10 central Ohio boys high school basketball players to watch in OHSAA postseason
Every team, regardless of the sport, has its stars.
Then there are the less heralded, though no less important, players whose contributions are every bit as critical to their team’s success.
Here are 10 players, listed alphabetically, to watch in the Central District boys basketball tournaments. Not all of them are stars, but each player is crucial in his own way.
Divisions I, II and III begin play Tuesday. Division IV gets underway Wednesday.
Carson Davis, Bloom-Carroll
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound sophomore wing has become a focal point for the Bulldogs (14-7), the fourth seed in Division II. The son of coach Ryan Davis is averaging more than 16 points per game with a career-high 30 on Jan. 12 against Hamilton Township. Davis has had several double-doubles this year, including 21 points and 13 rebounds on Feb. 13 against Hamilton Township, and creates mismatches on the perimeter as a capable outside shooter.
Ethan Godfrey, Hartley
A 6-3 shooting guard, coach Andreas James called Godfrey the “glue guy” for a Hawks (18-3) team that is the top seed in Division II and is ranked fifth statewide. Godfrey, whose play complements 36.6 points per game from guards Jaden and Jakhi Calloway and forward Pharez Nicholas, is the only senior who plays significant minutes and has started all season.
Riley Helmuth, Shekinah Christian
The lone senior in Shekinah Christian’s regular rotation, Helmuth has helped lead the Flames (19-3) to the most wins in program history and their best postseason seed at No. 2 in Division IV. The 6-0 forward averages 6.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Carter Jury, Northside Christian
A 6-6, 235-pound senior starting center, Jury has played a key role in Northside Christian’s continued success, including a Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League title (11-1). The Lions (16-5) are seeded first in Division IV and seeking a second consecutive district title. Jury averages 9.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists and has made 16 of 41 shots from 3-point range.
Keegan Knupp, Olentangy Orange
A 6-3 junior wing/forward, Knupp helped Orange (21-1) win an undefeated OCC-Central title (10-0) and earn the top seed in Division I. Knupp averages 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds. The Pioneers are seeking a second consecutive district championship.
Thorne Love, Linden-McKinley
The junior forward has become a dependable complement to star guards Emmanuel and Philip Towns and forward Kevin Darthard III. Love averaged 9.0 points in City League-North play, helping the Panthers (16-6) to a tie for the division championship with Northland and the seventh seed in Division II.
Holtz Maine, Fairbanks
The 6-5 junior forward is a versatile leader for the Panthers (18-4), who are seeded sixth in Division III and coming off their fifth consecutive Ohio Heritage Conference championship. Holtz averages 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals while shooting 55.6% from the field. He had three double-digit rebounding games in the regular season and a single-game scoring high of 27 points.
Carter Mallernee, Northridge
A 6-4 senior guard, Mallernee is the top player for a Vikings (17-5) team that earned the fourth seed in Division III and tied Heath for its second consecutive Licking County League-Cardinal championship. The LCL Player of the Year two years running and a third-team all-state selection last season, Mallernee scored a career-high 53 points on Jan. 21 against Fairview.
Ben Mirgon, Hilliard Bradley
Mirgon, a 5-11 freshman who starts at guard, has helped put the Jaguars in position to compete for their first district title since 2021. Bradley (16-5) is seeded fifth in Division I. Mirgon averages 8.3 points and 4.1 assists.
Carter Piatt-Brown, Delaware Hayes
On a team loaded with standout athletes, Piatt-Brown is “an unsung hero,” coach Adam Vincenzo said. The 6-3 junior starting guard averages 6.7 points, 3.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds, helping the Pacers (21-1) win the OCC-Capital at 13-1 and earn the No. 2 seed in Division I.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Players to watch in Greater Columbus boys basketball postseason
