Boys basketball stats and Top of the Crop

Nate Barnes has this week’s area rankings, statistics and the Clark Kellogg watch list. Plus, this week’s players of the week.

From now through the end of the season, The NewsHerald will publish a list of candidates for the Clark Kellogg Award given to the area’s boys basketball player of the year.

This year’s Clark Kellogg Award winner will be announced after the completion of the state tournament. Details will be released at a later date. Candidates are listed below, in alphabetical order. This list is not final and subject to change.

Chris Blauman, Madison:

Nearly a guaranteed doubledouble, senior forward ranks among the area’s best with 21 points and 10 rebounds per game. Centerpiece of a resurgent season for the Blue Streaks.

Luke Chicone, Mentor:

Youngstown State commit averages 18.9 points, six assists and 2.5 steals per game for the Cardinals. Ranks among the area leaders with 41 3-pointers. The product of a rich basketball lineage, Chicone ranks among Northeast Ohio’s craftiest players.

Roderick Coffee III,

Harvey: Red Raiders’ point guard averages 14.8points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and an area-best 4.4steals per game alongside 43 3-pointers made this year. One of the state’s top talents in the Class of 2022.

Faris Dahman, University:

Junior guard has keyed the Preppers’ strong season with team-best averages of 14.9points and 3.5assists per game. Ranks among the area leaders with 53 3-pointers made.

Luka Eller, Lake Catholic: Stands among the area’s best averaging 21.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Dominant inside force already ranks as the Cougars’ all-time leading scorer and will challenge the 2,000-point threshold for his career. Miami (Ohio) signee was a 2019 Clark Kellogg Award finalist.

Luke Floriea, Mentor:

Averages 15.6 points and a team-best 2.9steals per game for the Cardinals, while ranking among the area’s best with 6.4assists per game. A 2019 Clark Kellogg Award finalist, Floriea surpassed 1,000 career points against Medina on Jan. 31. Arguably the engine of a high-powered Mentor team.

Luke Frazier, Lake Catholic: High-flying guard averages a team-high 22.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and two blocks per game for the Cougars. Dayton signee dropped a careerhigh 37points against Holy Name Feb. 18.

Jaden Hameed, VASJ:

Junior guard reached 1,000 career points earlier this season. Leads the area in scoring at 24.4 points per game and has made 59 3-pointers to go with 4.2 assists per game. One of the best pure scorers in Northeast Ohio.

Josiah Harris, Richmond

Heights: Sophomore wing leads the Spartans with 20.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. One of the most dangerous all-around players at 6-foot-7 with the ability to score in the post, shoot from the perimeter and protect the rim.

Daryl Houston, Beachwood: Dynamic junior point guard leads Beachwood with 22.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.3assists and 3.3 steals per game. One of the area’s best defensive players, regardless of position.

John Hugley, Brush: Dominant 6-foot-10 senior leads Brush with 23.1 points, area-best 12.5rebounds and 4.5assists per game. Set the Arcs’ single-game scoring record with 52 points in their WRC-clinching victory at Mayfield. Pitt signee will garner attention as a Mr.

Basketball candidate.

Josh Irwin, West Geauga:

Leads the Wolverines with 22.6 points and a 12.3 rebounds per game and has made 52 3-pointers. Still a junior, Irwin is on pace to finish his career as one of the greatest to play at West Geauga.

Connor O’Toole, Gilmour:

One of Northeast Ohio’s most skilled all-around players leads the Lancers with 12.4points, 5.8assists and 1.8steals per game. Fifty-three 3-pointers ranks among the area’s leaders. Became the Lancers’ all-time leader in assists and 3-point shooting this season.

Chad Rogers, Mentor:

A Penn State baseball signee, the senior forward has dominated in his final basketball season. Leads the Cardinals with 21.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and has also knocked down 33 3-pointers. Rogers possesses one of the state’s best blends of post scoring and perimeter shooting.

Bishop Thomas, Harvey:

Leads the Red Raiders with 19.4 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, and ranks among the area leaders with 2.7 blocks per game. All-around difference-maker for Harvey, this year’s CVC Lake champion.