Kellogg watch list and the Top of the Crop

See who the leading contenders are for this year’s Clark Kellogg Award. Plus, rankings for the top area boys basketball teams.

The Clark Kellogg Award is presented annually to The News-Herald’s boys basketball player of the year. The winner will be announced after the completion of the state tournament on a date to be announced.

This list can fluctuate throughout the season. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Jaylen Anderson, Perry: Anderson (21 points per game) leads the 10-1Pirates in scoring.

Luke Chicone, Mentor: The senior point guard is averaging 23.7points, 7.9assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals. Scored career-high 40 points in last game Feb. 10 against Strongsville.

Josiah Harris, Richmond Heights: The junior forward leads the Spartans in scoring (18.9 points) and rebounds (11.0).

Daryl Houston, Beachwood: Houston is second in the area in scoring (27.6 points) and averaging 6.6 rebounds.

Elmore James, Brush: Leads the area in scoring at a 31.4-pointsper-game clip. Has 108 points in his last three games, including a 40-point effort against Mayfield Feb. 9.

Steven Key, Mentor: Averaging 16.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.9 steals for the Cardinals.

Chris Peoples, Fairport: Averaging 19 points, 15.4 rebounds (leads area) and 8assists (leads area) and has four triple-doubles this season.

Juan Sergio, Andrews Osborne: Senior forward averaging 15.2 points and 14.2 rebounds this season.

Jamail Spivey Jr., Cornerstone Christian: Spivey is third in the area in scoring (27.4 points) and averaging 5.1 assists.

Jamarr Talbert, Richmond Heights: Talbert is averaging 13.4 points and 5.4 assists for the Spartans.

Jonah Waag, Mentor: Second on the Cardinals in scoring (18.6) and is averaging 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals.