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270 College Hoops: Midseason Report

By Greg Glasser, 01/24/23, 8:45AM EST

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We check in on every area alum at the Division I level

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- While most of our content is focused on the high school level, we at 270 Hoops always enjoy to keep an eye on the great area players we scouted and covered as they progress to the collegiate level.

Currently, there are 31 area players that play Division I college basketball. The 2018 class leads the way with 10 alums and have some notable players that are having standout seasons. The rest of the classes break down as followed:

2019 - 8

2020 - 3

2021 - 5

2022 - 5

For consistency purposes, this list is strictly made of players that are:

-Scholarship

-Graduated their senior year of high school in our coverage area

Let's now catch up with our alums!

Editor's Note: The following statistics are reflective of games played up until January 23

Matt Allocco (Princeton / Hilliard Bradley 2020) After the pandemic robbed his freshman year, Allocco is playing in his second season for the Tigers and has been every bit the player we covered in high school. A regular starter, Allocco is third in team scoring (10.9 points per game), rebounds (5.2 per game) and second in assists (2.2 per game). Allocco has been a floor general while Princeton is currently in first place of the Ivy League, with an eye on an NCAA tournament apperance.

Philip Alston (Loyola Chicago / Westerville North 2019) Alston makes his debut on this list after he spent three years at Division II California University of Pennsylvania, where he earned third-team All-America honors. The former Warrior has more than proven he can play at the Division I level, as he leads the Ramblers in scoring (14 points per game), rebounds (5.8 per game) and blocks (1 per game). The 6'6 Alston has also shown off his range, as he has connected on over 44% of his three-point attempts.

Drey Carter (Wright State / Westerville South 2022) Carter has yet to play in a game and appears destined for a redshirt his freshman season.

Quincy Clark (Lipscomb / Westerville Central 2021) A leader on the best team in Westerville Central history, Clark has been a steady contributor for the Bisons in his second season. A regular off the bench, Clark averages 5.5 points per game and has scored in double digits four times, most notably a season high 15 against Michigan. Clark has been a solid defender which has helped Lipscomb stay just two games behind first place in the ASUN.

Josh Corbin (Robert Morris / Gahanna 2019) Corbin is in his first season with the Colonials, after he spent the previous three at Winthrop, which included a redshirt year. The former Lion is having his best season yet, averaging a career high 11.2 points per game, good for third on the team. Corbin has found his stroke and is shooting 40% on 160 three-point attempts and has shot over 92% from the free throw line.

VonCameron Davis (Kent State / Walnut Ridge 2020) The all-time leader in City League scoring and former Mr. Ohio is having his best season as a Golden Flash during his redshirt sophomore year. Davis is averaging 6.7 points per game and 3.3 rebounds as Kent State currently leads the MAC and is one of the nation's best mid-major teams.

Dane Goodwin (Notre Dame / Upper Arlington 2018) The former Mr. Ohio and all-time lead scorer in Upper Arlington history is in his fifth and final season with the Fighting Irish. Goodwin has had an admirable career for Notre Dame and looks to finish on a high note. He's second on the team in scoring (12.2 points per game) and rebounds (5 per game). Similar to his days as a Golden Bear, Goodwin is still a sharp-shooter and connecting on over 40% of his three-point attempts and over 81% on free throws. After Goodwin made his first appearance in the NCAA tournament last year, the Fighting Irish will need a Cinderella run in the ACC tournament to make it back.

Tyrese Hughey (Furman / Thomas Worthington 2021) Hughey is in his second season with the Paladins and has seen a slight increase in his role and production. The former Cardinal has started two games, averages over 12 minutes and six points per contest. After Furman just missed out on the NCAA tournament last year, Hughey and the Paladins are two games behind first in the Southern conference.

Jerome Hunter (Xavier / Pickerington North 2018) In what has been a relative up-and-down career for Hunter, the former Panther is having a breakout year in his second season with the Musketeers, after he spent his first two years of eligibility at Indiana. Hunter has provided a major role off the bench for the #13 ranked team in the nation and has particularly done so during the difficult stretch of conference play. Hunter had a season high 15 points against then #2 UConn and averages nearly six points per game for a team that is in first place in the Big East.

Sean Jones (Marquette / Gahanna 2022) The all-time lead scorer and passer in Gahanna history, Jones is off to a solid start in his collegiate career. Appearing in every game, Jones has provided a spark off the bench and has been credited by national analysts for his speed and approach on defense. Jones averages over 12 minutes per game, along with 4.5 points and has helped #16 ranked Marquette contend for a Big East title, as they currently sit just a half game behind first.

Taevion Kinsey (Marshall / Eastmoor Academy 2018) After appearing on some NBA draft mock lists at the end of last season, Kinsey made the somewhat surprise decision to return to the Herd for a fifth and final season. So far, the decision has paid off as Kinsey is having a spectacular year and has only generated more buzz for his potential as an NBA player. Kinsey achieved the 2,000 point career milestone at the beginning of the season, is now third on Marshall's all-time scorer list and is 258 points behind number one, Marshall legend Jon Elmore. Just a week ago, Kinsey was the only player in the nation to average over 21 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. In Marshall's first year in the Sun Belt, Kinsey not only has the Herd tied for first place, but is also a potential favorite for conference player of the year. If Marshall is on national TV, do yourself a favor and catch Kinsey before he embarks on a pro career.

Amani Lyles (Akron / Beechcroft 2022) A late signee to the Zips freshman class, Lyles has earned the opportunity to see the floor in all but one game so far this season. While he only averages just over five minutes per game, Lyles had a career high 10 points against Eastern Michigan and is on an Akron team that sits just one game behind first in the MAC.

Max Martz (Penn / Upper Arlington 2019) A regular starter for the Quakers, the former Golden Bear is in his third season with Penn. Similar to his days at Upper Arlington, Martz has been a strong shooter, connecting on over 40% of his three-point attempts and is 84% at the foul line. Martz is third in team scoring, averaging just under 10 points per game.

Sean Moore (Fairleigh Dickinson / Reynoldsburg 2020) Moore makes this list for the first time as he transferred to the Knights after previously at Division II St. Thomas Aquinas. So far, Moore has shown his keep, as he has started 13 games and averages over five points per game and leads the team in rebounds (5.1 per game). Moore's impact has helped the Knights stand just a half game behind first place in the Northeast Conference.

Adrian Nelson (Youngstown State / Pickerington Central 2018) Nelson is in the final year of eligibility and chose to spend his last season at Youngstown State, after a successful four-year career at Northern Kentucky. The Penguins sure have been pleased to add Nelson. A starter in every game, Nelson is nearly averaging a double-double with 11.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. The former Tiger ranks in the top 45 in the nation in rebounding and has helped the Penguins climb to just one game back of first place in the Horizon League. 

Braden Norris (Loyola Chicago / Hilliard Bradley 2018) After spending his freshman year at Oakland, Norris is in his third season with the Ramblers. Each year, Norris has been a starter and has made an appearance in back-to-back NCAA tournaments. Unfortunately for the Ramblers, their first year in the A10 has not been an ideal debut, as Loyola is currently in last place. That said, Norris has been one of the few bright spots as he leads the team in assists (4 per game), steals (1.3 per game) and second in scoring (10.5 per game). 

Keaton Norris (Wright State / Hilliard Bradley 2021) The second Norris brother checks in for his sophomore season, after Norris played a part in helping the Raiders make an NCAA tournament appearance last year. Although he hasn't put up gaudy stats, Norris has started 13 games and averages over 23 minutes per game. In a game against Milwaukee, Norris recorded six assists with zero turnovers.

CJ Penha (Boston College / Harvest Prep 2018) Penha makes this report for the first time ever, as he transferred to the Eagles after a dominant four year career split between NAIA Taylor University and Division II Trevecca Nazarene. Penha has made the most of his opportunity so far, as he has started eight games and averages nearly 20 minutes and over seven points per game. In a loss to Duke, Penha scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Ben Roderick (Ohio / Olentangy Liberty 2019) The lead scorer in Olentangy Liberty history, Roderick is in his fourth year with the Bobcats. The former Patriot has started three games this season, averages over five points per game and is shooting at 85% on free throws. 

Jay Rodgers (Central Connecticut State / Pickerington Central 2019) The former Tiger has bounced around a bit, first a year at New Orleans followed by a season at Cochise College, but it appears Rodgers has found a good fit with the Blue Devils. A regular starter, Rodgers is third in team scoring (9 per game) and plays over 22 minutes a contest. While the Blue Devils have a had difficult season, Rodgers has been a quality addition.

Morgan Safford (Miami (OH) / Bishop Hartley 2019) Safford is in his first season with the Redhawks after he spent the previous three, including a redshirt year, at Wofford. So far, Safford has fit fight in the MAC, as he averages a career best 15.4 points per game, is second in team scoring and first in team rebounding (6.1 per game). 

Ajay Sheldon (Ohio / Dublin Coffman 2022) Making his freshman debut, Sheldon has appeared in all but two games for the Bobcats. The former Coffman star is averaging just over 10 minutes per game and had a career high six points against Stetson.

JT Shumate (Toledo / Newark 2018) The former Wildcat has been a glowing example of betting on yourself and making the most of your opportunities. After he spent two seasons at Division II Walsh University, Shumate transferred to the Rockets and has been an impact player the day he was eligible. Shumate is second on team scoring (18.1 per game) and rebounds (4.9 per game). He leads the Rockets in blocks (1.4 per game) and is shooting at a ridiculous rate of 57/42/90 percent splits. Shumate has the potential to be a first or second team all conference player while the Rockets currently sit in third place of the competitive MAC.

Javan Simmons (Toledo / Gahanna 2022) Simmons has yet to appear in a game and appears destined for to redshirt his freshman season.

Jelani Simmons (Southern Indiana / Beechcroft 2018) Simmons originally was on this list as he spent his first two seasons at Youngstown State. The former Cougar decided to transfer to Division II Southern Indiana, but finds his way back on this list now that the Screaming Eagles moved up to Division I. Simmons and Southern Indiana have made their mark, as the Eagles are tied for first place in the OVC with much thanks to Simmons' excellent play. A regular starter, Simmons is third in team scoring (13.4 per game) and leads the team in steals (1.8 per game).

Jalen Sullinger (Kent State / Thomas Worthington 2021) In his sophomore season, Sullinger is showing off his deadly shooting ability that we were accustomed to seeing during his days at Thomas Worthington. Sullinger is averaging 7.6 points per game and has connected on 46.2% of his three-point attempts and has been nearly perfect behind the foul line, shooting 93.8% percent. The former Cardinal sees nearly 18 minutes per game and has been an asset for a Kent State team that is still undefeated in conference play.

Garrett Tipton (Bellarmine / Bishop Hartley 2018) In his final season with the Knights, Tipton is playing his best basketball. The former Hawk is leading the team in scoring (12.1 points per game) and is a regular starter. Tipton also averages 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest.

Sam Towns (Bowling Green / Pickerington Central 2019) Towns is in his first season with the Falcons after he spent the first two at Ohio. So far, the decision to transfer has been a benefit for Towns as he has seen a career best in minutes (19 per game), points (6.5 per game) and rebounds (5.3 per game) and is a regular starter.

Des Watson (Davidson / DeSales 2021) In his second season with the Wildcats, Watson has begun to look like the player we saw at DeSales. Watson is third in team scoring (10.2 points per game) and averages nearly 30 minutes per contest. As the season progresses, Watson continues to improve, as he's scored in double digits in six of the last seven games, including 19 points against VCU and Dayton.

Ben Wight (William & Mary / Thomas Worthington 2019) After a redshirt freshman year, Wight is playing his third season for the Tribe.  A regular starter, Wight is second in team rebounds (4.7 per game) and third in scoring (10.4 per game). 

Tre Williams (Duquesne / Reynoldsburg 2018) Williams is in his second year with the Dukes after he spent his first two seasons as a productive player for Indiana State. Williams has started nearly every game, averages 7.4 points per game and is second on the team in rebounds (4.9 per game).

Notable Preferred Walk-Ons:

CJ Anthony (Cincinnati / Harvest Prep 2020)

Quinn Corna (Ohio / Upper Arlington 2022)

Cooper Davis (Toledo / Olentangy Liberty 2022)

Atticus Schuler (Dayton / DeSales 2022)

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