COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Back in the old Brookhaven gym for the first time since 2014, International, the new suitors of the Karl Road gymnasium, were at their best on Tuesday against East. The Lions, who are the youngest program in the City League, have really turned the corner as a program and last night was an indication of that in a 59-42 win over the Tigers. International improved to 4-4 with the win and is still in the thick of the City League North divisional race. Let's take a look at the top performers from the game.

KJ Jones (6'9 center / International / 2024): Jones is one of the tallest players in all of Central Ohio, as his gangly frame help him to really stick out on the floor. The junior had one of his best all-around games on Tuesday, punishing the Tigers on the interior with five blocks. Jones has a wingspan that extends for days and is a quality athlete who can really run the floor, while possessing good hands. The 6-foot-9 junior has a very thin frame, and will need to gain considerable weight at the next level, however, he has a very high upside that should put him on the radar of college coaches all over the region. This is a kid that has battled a lot of adversity and is really starting to figure it out. He asked us to come to the game on Tuesday to pray with him in the locker room before the game, as his commitment to his faith has really helped him improve academically and athletically this year. This is a kid who is only going to continue to get better. 

Sam Whitaker (6'7 power forward / International / 2023): Whitaker is a hidden gem prospect in the senior class. He has a powerful frame at 6-foot-7, plays with a big chip on his shoulder and never stops attacking the glass. Whitaker punishes opposing teams on the boards, as he really gives International a boost with his second-chance plays. The senior runs the floor hard, has soft hands and the type of powerful build that helps him finish at a high level through contact. Whitaker is an intriguing athlete with a really impressive second jump. He carves out a lot of space as a rebounder and is a consistent and capable mid-range shooter. Regional college programs would be wise to recruit Whitaker, as he has quality grades, is a hard worker and has great overall character. 

Jujuan McLester (6'5 shooting guard / International / 2023): McLester has intriguing size on the wing, as he has handled ball handling duties for this team since his freshman year. The senior guard has really improved over the years and is a productive offensive player that can score it a little bit from all over. McLester loves attacking off the dribble drive, as he is hard to cover for most high school guards. Division III programs who can develop talent should give McLester a look, as he could be a high level player by the time he is 21 or 22.

Sean Wilkes (5'11 guard / East / 2023): In a frustrating night for East, Wilkes was a bright spot off the bench. We love the IQ and feel that Wilkes has, as he makes winning plays, takes care of the ball and can score when needed. A member of the historic East football team from this past season, Wilkes brings that type of toughness to the hardwood. We like how hard he competes, the leadership he shows and his ability to score from multiple areas. If he doesn't end up playing football in college, Wilkes would be a solid look to start out on a JV program at the Division III level. 

CJ Swanson (6'3 power forward / East / 2023): Now this is a kid who is a definite football prospect. Swanson brings the thunder for East, both on the gridiron and hardwood. While International dominated the game around the basket, Swanson did everything he could to make that more difficult for the Lions, as he had two big blocks and was one of the game's best rebounders. Swanson has a strong chest and is simply too physical for most opposing high school players. Swanson was one of East's biggest leaders in their run to the regionals in football.