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Gahanna Lincoln 78, Whitehall 64 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Zach Fleer, 12/31/20, 4:30PM EST

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Sean Jones' 27 points powered Gahanna over Whitehall on NYE

GAHANNA, Ohio -- Meeting up for the third time in the last 366 days, Gahanna extended its winning streak in the Battle of Hamilton Road to three as the Lions defeated Whitehall 78-64 on Thursday afternoon.

The Lions relied on a big-time game from junior Sean Jones, who finished with a game-high 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Jones was greatly aided by his trio of lengthy teammates in Jarius Jones (15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals), Maceo Williams (14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals) and Javan Simmons (10 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists) in a win over a tough Rams team.

Whitehall did not go down without a fight, as senior wings Kievon Wiggins and Royal Sibley combined for 41 points. Wiggins and Sibley kept the game somewhat close most of the way, attacking the basket and putting pressure on Gahanna.

Whenever it seemed like Whitehall was poised to make a run, Sean Jones responded, as his buzzer-beating corner three put the Lions up 16-13 at the end of the first. Gahanna extended its lead in the second quarter before two big back-to-back threes from Jones pushed the Lions ahead 55-42 after three quarters.

In the fourth, the Lions continued to push the tempo, as Jarius Jones put an exclamation point on the win with a huge poster slam in transition on a Whitehall defender. 

With the win, Gahanna improves to 5-0 and will have just one day off before heading to Hilliard Davidson on Saturday at 5 p.m.

For Whitehall, the Rams fall to 1-3 on the year and will head on the road to Dublin Jerome on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Sean Jones (5'11 PG / Gahanna Lincoln / 2022): For the first time this season, Jones looked to be back to his normal self after a nagging ankle sprain that plagued the first three games of his season. That was none more evident than in the second quarter when he really started heating up. Giving Whitehall nightmares off the dribble, Jones sliced up any defense the Rams threw at him, splitting double teams and finding open teammates for easy looks. In the third quarter, Jones began heating up from three, knocking down back-to-back bombs off impossible to guard dribble combos. When Jones is playing at full speed and in what we like to call Wizard Mode, he is simply a treat to watch, as he keeps the ball on a string, rarely turns it over and consistently makes the right play. Going 4-for-4 on two-point attempts and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, Jones added five rebounds and eight assists to his season-high 27 points. We love watching Jones when he's revved up like he was today, as he can put on a dazzling display but will never be overly selfish, as he always finds a way to get everyone involved. That was evident with his four teammates in the starting lineup having between nine and 15 points. 

Kievon Wiggins (6'4 WG / Whitehall / 2021): Simply put, Wiggins is a BUCKET. The 6-foot-4 senior might just be the strongest pound for pound finisher that we have in the area, as he took it through the chests of Gahanna's front line all game long. Making 8-of-11 two-point field goals, Wiggins was highly efficient when attacking the basket, as he was able to finish through guards, wings and bigs. While he isn't a great shooter, Wiggins is a terrific offensive player that gives great effort each night out. While Sibley gets more of the attention at Whitehall, Wiggins is a player who has been very productive since his sophomore season, as he is deserving of college looks due to physicality, toughness and ability to finish the basket against contact. 

Royal Sibley (6'6 WF / Whitehall / 2021): There may not be a longer player anywhere in the area than Sibley. The 6-foot-6 senior has arms and legs that extend for miles, as his lengthy wingspan helps him rebound everything around the basket and protect the rim. Sibley has guard skills on the perimeter and has greatly improved his feel for the game, as he was highly efficient inside the three-point line, making all five of his shot attempts. While he isn't a great three-point shooter, Sibley plays to his strengths, as he finished with a game-high nine rebounds to go along with 20 points. Sibley's foot speed on the perimeter allows him to guard multiple positions, which should be a big reason for in-state scholarship programs to recruit him. With the improvements made to his overall feel for the game, Sibley is an unsigned sleeper with major potential at the next level.

Jarius Jones (6'5 WF / Gahanna Lincoln / 2021): For the second-straight game, Jones has a poster slam, as the 6-foot-5 senior put an exclamation point on Thursday's game with his jam on a Whitehall defender. While that's what most people will remember from the game, Jones did more than just dunk, as he finished with 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, a block and two steals. The 6-foot-5 senior has a great motor, gives max effort on both ends of the floor and is a very unselfish teammate that is really improving as a finisher at the basket. While he's currently in a shooting slump, Jones has not let that impact his productivity, as he continues to put up strong all around numbers. 

Javan Simmons (6'7 PF / Gahanna Lincoln / 2022): Outside of one missed wing three, Simmons was perfect from the field as he finished 5-of-5 at the basket for 10 points. The 6-foot-7 junior was on the receiving end of a few dimes from Sean Jones that ended up as emphatic dunks. The 6-foot-7 junior does not get enough credit for his passing IQ and ability, as he was the team's second assist leader with four. Against a Whitehall team that is physical, long and athletic, Simmons was not intimidated, putting together a strong all-around showing and playing within his role. There's a reason why Division I programs are heating up on Simmons. He does his job each night out and can always be counted on to provide elite effort and toughness.

Maceo Williams (6'6 PF / Gahanna Lincoln / 2021): Williams is so reliable, as he was an automatic bucket around the rim going over either shoulder. With the improvements made to Simmons' game, Williams has less of a role offensively than last year, however, he has done exactly what is needed each night out. Today, he was very good finishing on the block, while adding five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Williams is one of the smartest players in the area, as he passes it extremely well out of the post, has good enough of a handle to grab and go and can even step out and hit the mid-range jumper. Ashland is getting a well-rounded player who greatly impacts winning in Williams. 

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