GCBCA Annual Senior Showcase
On Thursday, September 22nd, 81 of Northeast Ohio's top seniors made their way to Broadview Heights, Ohio to compete in one of the final exposure events before suiting up for their final go-round with their respective high school teams. Over the years, the GCBCA has brought together some of the area's most valuable and under-appreciated prospects to play in front of dozens of the Midwest's top collegiate programs in hopes of getting noticed. This year was no exception. While several familiar faces were in attendance, there were quite a few newcomers who set out to make a statement prior to the 16-17 season.
Here are a few of the event's under-the-radar performers!
Sean O'Toole Addressing All 81 of the Student-Athletes at the GCBCA Senior Showcase
Leonard Cottrell (Garfield Heights) 6'4
With both Frankie Hughes and Willie Jackson currently suiting up for the Mizzou Tigers, there will be plenty of opportunities for Coach Sonny Johnson and Garfield Heights. Insert Leonard Cottrell. A transfer from John Hay, Cottrell is a big-time athlete with a solid shooting stroke. During the 1-on-1 skill session, Cottrell was a matchup problem for opposing defenders, using his jumper to keep his opponents honest and his size and athleticism to get to the rack.
Chad Elliott 6'0 (Berea-Midpark)
After an impressive outing at the Super 60 Combine a few weekends ago in which he shot the ball well, Elliott showcased another side of his game yesterday afternoon. The 6'0 guard was able to get places off the bounce and put teammates in position to make plays. Elliott will have to keep this up in order to lead a young Berea-Midpark group who will be competing for a title in a wide-open Southwestern Conference.
Michael Spear (St. Ignatius) 6'3
Michael Spears turned in what was perhaps the top shooting performance of the evening. After playing alongside Tyler Golphin and Shawn Christian this summer with OBC-Jackson, Spear is accustomed to being the recipient of his share of drive-and-kick jumpers. In an event that is geared towards playmaking guards, Spear did exactly what he did all summer long, knock down open shots. With Ignatius taking a major hit in their backcourt, Spear showed that he is capable of stepping in and filling the void left by last year's upperclassmen.
Jermaine Johnson (Garfield Heights) 6'7
Johnson is as athletic as they come from the power forward position and this was evident on Thursday night. Offensively, he was active around the rim and showed the ability to finish in transition with a handful of hard drives and tomahawk dunks. The 6'7 big has next level size and a frame that will continue to fill out as he matures. After playing sparingly last season on a Bulldogs squad that reached the regional finals, Johnson will step up into a starting role in the 2016-2017 season.
Darquan Woods (Elyria) 6'6
In what turned out to be the surprise performance of the afternoon, Darquan Woods from Elyria High placed himself on the radar of a few local scouts. His athleticism and length is his major draw, but the wiry wing showed a much improved jumpshot since I lat watched him in June. While his overall skillset is still catching up to his athleticism, Woods is a prospect worth monitoring throughout his final season with the Pioneers.
Other Notable Performers
Matt Davet (St. Ignatius) 6'6
Dhel Duncan-Busby (Madison) 6'3
Quinton Farren (Normandy) 6'4
Dominic Januzzi (Firelands) 6'0
Josh Lotko (Elyria) 6'5
Marlon Moore (Benedictine) 6'5
Devan Morrow (St. Edward) 6'5
Mark Orszycki (Strongsville) 6'2
McRay White (Garfield Heights) 6'6
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