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Top Performers from the NEO Open Run

By T.J. Peatross, 07/31/16, 1:00PM EDT

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July 30th, 2016

On Saturday afternoon, over 40 student-athletes from across the area poured into Brush High School to participate in a free workout and open gym. The afternoon consisted of a series of game-situation drills followed by a number of 8-minute games. With 14 different colleges and universities in attendance, the level of competition continued to rise as the day went on.  Check out which players from the 2017 and 2018 classes showed up and represented for NEO!

Class of 2017

Peyton Bennington 6'3 (Wooster)

Football season right around the corner and Peyton Bennington is gearing up for his final season as quarterback for the Generals. On Saturday, he made the most out of what was probably his last opportunity to step on the hardwood this summer.  Bennington showcased a shifty handle and the ability to make plays for teammates off the bounce. In what was one of the highlights of the afternoon, Bennington used an in-and-out crossover that sent his defender to the floor. 

Isaiah Washington 5'10 (James F. Rhodes) PG

By far the most explosive guard in the building on Saturday, Isaiah Washington put on a show from the moment the 5-on-5 play began. In the first few minutes of action, Washington got out in transition and threw down a self-alley oop that garnered some well-deserved reaction from the other athletes in attendance. When he wasn't out in transition, Washington was virtually impossible to stay in front of in the halfcourt setting. The combo guard has proven to be an above average finisher at the rim, and after averaging 23 points per game last season, he should be one of the area's top scorers during the 2016-2017 season.

Brandon McQueen 6'1 (Cornerstone Christian)

After coming off of a state championship last season, Brandon McQueen was relatively quiet throughout the summer and only played a few tournaments during the final live period. McQueen is a long, wiry guard who is an athletic guard with the ability to get into the lane and convert with either hand.   

Justin Motley 6'8 (Lutheran East)

Perhaps the breakout performance of the day came by the hands of Justin Motley out of Lutheran East. The lanky big man was active on both ends of the floor and showed the ability to fill the lanes in transition, a few of which resulted in a couple two-hand jams. Motley, formerly at Glenville, is one a handful of new additions that will be suiting up for Lutheran East this upcoming season.  The Falcons will once again be one of the favorites to march down to Columbus and compete for a Division 4 crown.  

Armon Nasseri 6'6 (Youngstown Ursuline)

The Youngstown native showed great patience out of the low post and had go-to moves and counters with his back to the basket. While he may not be the most athletic, his soft touch and footwork make up for his lack of explosiveness.   

Josh Lotko 6'5 (Elyria)

 A true inside-out type of player, his ability to slip into the lane opened up his outside game, where he shot it as well as anyone in attendance. 

Class of 2018

Alfonse Hale 5'10 (Maple Heights)

Ohio's Class of 2018 is loaded top to bottom with dynamic guards, and our area just so happens to have more than a few to choose from. Despite leading his team in both points and assists last season, Alfonse Hale is one of a handful in his class who oftentimes gets overlooked. Hale appears ready to throw his name in the conversation and his play on the floor backed it up. There was a 6-7 minute stretch where any shot that left Hale's hands found its way through the net. Once he's in a rhythm, Hale can shoot it with anyone in the area.

Alex Heath 5'9 (Cleveland Central Catholic)

Alex Heath never shies away from the chance to compete. Whether it was Isaiah Washington or Maurico Tate, Heath didn't back down, and at times he got the better of the rising seniors. While he only stands at 5'9, his  motor and natural ability make up for his lack of size. On Saturday, Heath shot the ball at a high rate and used his first step to get into the lane and finish. 

R.J. Sunahara 6'6 (Bay)

One of the more intriguing forwards in the 2018 class, R.J. Sunahara has a unique combination of skill and deceptive athleticism. While he does need to add on a few pounds, R.J. is an underrated shot blocker and showed that he can do more than just hold his own against bigger opponents. On Saturday, he was great around the cup, providing himself second and third shot opportunities. After making a trip to Final Four last year, Coach Shetzer will need  Sunahara to take that next step in his development if Bay wants to get over the hump. 

Jordan Burge 6'2 (Shaker Heights)

Burge has been having a strong summer in both the AAU circuit and team camps. He's continued to show a solid feel for the game to go along with his slashing and midrange game.  

Justin Koepp 6'6 (Elyria) 

Koepp excelled in the uptempo style of play and he found himself on the receiving end of a handful transition buckets. The 6'6 forward should continue to grow under Coach Brett Larrick.

Scott Walter 5'9 (St. Vincent-St. Mary)

Scott Walter is a player that you just can't help but to be a fan of. An absolute pest on the defensive end, Walter has a knack of turning his defense into quick runouts on the other end

Tyler Williams 6'4 (Brush)

Less than one week after winning the Adidas summer championship with OBC, Williams found himself back in the gym with some of the area's best. At 6'4 and weighing 200lbs, Williams is able to use his size to finish through contact.  

Other Notable Performers

Gwarren Douglas 6'7 (Shaw) Class of 2017

Marcus Martin 6'2 (Clearview) Class of 2017

Antonio McQueen 6'6 (Warren JFK) Class of 2017

Kelvin Calhoun 6'6 (St. Edward) Class of 2017

T'jah Benton 5'11 (Brush) Class of 2018

David Gulley 5'10 (Solon) Class of 2018

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