BERLIN, Ohio—In today’s world the truth seems to be optional. So far in the New Year we finally got Lance Armstrong fessing up to his long term cheating and bold faced lies. We found out that Manti Te’o’s dead girlfriend wasn’t exactly dead…or even real for that matter. And then we couldn’t even get the National Anthem for President Obama’s second inauguration live, we get the pre-recorded and lip synched version. Even Subway was caught weighing in with foot long sandwiches that were just 11 inches.
One thing that does measure up however is the talent level each season at the annual Classic in the Country. For three days in January the past ten years fans, recruiters and media alike have found drug free, real (not dead) and live impact performers in Amish Country and Berlin, Ohio. The 2013 edition was no different and Blue Star Media was on hand from the tip of game one to the final buzzer of game 20 to take in all the action.
The links below will take you to the game by game, day by day coverage posted throughout the event.
http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/362-classic-in-the-country-day-one
http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/363-classic-in-the-country-day-two
http://www.bluestarmedia.org/index.php/component/k2/item/366-classic-in-the-country-day-three
Today we offer up some thoughts and insight on some of the players on hand whose performances had the folks courtside talking.
The High Profile No Brainers
Plenty of talent was on hand that has been evaluated, written on, photographed and generally profiled more than the Kardashian sisters…and it’s a safe bet more deservedly so. Here are a few quick thoughts on folks you most likely know better than Te’o knew his girlfriend.
Jenna Burdette – Reedsville Eastern – The 5-9 junior guard didn’t have her best outing but showed plenty of court instincts and decision making reinforcing why she’s such a good fit for Coach Jim Jabir and his Dayton Flyer program.
Sydney Brackemyre – Clinton Massie – Brackemyre recently joined the much too large ACL sorority and was on crutches but actively involved on the bench with her teammates and coaches. Just a speed bump in a very promising future.
Amanda Cahill – Clyde – The Indiana junior verbal commit came through in the end with floor length drive that sent her to the line to seal a one point win over Winton Woods. She was just 5 of 16 shooting but connected on 3 of 7 three point attempts.
Stasha Carey – Middleburg Heights Midpark – Among the elite of the loaded 2014 class in Ohio, Carey continues to improve virtually each time out. In the Meteors only game she produced 18 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, 3 steals and a block. Carey also shot 8 of 9 from the floor. At the line she struggled going just 2 for 7 and also committed 6 turnovers.
Sasha Dailey – Toledo – Rogers – The dynamic junior guard did not have one of her better outings coming off a recent injury. None the less the explosive athleticism and ability to get to the rim were still obvious. The lid was on for from the floor her but she distributed the ball well and demonstrated a willingness to create a better look for her teammates.
Nina Davis – Memphis Central – Headed to Baylor next year, the 5’11 forward may define the word “productive”. Shooting a two game total of 24 for 42, she produced 54 points and 24 rebounds as the Warriors went one and one on the weekend.
Char-dell Dunnigan – Twinsburg – Impressive advances in her approach, play and physical fitness. Her numbers were sound for two games but the direction and impact of her play makes the coaches at George Mason look smarter with her early sign every day.
Marley Hill – Columbus Africentric – This 6-2 Cincinnati signee offered up one of her better performances we’ve seen in a while. She was much more assertive on both ends and seemed to be looking to create her own shot including her effective hook. While she only finished 8 of 20 shot attempts, she did finish with 19 points in the Lady Nubian’s loss to West Holmes.
Tyra James – Winton Woods – We profiled this junior guard after the Braggin’ Rights and she continues to have her moments. Finished with 11 in the loss to Clyde and had 17 in a win over Toledo Rogers. Lots of tools with the right focus.
Nia Marshall – Hathaway Brown – With Cornell in this senior’s future she provided her usual blue collar work with a double-double in HB’s only game.
Kelsey Mitchell – Princeton – The top tier 2014 guard didn’t miss one shot and had no turnovers in the event. Of course that might be because she didn’t play and is still nursing a foot injury. End of the month is targeted for her return.
Ashley Morrissette – Twinsburg – There really isn’t much left to say about this future Purdue Boilermaker that hasn’t been said multiple times already. The senior’s absolute refusal to let the Reynoldsburg game get away from her and her teammates demonstrated a relentless focus that will serve her well in the Big Ten. Morrissette had 20 in both wins for the Tigers. Combined in both games she was 13 of 28 from the floor and went 12 for 13 from the line. Her wiry build will need some bulk at the next level but it doesn’t inhibit her wiliness to mix it up in any way or with anybody. True competitor.
Imani Partlow – Winton Woods – We’ve seen this junior power forward several times this year and she’s always produced with authority. Winton Woods split their two games at the Classic with Partlow contributing a double-double both times out. She had 19 points and 15 boards in game one and came back with 14 and 12 in game two. From the floor she was 11 of 17 combined for both contests.
Alyssa Rice – Reynoldsburg – Ranked nationally by every service out there, Rice has the physical tools to be dominant but her ultimate embrace of those assets will come at the next level. She finishes effectively when the looks are there but seldom sees a true isolation situation as the Raiders offense seems congested at times leaving plenty of defensive traffic and help. It’s hard to argue that point however with the impressive success they’ve had in the win column as well as the fact that they’re far from just a one horse show. Rice was 11 of 19 in two games racking up 26 combined points in a win over Memphis Central and a tough loss to Twinsburg.
Vanessa Smith – Hathaway Brown – The Princeton bound senior is the picture of consistency. In the Blazers only game she went 5 of 9 for 17 points, added 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals. That will work.
Laina Snyder – West Holmes – The 6-1 junior has really jumped on the radar last year but continues to impress. Surpassed the 1000 mark in during the Classic. She also broke the single game tournament rebound record with her 24 boards against Africentric. Question mark may simply be how far from home she might be willing to go.
Makayla Waterman – Kettering Fairmont – The 6-2 junior forward must have done something to irritate the rims at Hiland High School. They weren’t very giving as Waterman was 2 of 17 in two games but still managed to pull down a combined 19 boards in both wins. Even highly ranked players have their cold nights.
Kathryn Westbeld – Kettering Fairmont – Continues to show more and more diversity and consistency in her game. How about two double-doubles to make the point? Game one she got 21 points and 15 boards and followed that up with 16 points and 14 rebounds the next night. Oh yeah, she shot a combined 14 of 19 for 74 percent from the floor.
Chelsea Welch – Kettering Fairmont – The Duquesne signee sets the pace for the Firebirds. Had 11 assists in two games but also committed 8 turnovers.
A Little More on a Few You May or May Not Know
Diani Akigbogun – Regis Jesuit – While her numbers may not have been flashy there isn’t a recruiter out there that wouldn’t be excited about this 6-0 junior power guard. Quick and aggressive, she makes plays at both ends of the floor. Add to that the physical strength of a middle linebacker and you’ve got something special. She helps in the press attack, she plays on the top of Regis’ own full court pressure and rebounds with the assertiveness of Charles Barkley. The depth of her ability to contribute in multiple ways is hard to find. It’s even harder to find in an exceptional athlete that works this hard.
Kristen Confroy – Solon – The junior class in Ohio has more depth than many of the years and players like this 5-8 guard are the reason coaches are coming from across the country to the Buckeye State. Confroy is a challenging combination of individual skills, physical strength and an aggressive attack. With the ball in her hands she can create off the drive or from mid-range but is equally comfortable shooting the ball deep. Her jumper is somewhat a rarity in girl’s high school ball as she elevates effectively and can pull up from the 12 to 15 foot range with confidence. The release on her shot is quick and difficult to anticipate as a defender. She uses her change of speed very effectively but could add additional use of a change of direction to challenge helpside rotations more. In the win over Pickerington North Confroy finished just 8 of 20 from the floor but did wind up with 20 on the night adding 5 boards and 3 steals as well for the Comets.
Rachel Goddard – Wadsworth – With all the top tier and high profile talent on hand the most intense and competitive performance may have come from Wadsworth senior Rachel Goddard. Coaches love the intangibles and this 5-7 point guard has cornered the market on many of them. Her attack comes on both ends of the floor. She quick and anticipating on the defensive end yet not the least hesitant to mix things up despite her slight build. With the ball she accelerates with impressive speed and forces defenses to pick up the ball early or pay a price. Part of a very well coached team she can get to the rim herself or kick it to talented teammates like junior guard Peyton Booth. Goddard’s passion is evident in her play and a good example that many of her peers on the high school level should embrace.
Justine Hall – Regis Jesuit – This 5-10 junior was already on the map before last weekend but she may have increased the traffic coming her way with an impressive two game performance. Having good length and an impressive wingspan, Hall’s athleticism becomes a real factor both offensively and defensively. The individual skills are there to create both in getting to the rim or off the pull up. She got her hand on several passes defensively and demonstrated the ability to corral quicker opponents. Hall went 13 of 22 from the floor and provided 32 points over the course of the Raiders two games. She also pulled 11 boards in each game as well as came up with 3 steals each time out. Lots of tools and promise for the highest level.
Regina Hochstetler – Berlin Hiland – You know if the crowd sucks in half the oxygen available in a gym on the catch… something good is about to happen. With this Hiland junior guard if a defender is foolish enough to give her time to get a shot off, that crowd is going to have something to cheer about. Hochstetler’s numbers for two games are something most players at any level will most likely never see. In two games she was 18 of 28 overall and 10 of 18 from behind the arch. She finished with 24 and 30 points respectively in the Hawk’s two wins. How that may translate to the next level is yet to be determined, but with shooters being a rare commodity, folks will be watching closely.
Akienreh Johnson – Toledo Rogers – On a very young and very loaded Rogers roster, this freshman stood out in the Ram’s loss to Winton Woods. Possessing good size and athleticism, Johnson adds to the mix sharp individual skills and an effective jumper from the perimeter. Her first step is explosive and will get her by a lot of defenders. The pull up is just as efficient as the spot up but the ability to get to the rim is there as well. Juniors Marquell Williams and Tori Easley as well fellow freshman Keasja Peace go with Johnson and well established 2014’s Sasha Dailey and Jasmyne Smith to make Rogers a given focus for anyone recruiting Ohio.
Kendall McCoy – Sylvania Northview – This versatile sophomore will be doing a lot for the travel industry in northwest Ohio with a skill set that should have lots of recruiters booking rooms and tickets. Combining good size, 6-0, with sound perimeter skills makes her a challenging match up for opponents. She can create off the dribble and even took it in transition herself a couple of times. On the drive she navigates helpside rotations and can find a good look among the bigs. Despite just 7 of 19 shooting, it’s obvious the stroke and range are there to keep defenders honest and allow her to exploit tight close outs. Part of a promising young roster for Northview.
Jordan Molyneaux – Regis Jesuit – If you’re looking for a 2014 post that passes the airport, lobby or any other visual test you want, this is your girl. The real plus is that the 6-3 junior has an evolving game to go with the size and build that has everyone looking. Physically strong and very active, Molyneaux has the ability to impact play as a focus or a facilitator. She can finish around the rim or distribute the ball from the high post. Any screen set by her is going to be a challenge for defenders to get around. The word project in absolutely inappropriate for her but there are some rough edges to smooth out and develop. Playing with a talented roster of teammates and for highly regarded coach Carl Mattei should pretty much assure that she’s going to tap into all of that potential.
Rachel Morrison – West Holmes – This senior guard simply makes plays. Her penetration looks like a running back weaving through defenders and her ability to get the shot off is uncanny at times. Just 5-7, she is somebody that defenders need to find instantly on the catch and helpside can’t afford to ignore. She produced 35 points in two games on 12 of 26 shooting that included a 4 for 11 effort from three point range. What level she can play at may be up in the air but there’s still some basketball in front of her.
Nicole Orr – Reynoldsburg – This 5-10 guard/wing is improving before everyone’s eyes. Lean, athletic and fluid she is becoming an instrumental factor on a very talented Reynoldsburg roster. The ability is there to get out in the lanes with speed in transition or to leave a defender standing with an aggressive cut in the halfcourt. On the drive she can slither though defensive gaps and seems to be willing to take a hit or get on the floor. Orr shot the ball well over two games going 9 for 16 combined. She also offered up some sharp passing in their first game that amounted to a six assist performance. If she continues on the same path she’ll need to keep her cell phone charged because it’s going to start ringing more than it already has.
Hannah Plybon – Orrville – This Akron signee impressed everyone in the gym. Active at both ends of floor and attacking in transition as well as the halfcourt showed just why Coach Jodi Kest and the Zip staff have a lot to smile about. Plybon is effective in traffic despite a lean build and plays with sharp instincts. Shooting 13 of 24, she finished with 31 points in the Red Riders only game. From the perimeter she added 9 rebounds, 5 assists and just happened to knock down 2 of 3 three point attempts.
Terra Stapleton – Proctorville Fairland – Another member on Ohio’s ultra-deep 2014 class is this early University of Minnesota commit. The 6-4 post came in averaging a double-double and stepped up with another in the form of 13 points and 11 rebounds in Fairland’s 13 point win over Clinton Massie. Stapleton is deceivingly mobile for her size and frame plus shows a willingness to work for the ball aggressively block to block. Her size and strength are something she could exploit more around the rim and will no doubt be an asset for her at the next level. There’s already plenty of production but lots more potential for her to tap into.
Emily Thomas – Pickerington North – If a point guard’s job is create and make plays then Emily Thomas fits the very definition. At just 5-6, the sophomore plays with an aggressiveness and authority that allows her to have an impact at both ends. She’s confident with the ball in her hands and willing to be active without it. The ballhandling and passing skills are in place and the decision making is evolving. In the loss to Solon she stepped up with 6 of 12 shooting that included 3 for 6 from deep. She added 5 boards from the perimeter but also gave up 5 turnovers. Showing so many tools and playing for one of Ohio’s top coaches make her future something worth watching.
Kasey Uetrecht – Clinton Massie – A 6-0 junior, Uetrecht has a good combination of size and perimeter skills. With standout Sydney Brackemyre sidelined, the wing/forward is stepping up for the Falcons both on the wing and in the post. Though somewhat upright, she demonstrated the ability to handle the ball on the break or off the drive from the elbows. At other points she was efficient posting up and becoming an option around the rim. Her versatility presents a challenge for opposing defenses in terms of matching up with size or perimeter skills. She was 4 for 14 in Clinton Massie’s lone game but added 6 rebounds and 6 assists in the 60 to 47 loss to Proctorville Fairland. There’s plenty of basketball in her future, what level remains to be seen.
