The Bill Hensley Memorial Run N' Slam is a staple event in the Midwest and has become the primary evaluation event for Division 2, NAIA, and Division 3 coaches. Each year, there are a number of prospects that raise their stock by simply playing well at the right time. 

Notable programs such as OBC, TNBA Ohio, Nova Village, Ohio Buckets, Team Wildcat (formerly Dayton Elite), and others see packed baselines filled with both college coaches and scouts alike. 

Juan Cranford (Huber Heights Wayne) 6'4 WF

A jumbo wing with a unique combination of size and perimeter touch, Cranford had an impressive performance against Mac Basketball in a Saturday afternoon matchup. He showcased a smooth lefty stroke and made contested shots both on the catch and off the dribble. His strength gives him switchability on the defense end and his ability to stretch the floor makes him a valuable piece in today's small ball game. With the departure of 2023 Lawrent Rice (Murray State), you can expect Cranford to be one of the top scorers and playmakers in the GWOC next season.

JP Dragas (Madison) 6'1 CG

Dragas has been near the top of the Northeast Ohio scoring boards for the last two seasons and it was pretty clear as to why after watching him in Fort Wayne. The 6'1 guard was a big-time competitor that played with a sense of urgency on both ends of the floor, impacting winning solely off his effort and willingness to do the dirty work. While he doesn't have a strong frame, Dragas has a good burst playing off the catch and was a crafty finisher at the rim. He was a rhythm shotmaker in the halfcourt but also flashed the ability to create opportunities for his teammates, particularly in the open floor. 

Wendell Henry (St. Edward) 6'5 PF

Henry has battled injuries on and off for the past 12 months or so but he has appeared to finally turn the corner in regard to his health. On Saturday, he was a mismatch nightmare around the rim as he finished plays through contact and grabbed traffic rebounds. Henry had success off the dribble, sizing defenders up and driving it through their chest, but he was at his best facilitating from the high post as a point-forward. He was a capable shotmaker with space in the halfcourt setting. 

Alex Kendall (Marietta) 6'6 C

The Southeast Ohio native was a pleasure to watch throughout the weekend as he was one of the better passing bigs that I evaluated in the 17U division. He was a quick processor on the low block as he surveyed the floor and found shooters on the weak side of the floor. Kendall had a solid motor on the offensive glass and he flashed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down a three out of the triple threat as well as a one dribble pull-up jumper. He should receive an array of interest from in-state schools as well as regional programs who are in need of a skilled, physical big. 

Braylen Nash (New Albany) 6'3 WG

Nash, a dual sport athlete at New Albany, was one of the more pleasant surprises of the weekend. He had a great pace to his game and had some success attacking the rim, particularly attacking the rim versus long closeouts. He wasn't a dynamic athlete with the ball in his hands but he got low off the drive and showed the ability to turn the corner. A serviceable shooter that consistently knocked down open looks from the perimeter. 

Parker Penrod (Troy Christian) 5'10 PG

Penrod may not pass the eye test but he earned a few new fans thanks to his microwave scoring and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates. He was a rhythm shotmaker that wasn't bothered by contests, knocking down a number of tight space jumpers in a win over the Queen City Prophets. He had a quick first step attacking angles/closeouts and was able to thread the needle to a cutting teammate. You can expect in-state and regional small colleges to take a hard look at Penrod throughout the summer evaluation periods. 

Reece Raymond-Smith (Stow) 6'5 PF

Raymond-Smith, one of NEO Spotlight's top stock risers from this past high school season, left a great first impression on the college coaches that were in attendance in Fort Wayne. The 6'5 forward had a knack for the basketball, made a conscious effort to crash the glass, and showed off his perimeter game. He was a threat to shoot it as a trail big or in pick-and-pop situations, knocking down a handful of shots over the two games I evaluated. A high-academic student that should have plenty of options following his senior season. 

Noah Smith (Reynoldsburg) 6'4 WF

An athletic wing prospect with an intriguing physical profile, Smith had bright flashes while playing for Nova Village - Martin. He finished some tough plays off the dribble and looked to have a newfound confidence in his perimeter game. Smith is still a bit raw around the edges but his upside as a potential 3  & D wing was clear to see throughout pool play. His development over the next few months will be crucial as Reynoldsburg looks to be one of the better teams in Central Ohio this coming season. 

Tino Yli-Junnila (Hudson) 6'5 WF/PF

Yli-Junnila has garnered some well-deserved interest this Spring following a run of impressive performances on the Prep Hoops circuit. In a matchup with All Ohio Select, the 6'5 forward caught fire as he connected on five or more threes throughout the game. He didn't need the ball to be effective and showed a solid feel playing within the flow, scoring off his effort and off-ball movement. He averaged 19 PPG a year ago and did enough to earn first team honors in the Suburban League.