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270 Hoops Fall League: Open Division Top Performers

By 270 Hoops Staff, 09/24/19, 1:50PM EDT

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A look at the top performers from Week 3 of the Open Division

GROVEPORT, Ohio -- We advanced past the halfway point during Week 3 of the 270 Hoops Fall League on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the top performers from the Open Division. Next week is our last week of the regular season before the win or go home playoffs tip off on October 6. 


Seniors

Max Stokey (6’7 PF / Buckeye Valley / 2020): Stokey has been one of the most impressive seniors in the open division, putting the Celtics on his back and helping them remain competitive. The Buckeye Valley senior has a lengthy build at 6-foot-7 with broad shoulders, he looks to be able to add considerable muscle to his frame, which will bode well for his future since he’s talented and coordinated already. Stokey finished around the rim at a high level, cleaned up the glass and even showed an ability to handle the ball in the open floor. We think Division III programs and even Division II’s should take a look at Stokey who is an intriguing long term prospect. 

Huston Harrah (6’5 WF / Fairfield Union / 2020): Harrah impressed in the paint as a four man on Sunday as he made instinctive plays out of the post all day. The 6-foot-5 wing showed off a soft touch around the rim, good hands and the ability to pass out of the post while we know that he can stretch the floor. We liked the way that he operated in the high post and showed off soft touch in the mid-range and rotated the ball quickly with several good pass reads. As he’s relied to play more on the wing and stretch the floor for Fairfield Union, it was intriguing to see Harrah in this role on Sunday.

Mo Fofana (5’10 PG / Franklin Heights / 2020): We liked what we saw from Fofana as he was all over the place in a seven point win over the 76ers where he went for 12 points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out two assists and came up with two steals. The 5-foot-10 guard is really quick off the dribble and we think his handle is up there with some of the best in the area as he really has the ball on a string. Mo beat guys off the dribble, hit shots outside and did a really good job defending on the perimeter on Sunday. We really like his potential as an offensive creator and we believe he has the work ethic necessary to continue improving.

Adam Benschoter (6’3 WG / Teays Valley / 2020):  Benschoter was another Pacer player who came to play derspite only having six . He was the ultimate stat sheet stuffer finishing the game with seven points, eight rebounds, four steals and two assists. As a two-year open division alum who has consistently been solid, Benschoter should have a chance to play big minutes for Teays Valley this winter.

Josh Wilhelm (6’2 WG / Westerville Central / 2020): After getting down in a hole versus the Pacers, Josh was the lead man in the Pistons come back effort. When the ball was in his hands he simply delivered, rather it be on the catch and shoot or drives to the basket as he led his team in scoring with 13 points. Westerville Central is a team that has reasons to believe that they can win the OCC-Buckeye, and Wilhelm should be a factor in making that come true. 

Damian Davis (5’11 PG / Bexley / 2020): On a pretty loaded Raptors team, Davis was where the team turned to for offensive production out of the guard spot on Sunday. A quick, shifty lead guard that isn’t afraid to take the ball to the hole, Davis showed a multi-faceted offensive game that included crafty dribble drive finishes that either ended in a great look at the rim or a foul, which led to five points at the line in the Raptors win over the Heat. He also showed the ability to hit the pull up jumper with consistency and added a three pointer to his 14 point performance in the last game of the day. 

Honorable mention: Yoshi Parker (6’3 WF / Wellington / 2020), Chancelor Burns (6’2 WF / Licking Heights / 2020), Evan Boatright (6’4 WF / Mount Vernon / 2020)

Juniors

Andrew Wade (6’4 WF / Olentangy Liberty / 2021): Wade was the ultimate glue-guy for his Raptors team on Sunday, contributing in all aspects of the game and showcasing his versatility as a lanky, skilled wing. The 6-4 Olentangy Liberty product is a tough finisher at the rim and is extremely active off the ball on offense, which led to numerous second chance opportunities and points on offensive rebounds. The junior finished with 13 points and eight big rebounds in his team’s win over the Heat on Sunday and proved himself as one of the most effective interior-minded wings in the Open Division. Look for Wade to be a big piece of a reloading effort for Liberty, whose historic 2019 class led the school to its first ever state final four in basketball last winter.

Omari Effiong (6’1 WG / Thomas Worthington / 2021): The physical athletic wing is at his best when he is able to get out in transition. That was the case as he finished on the break consistently or bullied his way to rim in the halfcourt finishing with a game high 16 points, to go along with four rebounds and three assists. Moving into Worthington after spending the last two seasons at Pickerington North, Effiong will be a highly important role player for a Cardinals squad that has sky-high expectations.

Charlie Bean (6’3 WG / Fairfield Union / 2021): The Pacers only had six players on Sunday, but they still came to play. They jumped out to a 24-2 lead over the Pistons and Bean played a huge part in that. Usually getting most of his points out running guys and finishing at the rim, Charlie showed some outside touch as well converting on two catch and shoot threes. He finished with a team high 15 points, six rebounds and a steal. Bean has impressed every time we’ve seen him and I think he’s more than ready to make an impact  for Fairfield Union. 

Jaivon Miller (6’1 PG / Licking Heights / 2021): Miller impressed us on the offensive end Sunday as he went for 14 points in a tough loss to the Cavaliers. He beat guys to the rim off the bounce on multiple occasions and was really efficient when finishing inside regardless of what hand it was with. We liked the way that Miller played with confidence on the offensive end as he hit shots from the perimeter off the dribble and was not afraid to let it fly when receiving a little bit of space. A recent transfer into Licking Heights, we hope the junior guard gives the Hornets some added offensive production in the backcourt. 

Cody Lantz (6’3 WG / Shelby / 2021): Lantz opened up the game with a poster dunk attempt that would’ve been the best this year regardless of division. After opening everyone's eyes he went on to have a productive game finishing with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. He showed that he was more than just a slasher knocking down two threes. The junior looks confident enough to help carry some of the scoring load for Shelby this year alongside TJ Pugh.

Dejon Donnell (5’10 PG / Bishop Hartley / 2021): We really liked how Donnell looked on both ends in a close win over the Bulls. The 5-foot-10 point is a reliable primary ball handler, knows how to run an offense and can really pass it. He impressed with his offensive skill set as he hit shots off the dribble in the mid-range and got to the rim in order to finish through contact. Donnell is a solid point of attack defender at this point as he has quick feet and can stay in front of faster guards on that end. We really like the IQ Dejon plays with and think he could be relied on to create a lot of offense for Bishop Hartley this year. What we’d like to see him improve on is playing with a better pace as he can get out of control in the open floor at times. 

Maceo Williams (6’6 C / Gahanna / 2021): Williams stood out amongst the other post players in the Open Division by the way he ran the floor and was constantly active off the ball on Sunday. Williams is a very skilled big man to begin with, having the ability to create his own shot around the rim with back to the basket and face-up post moves as well as knock down spot up jumpers all the way out past the three point arc. However, Williams is also lethal off the ball both in transition and the half court, using his uncanny ability to position himself on off-the-ball cuts, pick and rolls, and rim-running fast break opportunities and then convert at a high rate. The 6-6 center was highly productive in all of those areas on Sunday, finishing with 17 points that included a made three pointer and proving himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Open Division.

Honorable mention: Jacob Berlekamp (6’2 WG / Liberty Union / 2021), Daylen Fullen (5’9 PG / Eastmoor / 2021), Joshua Potter (6’2 WF / Johnstown / 2021), Tylar Foster (6’2 WG / Olentangy Liberty / 2021)

Sophomores

Marlon Elliott (6’0 G / Groveport Madison / 2022): Elliott continued to show why he’s been a top tier player in the open league. There’s not too many better downhill drivers than Elliott.  He came out in attack mode with straight line drives to the rim finishing through contact or getting fouled. Once he got in a rhythm he buried two three point bombs as well. Marlon finished with a game high 16 points, three rebounds and two steals. Elliott’s two-way performance helped him earn the chance to play up in the invite division on Sunday. 

Javo Jordan (5’11 G / Beechcroft / 2022): Javo was the most aggressive that I’ve seen from him thus far. He showed the ability to score in isolation situations, not playing with his dribble just one or two moves and right by his defender. He had some tough finishes at the rim including a nice spin move that drew some buzz. Jordan is a willing defender that gets after it on the perimeter. We love the toughness that he plays with, as he should have a chance to play big minutes on Beechcroft’s varsity squad this season.

Nicholas Heath (6’3 WG / Upper Arlington / 2022): Heath knocked down back-to back threes to get the scoring started for the Warriors. He finished the game with eight points but most impressive was his tenacious rebounding, as he pulled down nine boards. Heath has been a major stock riser in the open division, placing among the league’s top scorers and rebounders. As a major piece to what appears to be a promising sophomore class for Upper Arlington, we look forward to seeing how Heath develops over the next two and a half years.

Duane Davis ( 5’5 G / Groveport Madison /2022): It seems like every week Davis gets a write up, but that’s what happens when you come to play and compete at a high level like Davis does. He starred again for his Nuggets team who suffered a tough overtime loss . He knocked down three from beyond the arc and was able to get himself to the free throw line finishing with 13 points, three assists and three rebounds. 

Grant Somers (5’11 G / Newark / 2022): One of the better catch and shoot deep threats in the area, Somers knocked down three threes and finished with 14 points in our viewing of the Nets. What makes Somers so  intriguing is his play on the other end that makes him a legit 3&D prospect. He guards tough and can always be found in the passing lanes where he ended up with two steals. In a Newark program that returns most of last season’s district title roster, Somers will have to fight and claw for minutes, but if he continues to put in two-way efforts like he did on Sunday, he’ll have a chance to crack the rotation.

Rex Kelly (6’0 G / Olentangy Liberty / 2022): Kelly is a high IQ guard who  is always playing at his own pace. No matter what the defender did they were unable to speed him up. Kelly lived at the free-throw line on Sunday and did not miss any of his three-point attempts, knocking down two catch and shoot triples and even showcasing a nice floater to finish with 14 points. We think Kelly can step up and provide some scoring for the defending regional champs who graduated 66 points per game from its 2019 class.

Gilbert Oduro (6’5 PF / Bishop Watterson / 2022): Oduro has a motor that came out of a Lamborghini factory. The 6-foot-5 big had a strong day for the 76ers, using his length and toughness inside in a big win over the Cavaliers. Oduro was a matchup problem from the opening tip, as he had an efficient showing around the rim to finish with a game-high 17 points. We love how Oduro attacks both ends of the floor, as he ran the floor hard, fought for position and took advantage of every scoring opportunity that he had. We look forward to watching Oduro this winter for a Watterson program that values toughness and grit.

Luke Snecedor (6’4 WF / Worthington Christian / 2022): Snecedor was one of the bigger stock risers in the open league on Sunday as combined for 27 points, four rebounds and three steals in two wins. Snecedor impressed us on offense as he scored in multiple ways by getting to the rim and finishing consistently as well as stretching the floor and knocking down a handful of triples with extreme efficiency. He can attack off the dribble, score out of the post and does an excellent job filling lanes in transition. On the defensive end he provides length and is a capable team defender on the wing as we saw him grab three steals on Sunday. In a Worthington Christian program that’s loaded with talent at the top right now, we feel Snecedor is a guy who could slowly work his way up if he does the right things as he has the tools to contribute on both ends.

Javon Waters (5’10 PG / Reynoldsburg / 2022): Waters filled up the stat sheet on Sunday as he went for 16 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals in two big wins for his Lakers team. A lead guard who plays with a good pace and knows how to pass it, Waters was the primary creator for his squad and showed the ability to beat guys off the dribble as well as hit shots from outside. He stayed involved on the boards and showed that he can start the break and finish it at times as well. Javon plays with a chip on his shoulder on defense and likes to get after it on that end where we saw him grab several steals on the perimeter. We like his odds to possibly find a spot in the rotation this year for a Reynoldsburg team who lost a ton of production to graduation last year. 

Ryan Paris (6’0 PG / Hilliard Davidson / 2022): Paris caught our eye on Sunday with his shooting ability and craftiness around the rim. The 6-foot guard is always active on the court and looking for ways to get open as he runs around off ball screens and can get his feet set quickly in order to get his shot off. Paris is a knockdown shooter from the three, most consistently off the catch at this point, as the sophomore guard has a really smooth stroke and quick release. He’s sneaky quick off the dribble and can find his way inside where he really knows how to finish around the rim with touch and get his shot off. Though he can handle the ball and operate an offense at the point, we think Paris may be best fit as on off ball threat as he can really shoot off the catch and knows how to work within an offense. 

Dylan Thompson (6’0 WG / Buckeye Valley / 2022): Thompson is one of the very best sophomore guards in the area and he proved it once more on Sunday by leading the Nets to back-to-back wins. The Buckeye Valley sophomore is an aggressive guard that gets it done in all areas of the game, as he had his best performance of the season in a win over the Hawks, going for 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Thompson can score it from all over but is really active as a distributor, defender and rebounder, as he is a true two-way player. We look forward to watching him this season as Buckeye Valley should have the talent and depth to contend at the top of Division II in the area.

Carter Imertreijs (5’9 PG / Big Walnut / 2022): Imertreijs is far from the most physically imposing player on the court, but on Sunday he proved that he has the game and ability to use every ounce of his strength to be effective. The sophomore is an aggressive lead guard type that uses his body well to draw contact on dribble drive and displayed a number of crafty finishes, converting on three and-ones in the Blazers first game against the Grizzlies. Imertreijs is especially effective in transition, where he is able to out-pace the defense in the full court and smoothly take the ball to the rim. In the half court, takes control of the offense and always makes the right pass. Imertreijs also showed the ability to stretch his shot out pass the three point arc, making a three in his stand-out 20 point, five rebound game against the Grizzlies, and was overall one of the most efficient players on the court at all times on Sunday. 

Honorable mention: Jevin Beard (6’1 PG / Buckeye Valley / 2022), Owen Gawel (5’10 PG / Upper Arlington / 2022), Brazure Roberts (5’11 WF / Shelby / 2022), Jacob Pleiman (6’6 PF / Botkins / 2022), Josh Harlan (6’0 PG / Pickerington Central / 2022), Trey Majidzadeh (5’11 WG / Olentangy Liberty / 2022), Amari Gaston (6’2 WF / Bishop Hartley / 2022), Chris Mitchell (6’3 PG / Bexley / 2022), Chase Oullette (6’5 WF / Wellington / 2022)

Freshmen

Devin Royal (6’4 WF / Pickerington Central / 2023): Ah, here we are again, writing about Royal for the third straight week. The athletically gifted 6-foot-4 wing has by far been the best player in the open west division as he leads the league in points, rebounds and blocks after three weeks while racking up 13 assists and five steals as well. Royal is an absolute monster on the glass as he bodies guys around, has the athletic ability to grab rebounds before other guys get them and has a constant motor that’s at 100 percent. Devin is a capable ball handler in the open floor, makes intelligent passes and bodies guys off the dribble. We are really impressed with Royal’s patience on offense, as he makes the most difficult finishes look timely and routine. We have yet to see him get sped up, as he already has a feel and approach to the game that is years ahead of him. Defensively, Royal can guard on the wing and can hold his own in the post where he uses his wingspan to alter opposing shots as we saw him come up with several blocks on Sunday. In two primetime matchups on Sunday, Royal totaled 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and four blocks to help the Clippers remain unbeaten. STAR. Look for Royal to be an important piece to Central’s varsity rotation this winter. 

Elias Lewis (6’1 G / Olentangy Orange / 2023): A recent move-in from Wilmington that we’ve been intrigued with since The Intro last month, Lewis had his best showing on Sunday. A very talented ball handler that makes the game look easy, Lewis had his way with the Warriors and Thunder to help the Clippers remain unbeaten. While he didn’t put up crazy scoring numbers, Lewis was very efficient in the way he created offense for himself and others. The 6-foot-1 freshman works extremely well out of the ball screen game, is a slippery finisher that constantly gets to the rim and has an innate ability to create shots that is different from most guys at this stage. Lewis’ arrival to Lewis Center is a godsend to an Orange program that graduated a great senior backcourt and will greatly use his special talents this season and beyond.

Cole Rhett (6’3 C / Bishop Watterson / 2023): Rhett impressed us on Sunday as a play finisher for his Clippers squad as he combined for 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks in two wins. The 6-foot-3 big has a thick build that allows him to move guys around on the interior and create space. He has good hands in the half court and in transition and can really finish around the rim consistently, which is what he impressed us with most on Sunday. The wide bodied post even showed soft touch from the mid-range, knocking down a baseline jumper on a nice feed from Lewis. Rhett has good length on the interior defensively and most definitely will not get bodied around easily as he’s a tough matchup for young bigs in the post. He came up with several big blocks on Sunday and controlled the paint for the majority of the time he was on the floor. Rhett does an excellent job of capitalizing on open looks as he’s on a team full of guys who can create them. As he continues to grow and get his body into better shape, Rhett has the potential to become a legitimate big man prospect in the future. 

Ryan Nutter (6’2 G / Dublin Jerome / 2023): Nutter played a huge part in securing an overtime win for the Warriors. He was all over the offensive glass coming up with five boards creating second chance opportunities time and time again. He finished well around the rim too, as he wound up with 10 points, five rebounds and a block in the victory. The talented freshman will have a chance to play varsity minutes this winter for a Jerome team that graduated 14 seniors from last year’s roster.

Kevin Brown (5’11 PG / Centennial / 2023): Brown was really impressive in a 57-39 win over the Warriors where he scored six efficient points to go along with five assists and three steals. Brown is a quick guard with a tight handle, high level passing ability and the ability to be a really, really good point of attack defender in the future. He was extremely aggressive on both ends Sunday as he excelled defending the full court where he rarely let guys get by him with his elite lateral quickness. Brown has really good hands on the defensive end as well as they constantly stay active and make opposing ball handlers really work to get where they need to be. The 5-foot-11 guard really impressed as a passer as he made several impressive reads both in the open floor and in the half court to create easy points for his team. As Brown continues to develop, he could see some varsity time early on in his career at Centennial. 

Daniel Fetty (5’10 G / Grove City / 2023): Instant offense is what Fetty brings to the table. He’s a lights out shooter, and that was on display as he knocked down two threes on his way to 12 points. Fetty is a bomber from the perimeter and has been one of the open division’s best long range shooters through three weeks.

Honorable mention: Luke Kuhlman (6’2 WF / Dublin Jerome / 2023), Judah Haynes-Lee (5’9 PG / Groveport Madison / 2023), Nolan Ward (6’2 WF / Gahanna / 2022), Jadi Cunningham Jr. (5’3 PG / Westerville South / 2023), Brayden Jones (5’10 WG / Pickerington North / 2023) 

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