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Jonathan Alder 58, London 32 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Zach Fleer, 12/15/20, 10:30PM EST

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Jackson Izzard went for 25 points in the season opener for Alder

PLAIN CITY, Ohio -- Basketball is a tale of two halves. Tuesday's Central Buckeye Conference opener between Jonathan Alder and London could not have driven that point further.

The host Pioneers took a one-point halftime lead and turned it into a 26-point victory to open their season in a 58-32 win over rival London.

Alder was powered by senior wing guard Jackson Izzard, who lived at the free throw line and knocked down three triples to lead all scorers with 25 points. Izzard woke up in a big way in the second half, going for 13 points in the period to help Alder take a 43-29 lead.

It was in the final frame where Alder's defense really shined, holding London without a point for nearly the entire quarter, as the Red Raiders didn't make a shot until the final minute of the game.

In a start to the season where Alder was not able to really scrimmage anyone until Tuesday's opener, the Pioneers shook off a sluggish start to power past London in the second half. The Red Raiders competed hard in the first half, relying on freshman guard Zach Jones whose multi-level scoring helped them take a 17-12 lead in the second quarter.

That was the most the Raiders would lead by all night, as Alder outscored them 46-15 the rest of the way. Jones was a bright spot for London, as the young point guard stepped up to the challenge of facing one of the toughest defenses in the area. 

Jones, junior forward Isaiah Jones and senior wing Ethan Minner provided the bulk of London's scoring on Tuesday.

For Alder, Izzard was the go-to guy, scoring from all over the floor, rebounding like a grown man and providing valuable defensive impact on and off the ball. One of few seniors on the roster, Izzard set the tone for juniors like Joey Walker, Taber Headings and Grant Welsch, who all played solid games on Tuesday.

Walker was the only other Pioneer in double figures, going for 11 points while Welsch and Headings each finished with six.

The Pioneers will look to keep rolling on Friday when they head to Tecumseh in league play. For London, the Red Raiders will look to bounce back at home on Friday against Shawnee. 

Jackson Izzard (6'3 WG / Jonathan Alder / 2021): The last time we watched Izzard play in a high school game against London, the senior caught 20 passes and thoroughly dominated the Red Raiders in a huge regular season finale in the football season. The 6-foot-3 senior did not disappoint when he returned to the hardwood on Tuesday, going for an efficient 25 points and leading the young Pioneers on both ends of the floor in a dominant showing. Izzard shot the three ball at a high level, knocking down three attempts and got to the rim at will as he lived at the free-throw line on Tuesday, shooting 10-of-14. Izzard is an absolute winner, as he sets the tone with his physicality, toughness and unselfishness, while having the talent to completely take over a game on the offensive end. It was nice to see Izzard shot the ball at a high level again on the perimeter, as he can really punish a defense when his shot is falling at every level. Izzard is one of the very best unsigned seniors in the area, as he can do everything you need on both ends of the floor and is a big-time athlete that will not back down from anyone. 

Zach Jones (6'0 PG / London / 2024): With London missing senior guard Jayden Hawkins-White on Tuesday, the Red Raiders needed someone to step up in the backcourt and Jones did just that. While being the youngest player by two years on the floor, Jones did not let that stop him from having a great performance, as he scored it with both hands at the rim and knocked down two threes in the first half alone. Jones is a very strongly built kid that plays with a lot of confidence and swagger. We like his aggressiveness, as he is not afraid of contact, while showing a skillful ability to finish at the rim. A standout football player as well, Jones is a big-time athlete with a bright future in the Red Raiders program. 

Joey Walker (6'6 PF / Jonathan Alder / 2022): Walker is longer than the Mississippi River, as his long wingspan helped him protect the rim at a high level on Tuesday. The lanky 6-foot-6 junior plays hard, can finish at the basket through contact and is an aggressive rebounder that attacks the boards on both ends. Walker is a stellar athlete and can really explode off the ground. The junior forward finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in the win. If he can add some strength to his frame and continue to add more perimeter skill, Walker could be a late blooming scholarship prospect to keep an eye on in a year or so.

Grant Welsch (6'0 PG / Jonathan Alder / 2022): We really enjoyed watching Welsch compete on Tuesday, as he communicated at an elite level on both ends of the floor, leading his teammates and getting them in the right position. The 6-foot lead guard has a good handle and some wiggle to his game, while showing to have great vision as a passer. Graduating one of the best point guards in program history in Jackie Santa-Emma, Alder has a good one to replace him in Welsch. Putting together an all-around game, Welsch finished with six points, six rebounds and nine assists on Tuesday.

Ethan Minner (6'4 WF / London / 2021): Minner had a solid showing on Tuesday, knocking down the mid-range jumper with consistency. The 6-foot-4 senior has decent size and shooting touch, as he showed to be a reliable scoring option throughout the game. 

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