Boys basketball players to watch for 2022-23
Nov. 24—(in alphabetical order)
De'Erick Barber, So., Richmond Heights: Recorded 182 assists a season ago and tied for the area best at 8.2 per game. Also a good on-ball defender as he recorded 73 steals for an average of 3.3.
Marlon Barnes, Sr., Brush: The Pitt signee can work inside and outside when it comes to scoring. He also has the ability to work the boards. Has solid court vision and will be counted on to be more involved in the offense.
Jake Bean, Sr., Cardinal: Always a threat from deep as he finished with 54 triples a season ago and averaged 17 points per game. Also made strides on the glass as he recorded seven rebounds per game.
Justin Belcher, Jr., University: Was the leading scorer for the Preppers last season at 15.2 points per game while also making an impact on the boards with 6.3.
Matthew Biddell, Jr., Mentor: Moves from the one to the two guard this season, with the ability to run the offense from there as well. Vastly improved on the boards a season ago as he was second for the Cardinals with 8.7 per game. Also had 17 3-pointers a year ago.
Jake Cubbison, Sr., Perry: Was the Pirates' leading scorer a season ago at 18.9 points per game. Was able to improve as a scorer from deep with 43 3s and will be called on again to lead offensively.
Troy Domen, Jr., Cardinal: Led the area in steals last season at 4.5 a game to go with 5.3 assists and 16.4 points. Was able to do a little bit of everything a season ago and will need to do it again.
JP Dragas, Jr., Madison: Last year's area scoring leader who finished with 565 points. He averaged 28.4 points per game, sparked by 58 3-pointers. His 3.2 steals and 1.2 blocks a game helped the defensively.
Evan Duggar, Jr., NDCL: Broke out a season ago with 79 3s and averaged 17.1 points per game. Will need to continue to improve as an all-around player to take the next step.
Aidan Fitzgerald, Sr., Lake Catholic: While still a threat beyond the arc, as he recorded 30 a season ago, has also become a more all-around player. Finished with 16.5 points per game and 5.1 rebounds, as well. He will be asked to lead the Cougars for the fourth consecutive season.
Charlie Fox, Sr., Riverside: Missed most of last season with a foot injury. In his sophomore season, he was the second-leading scorer for the Beavers at 12.1 points per game. But will be asked to be more of a facilitator in the offense.
Ian Ioppolo, Jr., Mentor: The 6-foot-6 junior is a stretch four for the Cardinals and knocked down 55 3s a season ago while averaging 15.6 points a game last year. Expected to be on the boards more than a season ago as well after he averaged 5.4 rebounds.
Ryan Ioppolo, Sr., Mentor: Finished with 45 3s on the season as he averaged 10.6 points per game. Also able to move inside as he had 6.3 rebounds. He will be asked to contribute more on both ends of the court.
Kyle Irwin, Sr., Mayfield: Comes off of a season in which he averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 boards. Will be asked to take on an even bigger role on both ends of the floor this season in the Wildcats system.
Dorian Jones, So., Richmond Heights: Was the third or fourth scoring option a season ago. He will be counted on more this season. He recorded 45 3-pointers last season to go with an average of 2.4 steals per game.
James Kosmides, Sr., Chagrin Falls: A defensive problem few teams have been able to solve as he recorded 4.9 blocks per game a season ago. He also hauled in seven rebounds a game. He will look to be an improved scorer this season after averaging 11.3 points last season.
Quinn Kwasniak, So., Cornerstone: The 21st player in OHSAA history to record 100 3-pointers in a season with 101 while averaging 23.6 points per game. Also had 2.6 assists and 1.2 blocks per game and will be the leader on offense again.
Nathan Lurie, Sr., Beachwood: Finished last season with a team-best 20.6 points per game. Also recorded 40 3s a season ago and will be asked to lead Beachwood again.
Adisa Molton, Sr., Gilmour: Has a chance to break the career assists record for the Lancers. Averaged 5.4 a game a season ago while also averaging 10.8 points with 19 threes along with 1.7 steals and will run the offense once again.
DJ Niles, Sr., Cornerstone: The long, 6-foot-6 forward was a problem for teams on both sides of the glass as he finished with 4.7 blocks and 9.9 rebounds. Also a strong option for the Patriots to get the ball down low as he averaged 14.1 points a game last year.
Sean Register Jr., Jr., North: Averaged a double-double a season ago with 20.7 points and 11.2 rebounds a game while being able to step beyond the arc when needed with his 25 threes. Also had 2.1 blocks a game for the Rangers.
Brayden Richards, Jr., Perry: Was the second-leading scorer for the Pirates a season ago with 17.7 points per game to go with 53 buckets from beyond the arc. His 3.4 assists per game also led Perry. Will be asked to help newer faces adjust to the offense.
Brandon Rose, Sr., Gilmour: Finished last season with 14.4 points per game and is the leading returning scorer for the Lancers. Also a strong on-ball defender with 2 steals per game. Going to be counted on for the boards this season as he averaged 5.5 rebounds a season also.
Andrew Taggart, Jr., Riverside: Emerged as the Beavers' leading scorer a season ago with 19.5 points per game to be in the top 10 in the area. Also recorded 32 3s while averaging 2.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals. Will be part of a versatile frontcourt.
Tyler Williams, Sr., Brush: Finished with 9.8 rebounds a game along with 3.2 blocks and will be asked to be a force inside for the Arcs yet again. Also had 9 points a game last season and will be counted on to help on that side more as well.
