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Morgan Safford primed to carry the torch in the Central Catholic League

By Zach Fleer, 05/10/17, 10:15AM EDT

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Bishop Hartley sophomore Morgan Safford is one of Central Ohio's top young prospects

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In an era of basketball that is seemingly becoming positionless, versatile players are in high demand. Players that can mix it up inside while being able to stretch the defense and rain down jumpers are what the top teams are looking for. Fortunately for Bishop Hartley sophomore guard Morgan Safford, he is one of those players.

At 6-foot-4, Safford is one of Central Ohio's most sought after recruits in the 2019 class, as the sophomore guard is able to do a little bit of everything out on the floor.

"Coaches have commented on my athleticism and basketball IQ," Safford said of the qualities that have garnered him attention on the recruiting trail. "Being able to play inside and out, as well as my ability to play above the rim is a plus." 

Receiving interest from Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Cleveland State and Wright State, Safford is just entering the stages of a recruiting process that appears to be promising from the outset.

With impressive size and length, Safford is among a talented group of wing guards in Central Ohio's 2019 class which all have a chance to end up at the Division I level. Among Safford is Gahanna's Josh Corbin, Olentangy Liberty's Ben Roderick and DeSales' Kayin Derden, all players who either led or were among the top three scorers for their teams this past season.

The difference among the four, however, is that Safford is the only player on the Under Armour circuit this summer, as the Hartley guard is playing for the newly founded C2K Elite. After a winter full of slow paced, defensive oriented basketball in the Central Catholic League, Safford is enjoying the change of pace that AAU basketball has to offer. 

"It's simply the competition," Safford said of the differences between high school and AAU ball. "The intensity of the game is higher. Every game, every possession. The shot clock definitely makes a difference and pace of the game can't be matched." 

While basketball on the Under Armour circuit may pit Safford against stiffer competition at his position each time on the floor, the sophomore has not lost sight of the importance of the high school game, especially for his Hartley Hawks squad.

"The sectional final loss [to Linden-McKinley] was a disappointment," Safford said. "I will continue to be resilient. My mom often reminds me that basketball is a microcosm of life. Therefore, I have no choice but to rebound."

Working on improving his explosiveness and ball-handling, Safford is set on continuing to progress as a leader heading into his junior season. As Hartley's returning leading scorer, Safford looks to improve on an 11.6 point per game average last winter, while also enhancing his game in other areas.

As a talented senior class leaves the CCL, Safford is one of several promising underclassmen that will carry the torch heading into next winter. Arguably the best out of them all, Safford is ready for the challenge that comes along with high expectations.

"It is humbling," Safford said. "It's said that, for much is given, much is required."

With a great head on his shoulders and young wisdom to go along with it, Safford is well on his way to becoming one of Central Ohio's premier players, both on and off the floor. 

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