Ethan Okwuosa, Cheshire Academy (CT)–The 6-foot-3 guard out of Cheshire Academy has fallen through some of the cracks during the Covid madness and would be a certifiable steal for a Division 1 program.
With his crafty left handed scoring aptitude, Okwuosa brings a leadership role that his teammates feed off of.
Adept at carving his way to the rim and also bringing a mid range pull up game and a reliable outside shot, Okwuosa has the tool-set to keep defenders on their heels.
He’s the most experienced player and the most proven scorer on a team that includes an influx of skilled post grad guys who bring size and toughness.
With his long arms (6-foot-7 wingspan) and ability to apply draping on ball pressure and also guard multiple positions, Okwuosa is a better defender than credited for.
A high IQ scorer, the Class of 2021 Okwuosa knows how to pick apart a defense and leave his stamp on a game.
Flanked by under the radar talent, Okwuosa is one of the more skilled and battle tested players in New England.
Playing at an academically enriched institution like Cheshire Academy, Okwuosa is your quintessential “safe bet” recruit who will transition instantly to the rigors of the college experience. He currently holds offers from nearby Quinnipiac, Lafayette, Mount St. Mary’s, NJIT and others.
Chase McGowan, First State Prep (DE): After flying under the radar in previous years, the 6-foot-5 guard is beginning to hear from high majors such as Texas, UCLA, and St. Joe’s.
He’s rapidly evolved as a knockdown shooter with his ability to spark scoring spurts with 3-pointers. He’s one of the more athletic and long above the rim finishers in the area, possessing a 30+ inch vertical.
Having developed a tightened handle and subsequently quickened his handle and pace, the Class of 2021 McGowan has developed the quickness and changing of the speeds to accelerate a high powered offense.
Athletic and constantly engaged on defense, McGowan brings an on-ball presence and a knack for instigating turnovers and converting them into transition finishes.
Jai Smith, Word Of God (NC): The hotly pursued 6-foot-9 Class of 2022 forward is hearing from Marquette and Houston the most recently, though Smith said everyone involved is essentially recruiting him at the same pace.
A monstrous finisher and one dribble attack the rim scoring threat, Smith recently transferred from Bull City Prep (NC) to nearby Word of God Academy. While he’s known for his soaring athleticism and presence in the paint, Smith has adapted to using his ball skills more with the transition.
Kansas and Florida have recently become involved in the Smith sweepstakes. With offers from South Carolina, Maryland, Alabama, NC State, Clemson, Texas A & M, Oklahoma State, and various others, St. John’s has quite the competition for the services of the pro-ready Smith.
Dominic Gooden, Sickles—Few had as busy a summer and fall than the Class of 2022 point guard, who was in the gym honing his craft and refining aspects of his game.
The 6-foot Gooden is a smooth and cerebral scorer who knows how to carve out space for his shot, score off the bounce and finish around the rim in crafty, ambidextrous fashion. He’s able to score by way of a mixed back of stepbacks, pull-ups, hard slashes to the rim, and manufactures points in a variety of ways.
With a deft, tight handle that allows him to facilitate the breakneck attack, Gooden is a lead guard who gets everyone around him involved. Gooden is more explosive than he’s credited for and knows how to score around the rim ambidextrously.
Brandon Downs, Coldwater (MI)—The gym rat possesses a smooth and reliable deep jumper and knows how to get his shot off amid draping closeouts and off the dribble.
Downs is equally adept at scoring on surges to the rim, permeating the teeth of the defense and finishing with either hand. With several unknowns regarding the status of the season in Michigan, Prep programs and academies will surely be vying for the services of the Class of 2022 guard.
With a college ready physicality, Downs is able to get stops defensively and has developed ball-hawking tenacity. With a 3.5 GPA, he’s got a lot to offer NCAA programs. Downs spent the summer adapting into more of a creator role, developing a vision for the court and making everyone around him better.
Rodney Sawyer, Rocktop Academy—The 6-foot-7, 218-pound forward has college ready physicality and natural, raw athleticism. He’s able to score points around and above the rim and really haul in rebounds and battle for 50-50 balls.
His motor evident, Sawyer is able to score a lot of hustle points and fly in for stickbacks. While he’s still learning the intricacies of the game, his upside and the relentlessness with which he plays are noteworthy aspects.
Again, similar to teammate Arthur Burnett, he’s got the strength and fleet of foot to play at St. John’s pace. It is matter of whether they will take another 3-4 type or try and get more of a five man.
Jaxon Koroll, LUHI
At 6-foot-11 and 230 pounds, Long Island Lutheran’s Class of 2022 big man Jaxon Koroll has the appealing attributes and immeasurable intangibles. With a 7-foot-2 wingspan and potentially room for another growth spurt, the native of Canada oozes of promise.
With his length and ability to alter, swat, and change the trajectory of shots in the paint, Koroll has the potential to be a real defensive backbone for a team with a new look roster this season.
Koroll does have a good feel for the game and the ability to run the floor and finish above the rim. He’s developed a funky sling shot jumper, one which takes big rim protectors away from the post.
It is the traditional big man categories–rebounds, blocked shots, high efficiency and point blank scoring–where Koroll has the aptitude to thrive. With his polish and the gaudy aforementioned measurements, expect his recruitment to really take off this season.
Taurus Watson, Central Pointe Christian Academy–The electrifying 6-foot-2 guard erupted during the prestigious Myrtle Chaffin tournament at Mount Zion (Md.) this past weekend, scoring 41 points against Baltimore power St. Frances Academy. Watson followed this performance up with 23 points against ISA.
A high flying and hard finishing lefty, Watson is a three-level scorer who should pick up steam on the mid major market.
