Chance Groce (6'4 WG / Beechcroft): When it comes to upside, Groce is arguably the best prospect in the 2021 class in Central Ohio. Groce put it all together in the nightcap on Saturday, going for 29 points and 11 assists for his Columbus 101 squad. The rangy 6-foot-4 wing got to the rim seemingly whenever he wanted, finishing with ease, however, the most encouraging sighting was his consistent ability to knock down perimeter shots. With an almost effortless release, Groce hit six threes and made the defense pay from all over. When Groce is dialed in and playing hard on both ends, which isn't always the case, he cannot be stopped by players his age. 

Royal Sibley (6'4 WG / Whitehall): When it comes to evaluating, it is always important to see players in multiple settings. For Sibley, seeing him on the AAU scene on Saturday was great for us, as we were able to see a skill from him that was not shown during the high school season: outside shooting. Knocking down his first four threes, Sibley shot with great confidence and belief on Saturday, stretching the defense and getting off almost any shot he wanted. The long and wiry wing has an intriguing 6-foot-4 build with broad shoulders, which could turn him into an all-out stud if he continues to develop at his current pace. One of several tough players on a Hidden Gems Platinum team that has what it takes to go deep in the tournament, Sibley will be counted upon to deliver on Championship Sunday. Look for the 6-foot-4 rising sophomore to be one of the area's breakout players as Whitehall graduates a bunch of scoring. 

Darius Parham (6'3 W / Bishop Ready): Much like Sibley, Parham was able to show parts of his game that we didn't see last winter. Primarily used as a small ball five as a freshman, Parham showcased his many guard skills as a pure wing in our viewing of him. Putting the ball on the floor and creating for himself and others, Parham put it all together on Saturday. A relentless rebounder who plays with a terrific motor, Parham has a chance to develop into one of the very best wings in a deep 2021 class.

Makhale Massey (6'4 WG / Northland): The breakout player in our last trip at the Dayton team camp, Massey impressed once again on Saturday in Louisville. A special athlete at 6-foot-4, Massey was a stud in getting to the rim and finishing through contact. A long and athletic wing who has plenty of natural gifts, Massey continued to show that he is back to normal after a knee injury ended his freshman season before it started. On a Northland team that loses 80 percent of last year's starting lineup, look for Massey to take a major leap in year two with the Vikings. 

AJ Mirgon (5'11 PG / Hilliard Bradley): One word to describe Mirgon would be "tough." On a Mid Ohio Pumas Elite team that has a mix of top 2020 and 2021 prospects, Mirgon took care of business at the point guard spot in leading the Pumas over the Nike EYBL's AOT on Saturday. Handling pressure with ease and making good things happen, Mirgon did everything you could've asked out of him in commanding the Pumas offense. A heady guard who is an above-average athlete and knockdown shooter, Mirgon can expect to step into a starting role for a Hilliard Bradley team who will be a threat once again to come out of the region in Division I.

Garner Wallace (6'4 W / Pickerington Central): Most kids would probably be surprised at how much they can get done by just playing hard. For Wallace, motor is the name of his game, as he never stops working on both ends. A three-sport stud who is as talented a kid as you'll find, Wallace made major contributions off the bench in Mid Ohio Pumas' win over AOT. Scoring, assisting, rebounding and defending at a high level, Wallace was not fazed by the athletes of AOT. A tough kid who played major minutes off the bench on Pickerington Central's state semifinal team last season, look for Wallace to step into a starting role this winter and be a breakout player in the area. 

Tyrese Hughey (6'6 PF / Licking Heights): One mid-major coach watching Hughey on Saturday said that the 6-foot-6 forward "looks like a million bucks." With a wiry 6-foot-6 build with broad shoulders, Hughey possesses the most upside of any post player in the 2021 class and showed flashes of the high-level player that he is likely to become. Blocking shots, rebounding and finishing inside through contact, Hughey put it all together in phases as the Ohio Hoopsters held off a tough MATTS Mustangs team at the buzzer. Starting every game for Licking Heights last season, Hughey suffered through the ups and downs that most freshmen go through, but with another year under his belt, look for him to have a chance to dominate the Licking County League next season. 

Idris Lawrence (5'10 PG / Pickerington North): For most young players, mental toughness and resiliency can be tough hurdles to overcome. Lawrence seems to have those qualities down pact, as he quickly recovered from a less than stellar first half to dominate for stretches in the second half in willing the Ohio Hoopsters to a win. A tough downhill slasher who plays with a chip on his shoulder, Lawrence got to the rack at will in the second half, finishing athletically through contact and making some major plays. A City League type guard who fits the mold that Jason Bates looks for in his guards, expect Lawrence to step up as a sophomore for a Pickerington North team that is looking for its young players to emerge. 

Maurice Barnes Jr (5'9 PG / South): Getting our first look at Barnes and his Ohio Varsity team this summer, we were impressed with the wiry guard from South. A tough finisher who put the ball in the bucket with creativity, Barnes was impressive playing a grade up in leading OV to a win over Mid Ohio Pumas Justice. Barnes plays with a sense of maturity, knowing when to play fast and when to slow things down. South graduates several senior guards, which could open up some opportunity for a high IQ player like Barnes in his sophomore season.