By Duffy Burns
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — This event expanded to two days for the first time in its existence and did not disappoint. Tom Jenkins and staff run one of the best evaluation events in the country. Organization, talent, coaches and hospitality were once again the key to yet another successful event in the gold mine State of Ohio. There were four sessions over the two day period with the 2013 and 2016 classes playing on Saturday while the 2014 and 2015 classes took the floor on Sunday. There were 120 players participating in each session on just three courts making it a recruiters dream to evaluate. Over 150 college coaches took in the action across both days of the event.
Many players over the years have made this their debut event on the circuit and this year’s group did an outstanding job playing with and against the best players in Ohio. Here is a list of players that have shown that they already are or have demonstrated the potential to be among the Top 100 players nationwide in their respective classes.
2014 class
Alexa Hart – This 6-2 forward from Lake Ridge Academy can do it all. She runs, blocks shots, rebounds, scores inside and just flat out plays with energy that excites other players on the floor. She is fun to watch due to the number of plays that she makes.
Amanda Cahill – This 6-2 forward from Clyde brings a lot to the court when she plays. She is a coaches kid that really understands how to play the game. Shoots and handles the ball like a two guard, gets to the rim like a small forward and rebounds like a power forward. Competes and plays hard at all times.
Kathryn Westbeld – This 6-2 small forward from Fairmont is always impressive. There is no secret why Kettering Fairmont is in the hunt for another run at the state title. Kathryn plays at a high level at all times. The ability is there to score inside and out plus she can rebound and defend with the best of them. She competes and can put the ball on the floor like a guard.
Makayla Waterman – This athletic 6-2 forward is an established inside force. Waterman is Westbeld’s running mate at Fairmont and can more than hold her own. She can post up and score using a variety of moves. Additionally, she can shoot from the perimeter efficiently while rebounding with a vengeance.
Alyssa Rice – This athletic post is exciting from the time she steps on the floor until the moment she steps off. Standing 6-3 with an array of post moves, she can score almost at will inside. Rice can shoot the ball on the perimeter as well as drive it effectively from the high post. A great rebounder, she can get it off the glass on both ends of the floor. Reynoldsburg is in great hands with Alyssa in the line up.
Sydney Brackemyre – This 6-1 forward from Clinton Massie continues to show everyone why she is a player. As with this past summer, she just keeps getting better and better. Brackemyre is what’s known at a stat stuffer. When you look at her stats you will see that she has made an impact in virtually every area of the game. She can shoot the 3 and can score on the perimeter in many ways. There’s a physical presence and some effective rebounding from her position.
2015 class
Hallie Thome – This 6-4 center from Chagrin Falls is becoming one of the best interior players in this class. She can post up and score with a variety of moves including the step thru. The ability is there to use her left and right hand equally well inside. She can rebound and is very mobile. Thome plays physically and can defend her position well.
Shannon Coffee – Another 6-4 center, Coffee is a physical force . The Centerville native can really score inside with a variety of moves. She can rebound and her outlet pass is the best that I have seen in this class so far. There’s a nice high release on her shot which makes her even more effective in the paint. She’s an impact defender down low.
Kendall McCoy – This 6-1 two guard from Sylvania Northview is the best 2015 player in Northwest Ohio. Northwest Ohio is loaded with about 25 players in the sophomore class that can play at the next level. Kendall has always been a two guard and recently has developed a three point stroke that is almost unstoppable. She can put the ball on the deck for the pull up jumper to keep defenders honest if needed. McCoy can get to the rim and if need be she can alson run the point. Her size and strength on the perimeter make her a matchup problem for many teams.
Naomi Davenport – This 5-10 wing from Mt. Notre Dame plays with great passion. She is a gifted athlete that can get to the rim on almost any defender. The tools are there to handle the ball and shoot the pull up off the dribble if needed. Davenport can guard her position and just make plays. MND is in good hands with this evolving prospect.
2016 class
Celina King – The well known and established 5-5 point guard from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy is a delight to watch play. Her abilities are well beyond her age. King can handle and distribute the ball with the best of them. The press does not affect her in any way. She is a distribute first point guard that can also shoot the three from anywhere on the floor. The floor leader feeds the post and runs the offense like that of a senior. Her deamenor never changes and it seems like nothing will take her out of her game.
Shayna Harmon – A 5-8 point guard from Teays Valley, Harmon can really play the game. She can handle, pass and run an offense. The tools are there to get to the rim on almost anyone. She can guard her position and play with energy that excites other players around her. Both her abilities and potential make her one to watch in the future.
Amani Burk – The Eastmoor Academy 5-6 combo guard can be a great defensive stopper. In addition, she can handle and pass the ball effectively. Burk can run the show if you need her to, but she can score in many way. She can get to the rim and can shoot the pull up when the situation calls for it. Her ability to guard on the perimeter is impressive.
Akienreh Johnson – This 5-11 wing player from Toledo Rogers was the most impressive 2016 player at the OGBR Top 64 this year. She is a physical force that can play any position on the perimeter. Johnson is a great ball handler and passer that is willing to share the ball with teammates. She can score on anyone at anytime with a variety of moves. The potential is there to get to the rim, pull up for a short jumper or she can bury the three. Keep an eye on this one.
