PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Pickerington North (7-3) played the final game of The Challenge on their home floor against Northland (4-4) in what turned out to be a hotly contested game in the final minutes. While Pickerington North led fairly handedly for most of the game, Northland made a late push in the final minute to cut it to a one-possession game. However, Pickerington North held on by a thread for a 56-54 win. 

Pickerington North was led in scoring by senior sharpshooter Hunter Shedenhelm, who finished with 15 points that included three made threes. Casey George had 15 points, and Chris Scott added 10 points and six rebounds. 

Northland’s Devan White led all scorers with 16 points, followed Makhale Massey’s 14 points. Shemar Watson added nine points on three made threes. 

Hunter Shedenhelm (6'5 WG / Pickerington North / 2020): The Ashland commit is an elite outside shooter and has proved his worth as a secondary option alongside some really talented players over the last two seasons, but now as a senior his perimeter prowess is relied on more heavily. The 6-5 wing-guard has the length and quick-release to rise up and get his shot off against any defense an opposing team can throw at him. Shedenhelm is also a very solid wing defender with his long frame and heady play, and is the on-court leader of the Panther team as their most experienced player.

Rob Dorsey III (5'10 PG / Northland / 2022): Rob Dorsey III: On a team chock full of intriguing guard talents, Dorsey stands out as someone with really high-level quickness and handles. Though still just a sophomore, Dorsey is already showing defense awareness beyond his years was able to slow down some of the incredibly quick Pickerington North guards over the course of the game. Dorsey was a primary facilitator for Northland, handling a load of the on-ball duties and dealing out three assists. Dorsey has many advanced skills that will only be magnified as he grows and matures.

Casey George (5'10 PG / Pickerington North / 2021): George has received a lot of coverage by us as of late touting his incredible intangibles and advanced feel for the game, and has been consistently impressive in those areas every single time we’ve seen him. The 5-11 junior is the steady hand that makes the Pickerington North team run effectively, always seemingly in the right place on both ends to make the right play for the Panthers. George has a bevy of moves off the dribble that he uses to create for himself and attract defenders to free up teammates, and is one of the craftiest finishers around the hoop in the area. Though he doesn’t possess acrobatic athleticism, George has subtle quickness and strength that he springs on defenders to blow past them and get to the rim. George is a player to watch in the 2021 class as he leads this very talented Pickerington North team.

Shemar Watson (5'10 WG / Northland / 2021): Watson was able to provide instant offense for Northland from outside, showcasing a smooth, repeatable shooting stroke on his way to three huge threes. The junior guard plays well with the other talented guards on the team as while they are more apt to take defenders off the dribble, Watson works out of a spot-up role and capitalize when his teammates draw his defender in. Watson will be looked upon for instant outside offense for the Vikings down the stretch of the season. We look forward to watching the junior more, as Saturday was our first real viewing of him.

Dior Conners (6'0 G / Pickerington North / 2022): Dior Conners: Conners is an intriguing guard prospect in the class of 2022 that flashed some potential to grow and become a really effective offensive player for the Panthers. Conners is quick off the dribble and has multiple moves around the rim that he uses to convert at a high rate, and uses this quickness on the defensive end as well to chase down and pressure opposing offensive players. Look for Conners to see an increased role as the season goes along and prove his worth as a valuable rotation guard for this talented Pickerington North team.

Eldon Boateng (6'0 PF / Northland / 2020): The emotional leader of this Northland team, Boateng is the ultimate heart-over-height player, using every inch of his 6-foot frame and his beefy build to bang down low with much taller players. Boateng plays with an intense and no-holds-barred playing style, bringing constant energy and toughness down low. The senior was able to get a few open looks down low on second chance points and made his presence felt on every possession by getting into an opposing player’s body and boxing them out.

Chris Scott (6'2 WG / Pickerington North / 2020): Scott is the ultimate role player for this Pickerington North team and has been for the last three years. A four-star wide receiver prospect, Scott possesses high-flying athleticism that stands out but never presses the issue, as he is solely focused on making winning plays for this Pickerington North team. Scott is a great rebounded for a wing-guard, skying to the rim for defensive boards, and uses his speed to get into passing lanes and cause trouble for opposing offenses. Scott is also a capable shot maker who picks his spots and is an overall efficient offensive player. Scott is one of the senior leaders of this Panther squad and will have to step up in big moments for this team if they want to reach their potential.

Makhale Massey (6'3 WG / Northland / 2021): Massey, one of the more skilled juniors in the City League, had a strong showing against a tough Pickerington North team, scoring 10 of his 14 points after halftime. The 6-foot-3 wing can make shots on the perimeter, has the length, athleticism and first step speed to blow by defenders to the rim and is a strong perimeter defender that did a great job on both Scott and Shedenhelm of North. Massey, whose father Kyrem Massey was a star at Kent State in the late 90s, has always had the talent and ability to take over games and it seems like his confidence level is coming along to match with his talent. If Massey can continue to play with high motor and confidence, we will start regularly seeing bigger performances out of him. 

Savion Marshall-Hamilton (6'6 PF / Pickerington North / 2020): There might not be a post player in the senior class who has improved more than Marshall-Hamilton over the course of the last year. The 6-foot-6 senior has emerged as a reliable inside presence for the Panthers with star Jack Sawyer sidelined, which has helped this North team remain among the elite in the area. Against Northland, Marshall-Hamilton had a strong showing as an interior finisher and rebounder, going for seven points and converting through contact. With the size, strength and toughness to affect a game on the interior, Marshall-Hamilton should be a high priority for small colleges looking for a big in the senior class. 

Devan White (6'0 G / Northland / 2020): The senior guard White had a bit of a breakout showing against Pickerington North, putting his full game together to the tune of 16 points and two assists. White has always been a talented defender on the perimeter with his speed and quick hands, however on Saturday, he showed an ability to knock down shots and get to the rim for scores. On a Northland team with plenty of offensive weapons, White can really help the Vikings when he's dialed in and playing with confidence, as he might be the complimentary scorer they need to win at least a share of a deep and balanced City League North division for the 12th time in 13 years.