Over the previous two weeks, I went to my hometown of Cleveland to catch a few of the metropolis’s greatest. Hitting various native video games all through the week together with the loaded Chet Mason Invitational. Mason, who was Ohio’s Mr. Basketball and a 10-year professional himself, put collectively a fully loaded occasion that blended various native Cleveland groups and prep colleges. Sadly, 6-foot-10 5 star ahead Alier Maluk was a bit banged up with a minor harm, however that actually didn’t cease the ridiculous quantity the occasion provided.
I had deliberate on attending the Grind Session and Time beyond regulation Elite occasions in Atlanta the weekend prior, however a canceled flight stored me again in Minneapolis. On the flip aspect, this allowed me to hit a pair of Timberwolves after which an excellent hyped matchup of Minnesota’s defending state champions in Park Heart (presently ranked twenty ninth within the Ballislife FAB 50 Rankings) in opposition to Totino-Grace (led by a slew of D1 prospects). Park Heart in the end received, 76-62, however each groups nonetheless stay the favorites to win state titles of their respective divisions.
Listed below are a number of of the highest gamers that I’ve caught during the last two weeks:
Marcus Johnson, 6’2, PG/SG, Garfield Heights HS (OH), 2026Thought of by some to be the No. 1 freshman within the nation, I received the prospect to guage Johnson 3 times over my week in Cleveland. “Child Boy” had his greatest sport (24 factors) in a slender loss in opposition to the state’s high ranked staff (St. Edward’s) on the Chet Mason Invitational. The lefty comes from an incredible basketball lineage (father Sonny was Ohio’s Mr. Basketball and is his coach), creates a large quantity of separation along with his step again jumper, and does a terrific job of utilizing his shoulders to soak up contact for a younger playmaker. The lefty’s displaying over the weekend was sufficient to earn him a suggestion from Seton Corridor, including to 6 different excessive main applications who’ve already put scholarships on the desk.
Tyler Williams, 6’8, PF, Brush HS (OH), 2023One in every of Ohio’s extra fascinating unsigned seniors, Tyler Williams is the kind of dude who is aware of his function and excels at it. He units bone crushing screens, finishes above the rim, and makes use of his sheer physicality to regulate the glass on each ends. Williams completed with 16 factors and 13 rebounds en path to being named MVP in Brush’s victory and already holds numerous D1 gives.
Lucas Perusek, 6’2, PG/SG, Lakewood St. Edward’s (OH), 2023Not solely is he the chief for the highest ranked staff in Cleveland, however his St. Ed’s squad can also be the highest ranked staff in Ohio’s greatest division (D1). Ranked No. 36 within the newest Ballislife FAB 50, Perusek is the glue on a St. Ed’s unit coached by Eric Flannery (who many think about to be the perfect coach within the state of Ohio). The tremendous gritty guard is a big-time athlete (38 inch vertical), can lock down on both guard spot, and is excellent ending via contact. Perusek remains to be vast open along with his recruitment as effectively.
TJ Crumble, 6’8, PF, Lutheran East HS (OH), 2026The epitome of a brand new age energy ahead in at the moment’s sport, TJ Crumble received it performed inside and outside on the Chet Mason Invitational. One in every of Ohio’s actually elite gamers within the class of 2026, Crumble has been ranked within the high 25 nationally by many providers. He dropped 19 pts by way of an array of publish ups, fast strikes off the bounce, and deep jumpers. Already holding gives from the likes of Missouri, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, LSU, and a bunch of others, Crumble is a reputation you’ll want to bear in mind within the class of 2026 nationally.
Jackson Fowlkes, 6’4, SG, Park Heart HS (MN), 2024One in every of Minnesota’s quickest rising gamers, Jackson Fowlkes had a very nice week for Park Heart. The intriguing taking pictures guard is a severe on ball defender who can shoot it from deep and end off the bounce with restricted dribbles. Fowlkes has already been on campus at quite a few D1’s for visits.
Isaiah Johnson-Arigu, 6’7, SF, Totino Grace (MN), 2024One other one of many quicker rising gamers in Minnesota over the previous yr, Isaiah Johnson-Arigu transferred to defending champion Totino Grace and hasn’t appeared again. Proudly owning a 7-foot wingspan, he gives a ton of versatility defensively, is fascinating as a creator, and is a talented cutter. Johnson-Arigu picked up 5 D1 gives because the analysis interval began and can assuredly add a lot extra.
Darius Davis, 5’11, PG, Maple Heights HS (OH), 2023In one of many greatest upsets within the metropolis of Cleveland this yr, Darius Davis paced Brush to an upset over perennial energy Garfield Heights. The diminutive guard confirmed no worry going into the paint, hit various deep jumpers, and created various turnovers on the defensive finish. Davis is the catalyst to an rising Maple Heights squad that has received 11 straight video games in Cleveland’s hardest convention.
Cody Head, 6’3, PG, Lutheran East (OH), 2023In what was actually a little bit of a rivalry sport for Cody, the senior blew up in opposition to his former highschool. The unsigned senior PG dropped 18 factors and 10 assists in a win over Shaker Heights en path to being named MVP of the sport at The Chet Mason Invitational. The bouncy playmaker owns an explosive first step, has his head on a swivel, and is the catalyst for Ohio’s No. 1 ranked staff in D3.
