2026 Top Performers from Midwest Mania
Written by Tony Peters
Top Performers
Manny Johnson | 2026 | 6’2 CG | Toledo Central Catholic | Ohio Buckets EYCL
When it comes to multidimensional guards, Johnson is one of the better ones in Ohio. A standout since arriving on the scene as a freshman, Johnson has established himself as one of the more fundamentally sound players in NW Ohio. Plays into the role of a combo guard as his primary attribute is his shooting ability both on the catch and off the dribble. Johnson was specifically impressive with several catch-and-shoot opportunities in the deep corner at Midwest Mania. Johnson can facilitate and be a primary ball-handler if needed and showed willingness to make extra reads and passes. Johnson has several athletic scorers around him with the Buckets and takes advantage of his scoring opportunities, but also makes sure his teammates are getting looks too.
Alex Smith | 2026 | 6’8 PF | Upper Arlington | Midwest 3SSB
Smith is arguably one of the better prospects in the state and one of the few already committed as the 6’8 PF is heading to Ohio State after his prep career. With Midwest, I got to see Smith’s aggressiveness offensively show as he created his own opportunities but also was a solid cleanup guy on the offensive glass. Smith is more of a stretch 4-man and can use the dribble drive to beat guys on the perimeter. Smith excelled having some pass-first guards around him with Midwest and was on the receiving end of some dunks in the halfcourt and transition. Smith showed me his combo scoring that will benefit him not just with Midwest and Upper Arlington, but with the Buckeyes in two years
Anthony Thompson | 2026 | 6’8 SF | Western Reserve Academy | Indiana Elite 3SSB
One of my favorite prospects in the state, Thompson is a name I know very well, but don’t get to see as often since he transferred to WRA. Playing with his Indiana Elite team at Midwest Mania, Thompson showed continued development as a player and continues to show his best ability is his playmaking. A long and lengthy wing, Thompson has the pieces around him to be a setup guy and can get guys involved on the offensive end. He showed his athleticism with a nice reverse layup on the baseline on a dribble drive. The lefty also has a smooth shot on the perimeter and has been able to get into a groove quickly as I saw when he was with Lebanon. Thompson has so much upside to his game and as he continues to add to his frame will only continue to see his recruitment soar with some many Division I offers so far.
Bryan Vlosich | 2026 | 6’3 SG | Lakewood St. Edward | Midwest MHC
Leading up to Midwest Mania, I had heard about Vlosich and how he and teammate Trey Sagester were shooting the ball lights out in a previous tournament. I made an effort to see him play against a very guard heavy Ohio Buckets team. Vlosich showed instinctual reads which was as impressive to me as his shot making. Vlosich has a high basketball IQ and beat some overaggressive Bucket defenders on backdoor cuts and constantly was moving in the halfcourt. While his best shot is off the catch, Vlosich sees the halfcourt well and finds cutters himself when he draws an overaggressive closeout. Vlosich can handle the game being sped up or more halfcourt focused and has only shown the start of what he brings to the table as a prospect.