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Hidden Gems Invitational: Top Performers

By Chintoo Deora , 04/04/22, 9:15AM EDT

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A look at some of the top players at this weekend's Hidden Gems tournament

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The AAU season is officially underway and tournaments are happening all over Central Ohio. This weekend I checked out players at the Hidden Gems Invitational at Canal Winchester High School. I watched a ton of great high school players and in this article, I will showcase some of the top performers.  

Dennis Asoro/2022/Ohio Monarchs/Eastmoor Academy 

After being a double-double machine in the City League this past season, Asoro dominated this game. He came down with every rebound which produced a ton of second-chance points. Not many people can stop him when he gets the ball low on the block and deep in the paint. He is a relentless rebounder and never stops working. After racking up numerous first-team awards, Asoro will be a great asset to any college program. 

Tito Glass/2024/Quality Sports 16U/Marion-Franklin 

Glass led his team to a tournament championship with some dominant play on both ends of the floor. He has a great feel for when to push the ball and when to slow the pace down. He also is one of the best space creators I have seen in the sophomore class. He can get to his spot with ease and rise up over smaller defenders for knock-down jumpers. Glass also can get downhill in a hurry and finish strong at the rim. He is an excellent defender due to his quick feet which allows him to stay in front of his defender. The sky is the limit for the Red Devil wing. 

Juwan Turner/2024/Nova Village 17U/Pickerington Central

Playing a year up did not seem to faze Turner at all as he was able to dominate the game. He hit numerous contested jumpers and converted a few and ones at the rim. He controlled the pace of play all game and never got sped up by the defense. Turner also dove on the floor for a few loose balls which is rare to see in AAU. He rarely lets his opponent by him on defense and is a great rebounder for a guard. The state champion is someone who can dominate AAU the entire spring. 

Derek Goodman/2024/Nova Village 17U/Olentangy Berlin

Goodman also played a year up but you would never know if you watched him play. He has a lights out jumper and can shoot from anywhere on the floor. He started the game off from three but found chances at the rim which then opened up his outside game. He nailed a catch and shoot three from a screen and then a pull-up triple with a hand in his face. His movement off the ball is a thing of beauty and he never stops until he can get an open look. He will be filling it up for Nova all spring and summer.  

Le’Dan Jones/2025/Hidden Gems 15U/River Valley

Jones has a really smooth offensive game that stems from his natural height and athleticism. He is very patient on the perimeter and doesn’t settle for outside jumpers often. He can get to the rack with ease and finish through contact. Jones also knocked down the three-ball consistently from both the catch and shoot as well as off the dribble. He can get downhill quickly and goes coast to coast fast. I watched him play twice and in both games, Jones was the best player on the floor. 

Isaiah Crawford/2025/Quality Sports 15U/Africentric

The first thing that stands out about Crawford is how fast he is with the ball. He can get to the rim quickly and uses his strength to finish on either side of the rim. He excels particularly with his left hand and was hard to stop when he got to that side. He has a strong handle and was able to beat the constant press of the opponent. Crawford fits the mold for a City League guard and will be a good piece for the Nubians in the future. 

Kamar Keys/2025/Quality Sports 15U/Groveport Madison

Keys was able to dominate the backcourt along with Crawford and control the tempo of the game. The opposition pressed nonstop but Keys stayed under control and didn’t let the pressure get to him. He got to the rim consistently and was able to set up teammates when the defense would collapse on drives. As a true floor general, Keys racked up assist after assist. Groveport has a history of dominant guards and Keys could be the next one for the Crusiers. 

Reinaldo Perez/2027/Future Athletics/Licking Heights

Perez simply was just bigger than everyone else on the court. He was a matchup nightmare and dominated the game from start to finish. He has excellent footwork on the block and stays patient to find his shot. He showed numerous advanced post moves that many freshmen don’t have. He uses his dribbles effectively when on the block and can finish with both hands. He also is a great outlet passer and set up many transition opportunities.

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