Boys Basketball Players To Watch

Tim Rogers, The Plain Dealer, December 04, 2009 3:07 a.m.

Nate Tait drives to the basket in a game against Garfield Heights in February 2009, Tait averaged 25.7 points per game for Brush last season. - (Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer)

Darryl Baldwin, Solon, C, 6-7, Sr.: Sure, he's a better football player than hooper. But, he is big, strong, mobile and experienced. Averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists last season.

Cameron Black, Kent Roosevelt, C, 6-9, Sr.: Bowling Green recruit averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 blocked shots on a team that finished as a Division I district runner-up.

Jaron Crowe, Mentor, G, 5-11, Sr.: Can play either of the guard spots and is capable of making the 3-pointer, as his 74 from last year attest.

Kendale Dunn, Cleveland Heights, C, 6-7, Sr.: A 42-inch vertical leap could make him a strong presence on the glass.

Tyler Ferrell, Brunswick, F, 6-6, Sr.: In his fourth year as a starter. He averaged 15 points and nine rebounds last year. Look for a repeat performance.

John Galbraith, Revere, G, 6-2, Sr.: Outstanding shooter and fine all-around athlete. Made nearly 80 percent of his 2-point attempts while averaging 17 points per game last season.

Anton Grady, Cleveland Central Catholic, F, 6-9, Jr.: Will be one of the most heavily recruited players in the area over the next year. Athletic and powerful, look for a drastic increase of his 12-point-a-game average last year.

Aramis Greenwood, Glenville, G, 6-0, Sr.: A transfer from Fairport, coach Michael Holt believes Greenwood is one of the top point guards in the area. Will get a late start because of football.

Myles Hamilton, St. Edward, G, 6-1, So.: He is the best player on what is believed to be the best team in the area. Will be the catalyst.

Ray Hamilton, Strongsville, F, 6-5, Jr.: This will be his third year on the varsity. Averaged 12 points and a little more than 10 rebounds as a sophomore. Will miss about the first three weeks with an elbow injury.

Nick Harney, Benedictine, F, 6-7, Sr.: Might get overlooked because of teammates Cameron Wright and Derek Jackson, which is a huge mistake. He's a prime time player.

Jon Harris, Twinsburg, F, 6-8, Sr.: The Miami (Ohio) recruit made great strides over the summer after averaging slightly more than 15 points and nine rebounds last year.

Charles Hearn, Kenmore, G, 6-3, Sr.: The smoothest player in the Akron City Series, he averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals in leading the Cardinals to the league title.

Alfonzo Houston, Cleveland Heights, G, 6-4, Sr.: The Tigers will feature strong guard play, and he is the best in camp. Expect major increases from his 7.6 points and 2.5 assists per game last season.

Derek Jackson, Benedictine, G, 6-1, Sr.: The Central Michigan recruit shared co-player of the year in the Northeast Lakes District with teammate Cameron Wright by scoring 19 points and handing out five assists per game.

Ricky Johnson, St. Vincent-St. Mary, G, 6-0, Jr.: Helped the Irish win the Division II state championship by averaging 12.5 points and 5.5 assists as a sophomore.

Cole Krizancic, Mentor, G, 5-11, Jr.: Not many sophomores made 71 3-pointers last year. He did, while averaging nearly 15 points a game.

Dajon Lewis, Buchtel, F, 6-5, Sr.: Pulled down a team-leading 10 rebounds a game, but you can't ignore his 11 points, three assists and four steals.

Trey Lewis, Garfield Heights, G, 6-1, Jr.: Must play a huge leadership role on a very young team, but he is capable. Averaged 16.5 points and three assists last year. He has 12 offers from Division I schools.

Delbert Love, St. Edward, G, 6-0, Jr.: Third-year player who led his regional-qualifying team in scoring last year at 12.5 points per game.

Greg McMullen, Archbishop Hoban, C, 6-5, So.: At 260 pounds, he is a definite force in the middle. Averaged 11 rebounds and 11 points per game last season.

Shonn Miller, St. Ignatius, F, 6-5, Jr.: A big man who is comfortable on the perimeter. Averaged 10 points and 4.5 rebounds. Solid shooter.

ChallMontgomery, Cleveland Central Catholic, G, 6-3, Sr.: The bigger the game the better he plays, as evidenced by his 16 points in last year's state championship game.

Richard Morrow, University, F, 6-3, Sr.: Helped throw a huge scare into eventual state champ SVSM after averaging 15.5 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Deverin Muff, Strongsville, C, 6-9, Sr.: Quick off his feet and athletic, he can high jump 6-10. Should produce more than the 8.5 points he had last year, but should maintain his 9.9 rebounds and four block per game marks.

Jacob North, Barberton, G, 6-2, Sr.: Was the Suburban League's MVP after averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists and leading the Magics to the Division I district finals. Terrific shooter.

Curtis Oakley, Brush, F, 6-4, So.: How good can he be? Insiders say his 12 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year were just the beginning.

Richie Piekarski, Hudson, G/F, 6-3, Sr.: An outstanding all-around athlete, he averaged 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.

James Price, St. Edward, F, 6-10, Jr.: He has already committed to Louisville, which speaks volumes about his future. But, it is his present that has Eagles fans excited.

Justin Roth, Parma, G, 6-3, Sr.: He is a superb shooter who averaged 22 points a game last season.

Jakarr Sampson, St. Vincent-St. Mary, F, 6-8, Jr.: Although he played in the shadow of All-Ohioan Daylen Harrison, he was an integral part of the school's Division II state championship team. Look for a more dominant role this year.

Ricky Slaughter, Cleveland Heights, F, 6-2, Sr.: Will be asked to carry more of a load with the loss of two injured starters. Capable of scoring in double digits.

Nate Tait, Brush, G, 6-0, Sr.: One of the area's premier players, he averaged 25.7 points, 5.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds and four steals. No reason why he can't duplicate those numbers.

Bryan Theriot, Midpark, F, 6-9, Sr.: If he comes close to matching last year's numbers -- 16.2 points and 12.2 rebounds -- the Meteors will soar.

Will Weeks, Garfield Heights, F, 6-6, Jr.: Is the two -- with Trey Lewis -- in Garfield's one-two punch. Scored 13.5 points and pulled down nine rebounds a game as a sophomore after transferring from Revere.

Aaron White, Strongsville, F, 6-8, Jr.: How many 6-8 shooting guards do you see? Before the injury to Ray Hamilton, that's where this outstanding shooter was playing. Will have to play closer to the basket. Averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds.

Cameron Wright, Benedictine, G, 6-4, Sr.: The Pitt recruit shared Northeast Lakes District player of the year honors with teammate Derek Jackson after averaging 20 points, 7.5 rebounds and five assists.