Wheeling, WV – Each calendar year, our staff starts off by scouting the loaded Cancer Research Classic in Wheeling, WV. The event, now in its 13th year, routinely features division 1 players of all levels and multiple future NBA players along with one of the best event staffs in the country. This year featured some teams who were new to the event and thus a chance to see players outside of our normal area of coverage as well as some programs who play in the event every year.

As follows is the results and top players from day 1 of the event:

Game Results:

Chapmanville (WV) defeats Wheeling Park (WV), 60-48

            Game MVP: 2020 C Obinna Anochili-Killen (Chapmanville) – 17 pts, 14 rebs, 6 blocks

ISA Andrews Osborne (OH) defeats First Love Christian (PA), 73-61

            Game MVP: 2021 C Charles Bediako (ISA) – 16 pts, 15 rebs

Sunrise Christian (KS) defeats La Lumiere (IN), 52-39

            Game MVP: 2020 F Dillon Jones (Sunrise) – 13 pts, 7 rebs

Wasatch Academy (UT) defeats Roman Catholic (PA) 72-52

            Game MVP: 2020 C Mady Sissoko (Wasatch) – 13 pts, 7 rebs, 3 blocks

Mater Dei (CA) defeats Bishop Walsh (MD), 71-60

            Game MVP: 2020 PG Devin Askew (Mater Dei)

Huntington Prep (WV) defeats Roselle Catholic (NJ), 73-54

            Game MVP: 2020 F Jaemyn Brakefield 16 pts, 8 rebs, 6 asts

Top Players:

Charles Bediako – 2021 C – ISA Andrews Osborne (OH)
Bediako was a force in the paint on both ends in ISA’s win over First Love Christian on Friday afternoon. He showed off his talent as a rim protector, blocking shots and altering many more. The big fella runs the floor well and has good hands, allowing him to finish around the basket and in transition. ON top of it, he’s still tapping into his upside as a player and only figures to get better in the next year.

Keon Ambrose – 2020 F – ISA Andrews Osborne (OH) – Alabama signee
Ambrose brings a lot to the table as a versatile swingman, both offensively and defensively. He was very effective driving the ball to the basket and hitting mid range jumpers. Defensively, he showed the ability to switch everything and use his athleticism to guard a variety of positions. He will help Alabama win games in the future. 

Jalen Duren – 2022 C – Roman Catholic (PA)
Emoni Bates is the #1 2022 player in the nation and for good reason, but Jalen Duren would contend for the #1 spot in almost any other class. Dripping with raw talent, Duren dominated around the basket in his team’s loss to Wasatch. He dunked everything he could, cleaned the glass on both ends of the floor, and blocked shots. The monster big man has been discussed as one of the first kids who could jump straight to the NBA from HS and based on his performance today, it is easy to see why.

Michael Saunders Jr. – 2020 PG – Wasatch Academy – Cincinnati signee
As one college coach in the gym said, “the common theme of Saunders’ teams is they always win.” Mike had a very good game for Wasatch on Friday, pushing the ball in transition and being the piece that made their offense go. He drove the lane and found guys for open shots and scored at the rim in transition. He will have an opportunity for immediate playing time at Cincinnati and based on what we saw today, he should earn some early minutes.

Caleb Lohner – 2020 F – Wasatch Academy (UT) – Utah Signee
Utah looks like they got a perfect player to fit the modern game of basketball. Lohner is tough but skilled 4 man that checks a lot of boxes when it comes to winning. He was at his best operating from the high post, where he can make shots, drive, or find open guys on the wings. He had a monster slam in transition and overall did a great job on defense.

Devin Askew – 2020 PG – Mater Dei (CA) – Kentucky signee
Devin was probably the best player on day 1 of the event. He is a pure PG that can score whenever he wants. There was not a shot on the floor he couldn’t get off the bounce and he made the players around him better. He’s got an excellent handle and great feel for the game. He will step into immediate big minutes at Kentucky and it’s hard not to see him doing well.