COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Play By Play Classic that took place at Nationwide Arena was a star-studded event, on and off the court. Not only were future college hoop stars on display, but notable names such as CJ Stroud, Marvin Harrison Jr., Savannah James and Tom Izzo were those in attendance.

The top national prospects from Central Ohio, Pickerington Central's Devin Royal (Ohio State commit) and Africentric's Dailyn Swain (Xavier commit), performed up to their top 100 ranking. But for this Prospect Scouting Report, we'll highlight the top unsigned performers as they all could be an asset for the right collegiate program.

Elias Lewis (Olentangy Orange / 6'3 SG / 2023) Lewis and the Pioneers kicked off the event bright and early, with a 10:40am tip time. For those that were in attendance, Lewis put on a performance well worth their time. As it took the Pioneers a few minutes to get into an offensive groove, Lewis started to take off and was massively efficient from the mid and long range. The three-year starter connected on shots off screens, off the dribble and off the pull up as he finished with eight made field goals, three of which came from behind the arc. Lewis was the MVP with his 22 points, scoring 13 in the third quarter, which speaks of Lewis' ability to get in a dangerous rhythm. Perhaps not an elite athlete, Lewis is certainly a good athlete and possesses a good IQ and composure in every game we've covered him this season. High Division II programs should make Lewis, one of the top unsigned seniors in the area, a priority as he continues to be a leader on an undefeated Orange team that looks destined for a big year.

Preston Steele (Africentric / 6'6 F / 2023) Steele and the Nubians had a tremendous challenge as they took on Cleveland St. Ignatius, a Division I program that has been to the state tournament two years in a row. Even in defeat, Steele was one of a handful of players that should have caught everyone's attention. At 6'6, the Africentric forward has above average athleticism and a strong build to go along with a solid skillset. Steele snagged a double-double, with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but perhaps most impressive were his two blocks that showed his value as a rim protector. His athleticism is best on display when he gets in the open court and finishes with a thunderous slam. As we've scouted Steele over the last few seasons, he has continued to improve at a consistent level. His game and prospect status could truly evolve with the development of a consistent jumper, but in fairness, that is not the needed role for him on this Africentric team. With an offer from Lakeland CC, Steele is a no brainer for regional JUCO and NAIA schools and could potentially develop into a prospect for four-year programs. 

Laron Fuller (Africentric / 5'11 PG / 2024) The only non-senior on this list, Fuller gave the St. Ignatius guards all they could handle, especially on the defensive end. Just under six feet, Fuller has strong legs like a running back and challenges opposing ballhandlers. While Africentric struggled to shoot from the outside as a team, Fuller's defensive pressure in particular forced multiple turnovers that led to transition points which kept the Nubians competitively in the game. Fuller finished with 13 points, six rebounds, three steals and two assists. A contributor since his freshman season, Fuller is a quality two-way player that no doubt can play at the next level, anywhere from JUCO to Division II.

Markell Johnson (Pickerington Central / 6'1 Wing / 2023) Out of all the games, Johnson may have put forth one of the best efforts from any local player. While teammate Devin Royal took on the major scoring role, Johnson did a little bit of everything else and was a main reason why the Tigers pushed the Elks into double overtime. In the final seconds of regulation, it was Johnson who had the confidence to take the ball past half court, continue along the baseline and find a cutting Juwan Turner for a game tying lay-up. That's because Johnson seems to have a bit of "gamer" in him, a player that is willing to step up in the moment and do what's asked of his team, a role we saw last year in the postseason en route to a state championship. On Saturday, Johnson finished second in team scoring with nine points and led the Tigers with three assists. Although he has a very thin frame, Johnson plays tougher than he looks and leads by example. In the preseason, coach Eric Krueger told me Johnson has emerged as a team leader, the type of guy not afraid to call out and motivate his team in practice. That's what makes the 6'1 guard a fantastic prospect for Division III programs, as he already has collected a handful of opportunities to play at that level.