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Liberty Union 61, Heath 40 - Prospect Scouting Report

By Zach Fleer, 01/16/19, 11:00PM EST

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Liberty Union sixth man Hunter Antritt was outstanding on Wednesday (Photo: Central Ohio Photography)

BALTIMORE, Ohio -- In non-league action about an hour east of Columbus, Liberty Union stayed hot by rolling past Heath, 61-40.

Winning six of its last seven games after an 0-6 start, Liberty Union looked the part of a Division III sleeper behind its senior guard duo of Jaidon Billingsley and Hunter Antritt.

Combining for 34 points, Billingsley and Antritt powered the Lions in a big second quarter where Liberty Union broke the game open. With Antritt coming off the bench as the team's sixth man, the senior guard's energy on both ends made a huge impact.

Scoring eight-straight points in the second quarter, Antritt helped Liberty Union establish a sizable lead that the Lions never relinquished. Providing great energy on the defensive end of the floor, Antritt was a spark to the rest of the Liberty Union roster, as Billingsley in particular followed suit. 

Going for a game-high 20 points, Billingsley knocked down two triples and had a few tough scores at the rim. Outside of its backcourt, senior forward Wyatt Sims and senior wing Caleb Shook combined for 16 points to round out the Liberty Union offense.

For Heath, the future of the Bulldogs program powered them on Wednesday. Freshmen Brandon McLaughlin and Keylan Williams combined for 30 of the team's 40 points, as the duo played the entire game and showed flashes of the big-time upside that each of them possess. 

McLaughlin led the Bulldogs with 18 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while Williams added 12 points, six rebounds and two assists. Both freshmen are lengthy athletes that know how to play, as Heath will be a force to be reckoned with in the Licking County League for years to come behind its young tandem. 

Not able to get enough stops and knock down enough perimeter jumpers, Heath was out shot by a senior laden Liberty Union team that should continue to improve. 

Rolling in its last seven games, Liberty Union can continue to improve its resume in its next two league games against Logan Elm and Hamilton Township. With six wins already, Liberty Union is in great position to win double digits games for the first time since 2013-14. 

For Heath, the young Bulldogs will look to get back on track at home against Johnstown on Friday. 


Hunter Antritt (6'1 CG / Liberty Union / 2019): An impact transfer for Liberty Union that has totally turned this team around, Antritt made his presence felt from the opening tip. A talented combo guard that played with an insane motor on Wednesday, Antritt is the straw that stirs the drink for the Lions.  Antritt can really create with the ball, as he put pressure on Heath's backcourt with his ability to penetrate and kick. Outside of that, Antritt knocked down four threes, three of which catch and shoot and the other off the dribble. Antritt is a stellar athlete that had an impressive spin move for a finish in transition and even wowed the crowd on the other end with an emphatic chase down block on a fast break. A smart defender that pressured Heath's guards into multiple turnovers, Antritt adds an element to Liberty Union's team that has turned the Lions into a legitimate competitor in the Mid State League. With the ultimate green light and sky high confidence, Antritt is playing his best basketball and would be a great look for any junior college or Division III program looking for a high energy guard who can create. 

Brandon McLaughlin (6'6 PF / Heath / 2022): A standout at The Intro and the 270 Hoops Fall League this past offseason, McLaughlin continued his high level play on Wednesday. A highly skilled 6-foot-6 power forward with plenty of tools, McLaughlin is one of the best post prospects anywhere in the state in 2022. The talented freshman showed an ability to get to his spots and finish with either hand at the rim. McLaughlin has a smooth hook shot that he can score with at a high level, while also showing no drop off when he goes to his off hand. In transition, McLaughlin even showed some handling equity, receiving the ball and extending the break on smooth one hand passes off the dribble. McLaughlin's best moment came in the fourth quarter with a right to left crossover and two dribble off-hand finish from the top of the key, showing off his mobility, handling and quick first step for his size. Blocking three shots and pulling down six rebounds, McLaughlin has motor and toughness, as he was not afraid of contact against a team full of seniors. Once McLaughlin adds more strength to a frame that he will be able to put weight on, he will become a nightmare to defend in the LCL. 

Jaidon Billingsley (6'0 WG / Liberty Union / 2019): The leading returning scorer for the Lions, Billingsley filled it up in bunches on Wednesday. A tough guard who plays with a lot of confidence, Billinglsey shot the ball at a high level and showed a good ability to pick his spots on the offensive end. Using his strong frame to post up smaller Heath defenders, Billingsley had a few scores around the rim and knocked down all four of his free throws. Playing an efficient game alongside Antritt and sophomore Jacob Berlekamp, Billingsley is part two of a backcourt trio for Liberty Union that is the lifeblood of this team. 

Keylan Williams (6'4 WF / Heath / 2022): A smooth wing that jumped off the radar on the opening possession, Williams did not disappoint on Wednesday. Starting the game with a veteran pump fake and one dribble pull up, Williams' first shot of the game didn't even touch the rim. As his knockdown shooting ability is what has helped him get on the radar as a freshman, we were impressed with what Williams did off the bounce. Putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim on limited dribbles and no wasted movement, Williams showed off a mature offensive game. A high IQ player that does not get sped up and does not make mistakes, Williams handled the pressure of Liberty Union better than any other perimeter player for Heath. Williams plays with a great pace, has some real ball skills and the outside shooting ability to open up the rest of his offensive game. The 6-foot-4 freshman has plenty of offensive tools and is an above-average athlete that reminded us a little bit of former St. Charles forward Tavon Brown. With talented freshmen in McLaughlin and Williams, the future is bright for Heath's basketball program. 

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