Shot Clock Battle in the 614 Prospect Scouting Report
Who stood out on Sunday and Monday during an action packed event over the weekend?
Written By 270Hoops Staff Writer Mark Francis Jr.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - - For the first time in Central Ohio, a shot clock was used in high school games and the intrigue was felt from basketball fans all over Central Ohio wondering how teams would fair with the 35 second timer above each court. A three-day event, running from Saturday to Monday, the Shot Clock Battle in the 614 showcased 38 different programs from across the state of Ohio. Sunday was a fun day of games at Ohio Dominican University where the event was held with players from all over standing out, here are the top performers from a jammed afternoon and evening.
Manny Johnson (6’1 G / 2026 / Toledo Central Catholic): An Eastern Michigan basketball commit, Johnson filled the stat sheet up for his team and was able to lead the offense for his team. He played at his own pace and dictated to the defense what he was going to do, showcasing his skillset at Ohio Dominican all afternoon long. Johnson showed a good feel for game-time situations, and did not force shots at all. While his scoring wasn’t needed for his team to get the win against Pickerington Central, he still flashed a silky smooth jumper. His passing may have been most impressive on Sunday, finding open teammates before they knew they were open and delivering dimes all afternoon. Finishing the ball game with nine points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals, Johnson showed that he could do a little bit of everything on the court and helped lead his team to a big win over the Tigers.
Cayden Kynard (6’1 G / 2027 / Toledo Central Catholic): Named MVP for his team, the junior was the most consistent scorer for his team on Sunday afternoon, scoring 16 points against Pickerington Central. His back-to-back triples early gave his team some separation on the scoreboard and his late game free throws held off a storming Tigers team. Kynard was patience on offense, not rushing when the ball was in his hands and making sure to take quality shots. Defensively, he played tough, not allowing drivers to blow by him while contesting shots that were in front of him. Kynard hit big time shots Sunday afternoon, helping his team to a win, something he has done all season long.
Landon Evans (6’5 W / 2027 / Pickerington Central): One of the standout players in the OCC, and Central Ohio as a whole, Evans scored 13 points and earned game MVP honors for his team. His slashing was on display, bullying his way to the hoop and using his strength to play through the contact. He played well off the ball too, getting open off different types of screens for jumpers and drives to the basket. A player that many MAC schools have interest in, Evans showed that he was a versatile defender, guarding multiple positions and players on the Toledo Central Catholic team and doing an admirable job against a team that had eight different players put the ball in the hoop. Despite the loss, Evans was able to put his talents on display in front of a couple college scouts in attendance.
Kevin Smith (6’3 W / 2027 / Pickerington Central): He kept the Tigers in the game with his shooting from three, dropping a team-high 15 points in the loss to Toledo Central Catholic. After trailing 25-18 at the half, Smith and his three triples in the third quarter gave the Tigers a sign of life for an offense that was sputtering throughout the first half. An interesting prospect with good length for a guard and a quick release of the basketball as well. Smith is an underrated prospect that had a tremendous game Sunday afternoon.
Kaeden Carruthers (6’8 F / 2026 / Toledo Central Catholic): Another under the radar player who had an impact on his teams win against Pickerington Central on Sunday. The athletic big man was a force in the middle of the defense when he was on the floor, blocking two shots but altering many more and deterring players from shooting the ball around him. Finishing with eight points, Carruthers left the game in the 3rd quarter, but returned to the game in the final seconds to finish the game off with his team. A really impressive athlete with bounce, the senior big had a solid outing against the Tigers and was able to take a win back to Toledo as well.
Darek Rivera-Whitfield (5’10 G / 2026 / Gahanna): The senior leader for the Lions started the game off hot, boosting Gahanna to an early 9-0 lead, one that they would not look back from. Rivera-Whitfield played at hyper-speed on both ends of the court, making ball handler uncomfortable on defense and flying around the court on offense whether the ball was in his hand or not, he did not let the defense rest against him. Named the MVP for his team because of the way he sparked the team in the early going, the senior point guard only scored 10 points, but did not play in the final quarter because of the lead his team had. The Gahanna-Lincoln Lions are playing some of their best basketball right now, their senior leader is a huge reason for it.
Stephen Blackmon Jr. (5’9 G / 2029 / Gahanna): The future of the Lions is in safe hands with Blackmon and the other freshman that contribute to this team. Blackmon’s game will not stand out on the stat sheet, but he changed how Gahanna played when he entered the game. The freshman point guard played with poise and showed that he can run the offense when the ball is in his hands, not getting sped up by defenders, using his handle to get free and make things happen on offense. On the defensive end, Blackmon is sound with quick feet and always shows his hands when he is defending the ball. Steve-O is high IQ basketball player that will continue to get better, a young man that scouts should starting looking at immediately.
