Flyin to the Hoop Under the Radar Prospects
Written by Dustin Kavanaugh
Under the Radar Performers
Jeremiah Russell | 6’0 Class 2026 | Delaware Hayes (OH)
Russell is a guard that often gets over-shadowed playing on the same team as Landon Vanderwarker. On Sunday Russell really opened the eyes of those in attendance as he helped lead Delaware Hayes to a big time victory against Western Reserve. He finished with 23 points and 4 rebounds in the contest but the thing that caught my attention most was he only had 1 turnover in the contest. He was playing the point and played just as many minutes as Vanderwarker. Russell is a guard who hardly comes off the floor because of his ability to lead and play with a high motor. He does not get exhausted out on the floor as he seems to be around every rebound and lose ball there is. Offensively he does an excellent job of getting the offense going and not getting rushed by his defender. Russell is a name to pay attention to this spring on the grassroots circuit.
Carter Piatt-Brown | 6’3 Class 2025 | Delaware Hayes (OH)
Piatt-Brown is a player that I have watched multiple times over the past few years on the grassroots scene. He is a player that impresses me every time I watch him play. He is so fundamental and efficient with his game. On Sunday he shot a perfect 6/6 from the field going 3 for 3 from deep and finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds. He is the leader and glue guy that holds this team together and can really elevate them to a possible state championship appearance this March. Piatt-Brown is one of the most underrated players in the 2025 class in the entire state. He can absolutely help win games at the next level for a program that puts an emphasis on shooting, hustle, and overall culture.
Trey Sam | 6’3 Class 2027 | Centerville (OH)
Trey is a transfer from Bellbrook where he attended his freshman year. He stepped in at the perfect time as Centerville does not have the fire power that they usually have in years past. Trey is a player to absolutely keep your eyes on as he continues his HS career. Sam showed a lot of poise and leadership for his team on Sunday against one of the best teams in the state of Ohio. Trey ended up with only 9 points and 2 rebounds but he was a player that has a game that does not always show up on the stat sheet. He did a great job defending the multiple D1 prospects on the other side of the ball. He ended up fouling out late when they had to start fouling to try to get back in the game. Trey is going to be a big piece at Centerville over the next few years as others graduate this May and the underclass start to step up into bigger roles.
Favor McFadden | 6’4 Class 2025 | Pickerington North (OH)
Favor is a player that really caught my attention early and often for Pick North. At 6’4 and 180lbs he is big and strong enough to defend multiple positions. He runs the floor like a deer as he goes basket to basket quick and gets to the right spots all game long. His guards who are extremely high level often find him as he rolls to the basket in the P&R game or when he runs the dunker spot for North. McFadden finished with 17 points mostly working the paint but he did step out and knock down a 3 ball as well. He is going to have to continue to play at a high level in order to elevate Pick North to a run in the tournament.