COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Bigfoot Hoops XL came to town this weekend to put on their Columbus tournament, and there was a plethora of local talent on display. Let’s take a look at some of the players who stood out.

Trey Robertson (5'10 PG / Waverly / 2022): Trey Robertson was an outstanding presence all weekend long for Mid Ohio Pumas Silver – Jackson. In his squad’s final three games, Robertson accounted for 45 points and 14 assists. He showed extreme confidence and control at the point guard spot both offensively and defensively. He stands at just 5’10”, but plays as if he is the biggest guard on the floor at every moment. 

He took over the Silver bracket championship game late and had a big time finish inside with 5.6 seconds remaining to give his team the lead over Ohio Buckets - Lash. The Buckets ended up sending the game to overtime where Robertson scored seven of his team’s nine points. They fell just short losing 87-86, but Robertson’s play down the stretch was impossible to ignore.

Luke Kuhlman (6'4 WG / Dublin Jerome / 2023): Luke Kuhlman was all over the place this weekend. Literally. The Dublin Jerome guard played up with Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 17u as well as with his usual squad, Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 16u. He hit some important shots for the 17u squad in a hard fought battle against the Michigan Mustangs.

Kuhlman really shined with the 16u team. He always seemed to be in the right spot at the right time defensively, and he was the driving force for nearly every one of his team’s offensive possessions. Kuhlman is a prime example of a stat sheet stuffer. It was very impressive how he could come into any game at any time and make an instant impact.

Luke Denbow (6'1 G / Ashland / 2022): Luke Denbow was one of the most complete guards playing this weekend. He has the ability to see just about every inch of the court from any spot on the floor. He had control of the offense at all times and his high basketball IQ was extremely evident. Denbow had 12 points in his first pool play game with Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 17u, and he tacked on nine points in their second game. A lot of Denbow’s game doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, but you can tell that his teammates look to him in the big moments.

Jacob Pleiman (6'7 PF / Botkins / 2022): Jacob Pleiman is a force to be reckoned with for Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 17u. He had countless finishes through multiple defenders at and around the rim. He can use both hands effectively, and seems to have a knack for offensive rebounds. He can also step out and shoot the three ball at a very high clip. Pleiman had a combined 29 points in his team’s two pool play games, and was scoring at will in their bracket play game. Pleiman is having a good start to the AAU season after helping lead Botkins to the Division IV state title in March.

Justin Perry (6'5 WF / New Albany / 2022): Justin Perry is a guy who has Division I potential and he showed it in flashes this weekend. Perry tallied 51 points in his four games, and showed off a wide variety of moves around the basket. Perry has a very effective inside out game for a guy at 6’5”. He hit a huge three pointer late in the Silver bracket championship game to give Mid Ohio Pumas - Jackson the lead. Perry has a very good motor, and he manufactured lots of chances around the rim for himself this weekend.

Adam Duvall (6'6 PF / Beavercreek / 2022): Adam Duvall is as good of a teammate you can find to put alongside Pleiman. The two man the middle for Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 17u, and have great chemistry together. Duvall had 19 points in their first pool play game, and followed that performance up with nine points in their next matchup. He has a very solid frame and an outstanding feel for the game. You will never see Duvall give up on a play. He came away with tons of 50/50 balls this weekend.

Brandon McLaughlin (6'8 PF / Heath / 2022): Brandon McLaughlin was one of the more intriguing players in this tournament. He stands at 6’8” and has tremendous length. His control in transition for his size is certainly eye-catching. McLaughlin plays for Mid Ohio Pumas Silver – Jackson, and he was an unbelievable rim protector in the Silver bracket championship game posting north of five blocks. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds as well in his final game on Sunday.

Mike Steel (6'7 F / Hudson / 2023): Mike Steel is an extremely raw player with great length. He was the longest guy on the floor in his bracket play game on Sunday with Mid Ohio Pumas Gold 16u, but was giving up at least 20 pounds to his matchup from Indiana Elite 2023. Even with the weight disadvantage, Steel more than held his own. He showed very good body control and the ability to finish with both hands around the rim. He doesn’t step out to shoot the three too often, but he has a good looking shot when he does.