is go to guy.

9. Versailles - another historically tough squad. Always has shooters.

10. Creston Norwayne - solid squad with a great record. Not spectacular but effective.

5 Others

Cincinnati Roger Bacon - good team with young talent. Future greatness.

Columbus Academy - solid team with a couple of go to players.

Jamestown Greenview - Bradds is the man.

Lucasville Valley - Yates is the man here.

Newton Falls - and Dillon is the man here!

Sleeper

Dayton Stivers - solid athletes and a real good guard (Caldwell) can do damage in the tournament

Division 4

1. Berlin Hiland - hands down, best team on paper in D4. Has 3 scholarship players.

2. Columbus Africentric - tough and scrappy bunch with some talent and coaching.

3. Cleveland VASJ - very talented team. Young though.

4. Newark Catholic - Another young and talented bunch

5. Richmond Heights - Athletic squad that has very good pieces. Could surprise.

6. Fort Recovery - nice team with shooters and solid athletes.

7. Zanesville Rosecrans - Kilbride is very tough in D4. Perry works inside.

8. Cincinnati Lockland - athletes and Wingfield could spell trouble.

9. Dayton Jefferson - always hard to beat in D4. Foster leads them.

10.Malvern - Tucci's and Kapron.

5 Others

Dalton - tough squad has had a good year.

Edgerton - great record. tough region.

Jackson Center - another tough squad with a good record

Toledo Maumee Valley Country Day - Talented team

Vanlue - nice squad. Garber is a stud.

Sleeper

Kalida - simple...Kortokrax

By John Stovall