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Prospect Scouting Report: Olentangy Liberty 52, Hilliard Bradley 49

By Greg Glasser, 02/06/23, 10:15PM EST

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Our prospect scout shares his notes on the top players from Friday

HILLIARD, Ohio -- Two of the top teams from the OCC squared off on Friday, as Olentangy Liberty edged host Hilliard Bradley 52-49 in overtime.

The win for the Patriots allowed them to stay undefeated in OCC Central play and earn at least a share of the league title.

Both teams had players with notable performances that should give college coaches a reason to keep an eye on these prospects.

Let's take a look at some scouting notes from Friday's game.

Cade Norris (Hilliard Bradley / 6'3 Combo Guard / 2024) While the Jaguars fell in overtime, they wouldn't have even been in contention if it weren't for the stellar play of their three-year starter that honestly does a bit of everything. Norris scored more than half of his team's points (29 total), had all but one of his team's assists (6 total) and played with the proper awareness that if his team were to pull off the upset, he'd have to take over. Norris assumed that alpha role and his aggression allowed the Jags to trim down their 14-point halftime deficit and extend the game into an extra period, highlighted by his game-tying three pointer in the final seconds of regulation. The junior showed an ability to hit from deep (four triples), a willingness to get to the foul line (seven-of-eight attempts, all in the second half) and still made the right passes to get his teammates involved. While Norris is a good, but perhaps not elite athlete, he's quite frankly an all-around playmaker. The son of his head coach, you see his leadership skills on display when he's constantly talking on defense and remains composed even when his team is down double digits. On the very next night, Norris hit the 1,000 point club as he went for 29 points again in a win versus Lima Senior. Norris will most definitely follow his older brothers and become a Division I college player as he's already collected offers from Illinois State, Ball State and Wright State (where his brother Keaton is a back-up guard). I expect Norris' recruitment to only grow during his final AAU circuit.

Tyler Kropp (Olentangy Liberty / 6'8 PF / 2025) Kropp missed the first month and a half of the season with a knee injury. Since his return, Kropp has not only eased back into the line-up, but is now a solidified starter and gives the Patriots a major post presence. Kropp continues to look more comfortable as his 6'8 height is matched with a strong upper body and above average athleticism for his size. On Friday, Kropp was second in team scoring with 12 points, but played an even better role as a rim protector as he notched four blocks. The sophomore showed nice touch and positioned himself well around the rim. He also often times would give a high ball screen, which on Friday night didn't result in many long-range attempts, but his role in the offense indicated there's a confidence he can pull from deep as well. That type of versatility matched with his size is absolutely why he is projected as a Division I prospect. If Kropp continues to progress at the rate he has in half of a season and has a few standout games in the tournament, expect him to garner more scholarship attention, as he already has an offer from Radford. 

Matt Wilson (Olentangy Liberty / 6'2 SG / 2023) Anytime a player connects on five made three-pointers, that player rightfully deserves some attention. Wilson came out Friday night red hot and started the game perfect on his first three long-range attempts. Wilson was confident and in the zone, clapping for the ball as soon as he was open. In the two games I've covered Liberty this season, Wilson has hit on five triples each time and they've both been at a high percentage. When a player can shoot that consistently well, he's worth a look. The Patriots are an especially well-rounded team and Wilson appears to be their best outside shooter. He'll be a key factor in determining how far Liberty can advance come tournament time.

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