Spiece: Dane Goodwin continues to show improvement
FORT WAYNE, Indiana – Some of the very best hit the floor at the Spiece Run-N-Slam and on Sunday, when the lights were the brightest, a few of the top from the upcoming high school classes made a statement. Heading back to Ohio with the 17-under championship trophy is the All Ohio Red program thanks to the impressive play of Dane Goodwin, an Ohio State commit that did a bit of everything in granting his team an undefeated weekend in Indiana.
Recruitment: COMMITTED TO OHIO STATE
His day: Goodwin has been committed to the Buckeyes for over two years now and oftentimes, we forget just how good and how much better the 6-foot-4 guard has gotten. Goodwin nailed four 3-point jumpers and chipped in with 16 points in his team's championship contest. He had been a standout all weekend and looks to be primed for immediate minutes in Columbus thanks to his shot making, improved ball handling and IQ for the game.
Recruitment: Maryland, Xavier, and Purdue offers with interest from Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Syracuse, and Arkansas interest
His day: Bazley, getting a one week run in with the Ohio NOVA Tillman team this weekend, was not afraid to carry his new squad on the scoreboard. The lefty looks to have grown to 6-foot-9 as he scored at the basket on straight line drive attacks, hit a number of mid-range jumpers off the bounce and also displayed the ability to lead the break off of the defensive rebound.
Quote: “I want to explore my options and see what every school is like.
“I just want to take it slow, enjoy the process and when the time is right, that’s when I will commit.”
Prediction: Backing away from nearly a year long commitment to Ohio State, Bazley is just settling into his second go around with his recruitment. Purdue and Xavier jumped in immediately with an offer as they could be seen as the early leaders for him; expect for many of the best nationally to pursue the talented forward this summer.
Recruitment: Florida State, Florida, Clemson, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio State, Purdue, Xavier, Cincinnati and many others
His day: Playing a year up on the 17-under level, Mitchell more than held his own against the best. The 6-foot-7 small forward, who looks like one of the best at his spot within the 2019 class nationally, sported excellent ball skills and finishing abilities at the basket. He will head to Montverde Academy (FL) in the fall but before then, he looks primed for a fantastic summer on the Nike EYBL circuit.
Quote: “I went to Michigan in the fall and visited Indiana in the fall. I should be visiting Iowa and Xavier soon, and Florida whenever I go down there.”
Prediction: Things remain wide open for Mitchell as some of the top Midwest programs have already begun to prioritize the top-50 sophomore. However, his move to Florida coinciding with the uptick in attention on FSU's end could make the Seminoles a leader for the talented small forward.
Recruitment: DePaul and UAB offers with Notre Dame interest
His day: Steward was tremendous all weekend long and while his team went down in defeat on Sunday, it does not undercut just how impressive the freshman was. The Meanstreets product was a ball of energy and someone that was comfortable creating for others before himself. One of the top talents out of the Windy City, Steward stated his case as one of the best Midwest prospects in his 2020 class.
Quote (on DePaul): “It is a nice school overall. They are trying to recruit the top kids out of Chicago to go there so we can have a good Chicago team so they can get going again.”
Prediction: Things are just beginning for Steward but look for the top local programs to hastily pursue the impressive guard in the years ahead.
Recruitment: DePaul offer
His day: Pairing up alongside DJ Stewart on the Meanstreets 15-under backcourt, Stewart made a statement with his play on Sunday. He found any shot that he wanted and was more than capable of hitting contested looks out to the perimeter. A heavy scorer's mindset is always in tow as Beard can fill it up with the best of them and looks ready to announce himself as a top 2020 prospect within his region.
Quote: “It is just great getting that first offer but I have to keep working on my game to get more offers. I am also hearing from Nebraska, Creighton and Virginia.”
Prediction: Just like Stewart, things are just kicking off for Beard on the recruiting front. Kudos to DePaul for throwing out Beard's first offer but do expect many more to come through as Beard has the makings of a high-major 2-guard option in the 2020 class.