Richland County Hoopers

<p style="text-align: center">Throughout this off-season, the Prep Girls Hoops staff will be taking a close look at some of the top underclassmen across all of Ohio’s 88 counties.</p> <p style="text-align: center">When it comes to high school girls basketball talent, Richland County is one of the deepest locations in North Central Ohio. With a dozen high schools of all different sizes, Richland County is typically full of teams that win conference tournaments and make deep post-season runs. Although a number of players from their schools graduated and will be furthering their basketball careers at the next level, there is still plenty of talent left in Mansfield and the surrounding areas.</p> <p style="text-align: center">Let’s take a look at a number of talented underclassmen from Richland County.</p> [caption id="attachment_47401" align="alignleft" width="300"] Sydney Cavanaugh can score from anywhere on the court. (Photo Credit: Richland Source)[/caption] <strong>Sydney Cavanaugh - Mansfield St. Peter's - 6'0 Guard - Class of 2020 </strong> Cavanaugh can flat out put the ball in the basket. Although she saw a number of junk defenses, playing with a very young team last year at Mansfield St. Peter's, Sydney can score in a variety of ways. At over 6'0, she has no problem posting up or backing down smaller defenders. She is a dead-eye catch-and-shoot kid from mid-range and 3-point range. She has developed as an above-average  rebounder. <strong>Avery Coleman - Lexington - 5'11 Post - Class of 2021</strong> Avery is a very raw post player. It is clear when you watch her that she has a ton of untapped potential. She is an athlete right now who is playing basketball. An elite rebounder, Coleman grabbed over 20 caroms in multiple games during the 2018-2019 season for Lexington. Her post game is not polished and she needs to give more consistent effort - if she does, she is a big-time prospect. <strong>JayJahnae Feagin - Mansfield Senior - 5'10 Forward - Class of 2020 </strong> Feagin is a nice offensive weapon with mismatch potential. She has turned into a "point-forward" who can bring the ball down the court and initiate the offense when needed. She is a good 3-point shooter, who can hit the trifecta off of the bounce or in catch-and-shoot situations. JayJahnae is at her best when she is posting up and working against smaller defenders on the block. She is a good rebounder, as well. <strong>Kenedi Goon - Crestview - 6'1 Post - Class of 2021</strong> Goon is one of the top basketball players in North Central Ohio, although volleyball may be her best sport and is probably the sport that she will choose to pursue at the collegiate level. She is a quick leaper who can score with either hand on the block. Kenedi will also catch and face, where she can take a dribble or two if needed. She is an excellent shot blocker who can control a game defensively. [caption id="attachment_47402" align="alignright" width="203"] Jessie Grover is one of Ohio's top players in Division 4. (Photo Credit: Bucyrus Telegraph Forum)[/caption] <strong>Jessie Grover - Lucas - 5'8 Forward - Class of 2020</strong> Grover has helped transform Lucas from bottom-dweller status to one of the top D4 teams in the area. She is a 1000 point scorer and 2-time All-Ohioan. A physical wing, Grover constantly attacks defenses. It is not uncommon for her to take double-digit free throw attempts in a game, as she also makes her way to the foul line by grabbing a high number of offensive rebounds. <strong>Kat Leeper - Crestview - 5'8 Guard - Class of 2020</strong> Leeper is an outstanding athlete who is really beginning to come into her own as a basketball player. She can shoot the 3 and score off of the dribble around the rim and in the mid-range. She is a great defender who can guard multiple positions. Kat is at her best in an up-tempo game. <strong>Sophia Niese - Shelby - 5'5 Guard - Class of 2022</strong> Niese is the lone freshman on our list, after bursting onto the scene and earning all-league and all-district honors for the Whippets during her first season. She is one of the top playmakers in the area, averaging nearly 4 assists per contest. She is also a good pressure defender and can knock down an open jumper when her teammates are double-teamed. Although she primarily played point guard, she does have combo guard potential. <strong>Carleigh Pearson - Ontario - 5'6 Guard - Class of 2021 </strong> Pearson has one of the highest ceilings of all of the players on the list today. She is a true combo-guard who can get double-digit assists as the primary ball-handler or score 25 in the scoring role. Carleigh uses her athleticism to get to the rim at will, although she is probably more effective at this point in her career as a jump shooter. She has extended range on her 3-ball and makes a high percentage of her attempts. [caption id="attachment_47405" align="alignleft" width="179"] Emma Randall could be the best player in Richland County. (Photo Credit: Mansfield News Journal)[/caption] <strong>Emma Randall - Shelby - 6'0 Guard - Class of 2020</strong> Shelby had Richland County's best team in 2018-2019 and their best player may have been Emma Randall. Randall is a long and lanky guard with a great finishing package at the rim using both hands. She is a good rebounder who will often times grab a defensive board and go coast-to-coast. She blocks a lot of shots and has a high release on 3-point jumper, which allows her to get it off anytime that she wants. <strong>Jenna Wolford - Temple Christian - 5'7 Guard - Class of 2020 </strong> At times, Wolford gets overshadowed because she attends the area's smallest HS, however that shouldn't be the case. Her 41-point explosion against Fredericktown introduced her to area fans who may not have been familiar with her before. The multi-sport standout is a slasher with great court vision. She is constantly attacking the rim and does a nice job of converting her free throws at a high rate.