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All-Ohio Showcase: Top Performers

By Zach Fleer, 12/03/17, 12:15PM EST

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A look at the top performers from Saturday's All-Ohio Showcase

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- With 11 games in two gyms all in one place, Saturday's All-Ohio Showcase at Whitehall did not have a shortage for good hoops. Several area teams took the floor and Central Ohio's best did not disappoint. 

Let's take a look at the top performers from Saturday.

Ben Roderick (6'5 G, Olentangy Liberty, 2019)

Performance: 37 points vs. Mentor

Two weeks after his football season ended in the state semifinals against Mentor, Roderick opened up his basketball season against that same school. While some players would still have football legs after just playing 14 games on the gridiron, Roderick showed no signs of that as he scored a day-high 37 points, which is the most of any player in the area thus far. Hours after adding an offer from Toledo, Roderick looked like one of the top players in the 2019 class in a strong showing against the Cardinals. Roderick wasn't the only Liberty player to have a big performance, as junior wing Nick Nakasian added 23 points for the Patriots. Roderick will have a chance to be one of the area's top three scorers this season.

JT Shumate (6'7 F, Newark, 2018)

Performance: 35 points vs. Beechcroft

After leading the 270 Hoops Fall League in both points and rebounds last October, Shumate looked like the type of player who was poised for a breakout season. Shumate did just that, absolutely dominating a matchup against a lengthy and athletic Beechcroft team, finishing with 35 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks. Shumate was extremely efficient, never forcing a bad shot and not missing many attempts at all. Shumate's ability to finish around the rim has been the key to his success, as he has added a ton of muscle, allowing him to finish through contact in traffic. Shumate will have a chance to lead the entire area in scoring this season as Newark will rely on him greatly. 

Reiko Bagley (6'5 G, Whitehall, 2018)

Performance: 29 points vs. Walnut Ridge

In his first game as a high school player in Central Ohio, Bagley, an import from Rock Island, Ill., took control of Saturday's contest against Walnut Ridge. Scoring 13 of his game-high 29 points in the fourth quarter alone, Bagley dominated with his ability to make shots and get to the rim. At 6-foot-5, Bagley has a strong ability to create off the dribble and is a big guard who can create for himself at any time. Look for Bagley to be one of the Mid-State League's elite players this winter.

Tre Williams (6'7 F, Reynoldsburg, 2018)

Performance: 26 points, 15 rebounds vs. Dayton Dunbar

Williams has been arguably the biggest stock riser out of any player in the area since the fall after dominating the 270 Hoops Fall League. In an opening matchup against Dayton Dunbar, Williams could not be stopped, playing just over three quarters and putting up 26 points and 15 rebounds. The key for Williams has been the transformation of his body, as he has dropped a considerable amount of fat and replaced it with muscle, turning him into an explosive force around the rim. Williams is the top option for a Reynoldsburg team that should not be slept on.

Payton Collins (6'7 F, Bishop Hartley, 2019)

Performance: 24 points, 15 rebounds vs. Toledo Rogers

I have a good feeling that Collins is going to be one of the biggest stock risers in the 2019 class this season as the 6-foot-7 post got off to a tremendous start on Saturday. Dominating around the basket for 24 points and 15 rebounds, Collins set the tone for the Hawks around the basket in a blowout win. With stud guard Morgan Safford out with a concussion on Saturday, Collins and senior wing guard Garrett Tipton led the charge for Hartley, as the Bellarmine signee Tipton added 23 points. With a trio as good as any on Livingston Avenue, Hartley is a force to be reckoned with in the Central Catholic League.

Lucas Thompson (6'3 G, Fairfield Union, 2018)

Performance: 24 points vs. South

One of the best shooters outside of Franklin County, Thompson lit the nets up in a loss to South, going for a game-high 24 points. Knocking down five threes in the contest, Thompson rode the momentum of a strong junior season last winter. Look for Thompson and fellow senior Colin Woodside to lead Fairfield Union deep once again this season.

Jelani Simmons (6'6 G, Beechcroft, 2018)

Performance: 23 points vs. Newark

Leading a spirited comeback win over Newark, Simmons was instrumental late in the game, causing turnovers and finishing strong in transition. Scoring a team-high 23 points, the Youngstown State signee Simmons helped Beechcroft overcome a 15-point deficit going into the final frame. Forcing overtime, Simmons was one of four Beechcroft players in double figures, as senior wing guard Teon Jennings added 19 points, including some big-time shots in the fourth quarter. Simmons and his band of seniors are looking to stay hot as the Cougars could have hit a turning point as a team maturing at the right time.

Von Cameron Davis (6'5 F, Walnut Ridge, 2020)

Performance: 23 points, 8 rebounds vs. Whitehall

Davis picked up the momentum from a dominant freshman season last winter in Walnut Ridge's opener vs. Whitehall. While the Scots would not win the game, Davis was impressive nonetheless, scoring a team-high 23 points and pulling down a game-high eight rebounds. Davis and fellow sophomore Qian Magwood combined for 38 points on Saturday, as this duo will be relied upon to lead Walnut Ridge to wins this season.

Tre Baumgardner (6'1 G, Africentric, 2018)

Performance: 22 points vs. Xenia

Baumgardner and Africentric put up an offensive performance to remember, as the Minnesota State signee led the way with 22 points. Africentric would score 91 points in total, as senior forward Jah Bennett added 21 points, while sophomore guard Cali Davis put up 17 in an impressive shooting display. With the aforementioned trio, Africentric is only going to get better when the Nubians welcome back junior forward Dorian Holloway and freshman guard AJ Glover. While other teams in the City League South may be getting the headlines right now, Africentric is a darkhorse that should not be counted out. 

Jerome Hunter (6'7 F, Pickerington North, 2018)

Performance: 21 points, 8 rebounds vs. Huber Heights Wayne

While Hunter got off to a slow start in a tough matchup vs. Huber Heights Wayne, the Indiana signee came to life in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 of his 21 points in the period. With starting point guard Ty Wiley inactive, Hunter was called upon to handle the ball for a great majority of Saturday's contest. However, when Hunter got the ball on the move, he was nearly unstoppable, getting to the basket and also knocking down catch and shoot jumpers. Hunter will need a big-time showing on Friday as Pickerington North begins league play against hated rival Pickerington Central. 

N'Keeley Elmore (5'8 G, Northland, 2019)

Performance: 20 points, 5 assists vs. Cincinnati Taft

Elmore had one of the best games of his career as Northland took down Cincinnati Taft in convincing fashion. Leading all scorers with 20 points, Elmore caught fire in the second half, knocking down four threes and also racking up five assists. One of the City League's elite guards, Elmore is arguably the x-factor for Northland as he can push the tempo with his elite speed, but also has the ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots in the halfcourt. 


Whitehall senior Reiko Bagley

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