Flyin’ to the Hoop: 7 players to watch

Gary Trent Jr. has signed to play at Duke. USA BASKETBALL PHOTO

Gary Trent Jr. has signed to play at Duke. USA BASKETBALL PHOTO

Here are seven of the top out-of-state players who will show why they're among the nation's most sough-after recruits in the 15th annual Premier Health Flyin' to the Hoop .

The four-day, 20-game midseason boys basketball production that will feature 37 teams will play out at Fairmont’s Trent Arena on Friday through Monday over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. First up is Friday’s opening doubleheader, Sidney vs. Fairmont at 6:30 p.m. followed by IMG Academy (Fla.) vs. Hamilton Heights (Tenn.) at 8:15 p.m.

Gary Trent Jr., 6-5, sr., G, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.): If that names sounds familiar, you're correct. He's the 6-foot-5 son of former Ohio University hammer Gary Trent (1993-95), otherwise known as the "Shaq of the MAC." Junior has signed with Duke, meaning he could be a future Blue Devils teammate of Franklin's Luke Kennard, should Kennard return for his junior season.

Paul Scruggs, 6-3, sr., PG, Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.): Signed with Xavier over Indiana, OSU, Kansas and Louisville, among many other offers. Was a standout at Indianapolis Southport and a candidate for Indiana's Mr. Basketball before transferring.

Trevon Duval, 6-3, sr., PG, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.): Hasn't signed, but has offers from Duke, Kansas and Arizona, among others. From Wilmington, Del., IMG is his third school in as many years, which also includes Advanced Prep (Dallas) and St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.). USA Today ranks him the nation's No. 1 point guard.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 6-5, sr., PG, Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.): From Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, his name will become more familiar once he starts playing at Kentucky. Decommitted to Florida, contacted UK and signed with the Big Blue soon after.

Silvio De Sousa, 6-8, jr., F, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.): Reportedly has narrowed his choices to Louisville and Florida. From Primero Agosto, Angola. Was considered the nation's No. 1 freshman player. Transferred to IMG after two outstanding seasons at Montverde Academy (Fla.). Left Angola in January 2015 for the U.S.

Terry Armstrong, 6-4, so., F, Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.): Transferred from Flint Carman-Ainsworth (Mich.) for Wheeler last fall after also considering Findlay Prep (Nev.) and Huntington Prep (W.Va.). Is undeclared, and stock should soar.

Jaemyn Brakefield, 6-9, fr., F, Huntington Prep (W.Va.): From Jackson, Miss., was a sensation as an eighth-grader. He lists Kentucky among his future favorites.


PREMIER HEALTH FLYIN’ TO THE HOOP SCHEDULE

At Fairmont’s Trent Arena

Friday’s games

Sidney vs. Fairmont, 6:30 p.m.

IMG (Fla.) vs. Hamilton Heights (Tenn.), 8:15 p.m.

Saturday’s games

Alter girls vs. Cle. St. Joseph, 11:30 a.m.

Springfield vs. Col. Eastmoor Academy, 1:15 p.m.

Beavercreek vs. Hilliard Bradley, 3 p.m.

Pickerington Central vs. Wheeler (Ga.), 4:45 p.m.

Our Savior New American (N.Y.) vs. Massillon Jackson, 6:30 p.m.

Wayne vs. Huntington Prep (W.Va.), 8:15 p.m.

Sunday’s games

Gahanna Lincoln vs. Thurgood Marshall, 11:30 a.m.

Centerville vs. Cleveland Heights, 1:15 p.m.

Pickerington North vs. Akron SVSM, 3 p.m.

Upper Arlington vs. Garfield Heights, 4:45 p.m.

Prolific Prep (Calif.) vs. Huntington Prep (W.Va.), 6:30 p.m.

Dunbar vs. Covington Catholic (Ky.), 8:15 p.m.

Monday’s games

Tri-Village vs. Versailles, 11:30 a.m.

Trotwood-Madison vs. Prolific Prep (Calif.), 1:15 p.m.

Princeton vs. Wheeler (Ga.), 3 p.m.

Bethel vs. Cin. Roger Bacon, 4:45 p.m.

Chaminade Julienne vs. Wesley Christian (Ky.), 6:30 p.m.

Alter vs. Middletown, 8:15 p.m.

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