Upperclassmen Elite Camp: Session 1 All-Camp Teams
The top performers across the board in the 270 Hoops Upperclassmen Elite Camp
The 270 Hoops Upperclassmen Elite Camp took place last Saturday and played host to 100 different players and coaches from 20 college programs. Here’s a look at the top performers from the event.
First Team
Point Guard: Gator Nichols | 2026 6’0 Maysville
The reigning Division IV player of the year in Ohio was at it again on Saturday. Senior Gator Nichols did what he does best: whatever it takes to help his team win. Nichols controls the game with his ball handling and pace, and always has the pulse of his team. When his team needed to run in transition, he was the one getting the ball up the floor, and when they needed to slow it down, he pulled his dribble back and got everyone set. Nichols consistently hit timely shots in big moments, and let the game come to him instead of chasing it. The senior floor general has just picked up offers from Marietta and Muskingum, which he will add to a Lourdes offer he picked up a year ago.
Guard: Brody Fields | 2026 6’4 Teays Valley (MVP)
This senior knows one thing: getting buckets! Brody Fields is a high volume scorer that showed all of his abilities on Saturday. He loves his combo dribble moves that flow right into his pull-up midrange jumper or three. I loved his quick footwork and balance to stop on a dime and hit tough pull-up jumpers over length and make it look easy. Fields led his team to a camp championship, going undefeated and beating some elite talent along the way. In terms of recruitment, he has picked up several D2 offers (Pitt-Johnstown, Concord, and more) and is looking like a potential stud at the next level.
Guard: Marco Mattucci | 2026 6’4 New Albany
One of my favorite players to watch in all of Ohio pulled up to the camp and put on a show! Toledo commit Marco Mattucci dazzled with his typical smooth play style and fierce competitiveness. In early drills, Marco seemed to be a step ahead of everyone else on the floor, seeing plays before they happened and reacting. After a tough midrange jumper, the senior showed off his leaping ability, stuffing a Brody Fields midrange jumper at its high point. Also, his athleticism was on display, as he threw down a contested dunk in transition later in the camp. The Rockets are getting a steal in Mattucci, who continues to show he’s ready for D1 college hoops right now.
Forward: Reed Brinager | 2027 6’5 Racine Southern Local
The best overall performance at the camp was probably from junior Reed Brinager, who I had heard great things about but had never seen in person. Brinager made a huge impact in every aspect of the camp while never taking a bad shot or making a poor decision. He was very effective scoring the ball without taking a ton of threes, and was constantly outworking everyone else on the glass, defensively, and on the fast break. The motor of this high level prospect was my favorite attribute, as it seemed he was still going 100% when others had begun to tire. I’ve heard that schools such as IU-Indy have been in touch with Reed, and I’m looking forward to watching him more the next few years to see his improvement.
Center: Nate Lovinsky | 2026 6’7 Licking Heights
Although there were several dominant forces in the paint, Nate Lovinsky gets the nod as the All-Camp first team starting Center. I was impressed with how aggressive the 6’7 senior was on the offensive glass and finishing with strength and through contact throughout the day. Lovinsky finished in a multitude of ways such as short rolling off of ball screens, post touches, and even after spins and crab dribbles with two feet in the paint. In terms of IQ, big Nate knows what he’s best at, and did that with great efficiency without playing outside of himself. During the summer, Nate picked up a JUCO offer from Bryant and Stratton College, and I know other high level schools have been interested in his services since then as well.
6th Man: AJ McGuinea | 2027 6’2 G Bedford
The best athleticism and court vision was shown from Bedford’s AJ McGuinea. The Junior budding star made an immediate impact in the 5 on 5 portion of the camp, making several pin-point interior passes to cutters and finishing with a two-hand flush after an outlet pass. Often, McGuinea played above the rim, blocking shots and scoring the rock with either hand over the outstretched arms of taller defenders. He also got off to quick starts, and seemed to get into “game mode” and play at game speed more quickly and effectively than others on the same court. AJ McGuinea is an excellent athletic prospect whose best days are still ahead of him.
Second Team
Point Guard: Max Muhl | 2026 5’10 Avondale (MI)
Anyone who has talked to me knows how much I love this kid. Max plays with a huge motor and always makes the right plays. He loves the grind and has 10+ college offers to show for it.
Guard: Kelby Martin | 2027 6’2 New Albany
Elite athleticism is the junior’s best attribute. He was always in attack mode and constantly trying to put people on posters. Martin also has a fierce competitive mentality that will take him a long way in hoops.
Guard: Elijah McCree | 2026 6’0 Westerville North
McCree did what he does best on Saturday: shoot the cover off of the ball. His quick release gives defenders little time to react. The senior is one of the top shooters in the OCC in my opinion.
Forward: Camden Eaton | 2026 6’2 Lancaster
Eaton was excellent in the fadeaway and pull-up game, which earned him a spot on the All-Camp second team. He’s always in attack mode and hungry to score. Look for Eaton to be a nice small college-level player in a couple years.
Center: Elian Arick | 2026 6’10 Buckeye Trail
The tallest player at the camp (who was also on my defensive standout list) comes in at 2nd team Center. I liked Arick’s nimble feet despite his massive height, which made him an impossible cover. As a prospect, Arick is legit, and will be a monster at the next level with more training.
6th Man: Caleb O’Neil | 2026 6’2 G Bishop Hartley
Caleb is a scoring machine, and has never seen a shot he doesn’t like. He’s always in attack mode, keeping defenders on their heels. The senior guard will have a huge role in Hartley’s quest for a CCL title repeat.