Ohio’s top high school boys basketball players: Meet the state’s best power forwards

Who are the top power forwards in Ohio high school boys basketball this season?

By Ryan Isley

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Ohio high school boys basketball.

Our first list focused on the shooting guards, next were the point guards, and then the small forwards. Now it's the power forwards' turn.

There are hundreds of standout boys basketball players in Ohio, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Use the comments section to discuss the other power forwards worthy of fans’ attention in 2021-22.

Pictured above is Wright State commit Drey Carter with his dad (photo courtesy of the Carter family).

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Drey Carter, Westerville South, senior, 6’8”

A versatile scorer who can create his own shot or score in the post. He has the skills of a smaller player in a bigger frame, which makes him a tough matchup against most players. As he has grown as a player, he has become a more aggressive defender.

Sean Craig, Sylvania Northview, senior, 6’7”

First-team All-Ohio selection last year after averaging 19.8 points, 12 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He is an elite defender who can guard all five spots. A great passer at his size, he is a tough matchup for most. He has signed with the University of Indianapolis.

Adam Duvall, Beavercreek, senior, 6’7”

A stretch-four, Duvall can shoot the ball from the perimeter with the accuracy of a pure shooter. A strong player, he creates a mismatch on the offensive side of the floor and can defend multiple positions on the defensive end.

CC Ezirim, Jerome, senior, 6’6”

Averaged eight points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game last season and does most of his damage on the defensive end. He is a freak athlete with great length, which makes him a great defensive player who causes issues for opposing scorers. He holds an offer from the University of Buffalo to play tight end in football.

Chase Garito, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, junior, 6’8”

He averaged 14 points per game last season as a sophomore. Can play either PF or C and has the ability to be an elite rebounder with his size and frame to go along with his interior scoring.

Josiah Harris, Richmond Heights, senior, 6’7”

Averaged 17.9 points and 11.1 rebounds last season in helping lead the Spartans to the state final four in Division IV. A West Virginia signee, his coach calls him one of the top players in the state and a Mr. Basketball candidate.

Nelson Johnson, Lutheran East, junior, 6’6”

Transferred to Lutheran East from University School for his junior season. He is super athletic, which makes him a great defender. On the offensive end of the floor, he can play with or without the ball.

Jack Kenneally, Elyria Catholic, senior, 6’7”

Averaged 19 points and 13.9 rebounds per game last season. He has a diverse skill set with excellent range on the perimeter and tremendous footwork and touch in the paint. Draws double and triple teams regularly, with uncanny vision to find the open man. Great rebounder and rim protector. Has been offered multiple Division I scholarships for football (where he is a WR), and college basketball coaches have ramped up their interest in him this season.

Jagger Landers, Antwerp, senior, 6’7”

A skilled player who can play inside and outside, he averaged 17.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game last season. Has a high knowledge of the game and puts the team in the right situations on offense and defense.

Tyler McKinley, Walnut Hills, sophomore, 6’9”

Was first-team all-league as a freshman after averaging 12 points and seven rebounds last season. He already holds scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Xavier, West Virginia, Kansas State, South Carolina and Miami of Ohio, with heavy interest from several other Division I schools. 

Zack Oddo, Green, senior, 6’5”

A two-time All-Federal League selection, Oddo averaged 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds last season as a junior. He can play all five positions and is the team’s top rebounder and defender. He was honorable mention All-Ohio last season and has signed with Walsh University.

Jacob Pleiman, Botkins, senior, 6’6”

Earned second-team All-Ohio honors last season as well as first-team all-conference and All-Southwest District in helping lead Botkins to its first state title in school history. He averaged 14.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. His work ethic and dedication sets a great example for underclassmen to follow. 

Rich Rolf, Centerville, senior, 6’7”

Averaged a double-double last season with 14.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. A versatile player, he is willing to do whatever the team needs him to do in order to help them win.

Devin Royal, Pickerington Central, junior, 6’6”

Averaged 13.9 points per game as a sophomore and worked on his shooting this offseason, as his work ethic is unmatched. An athletic power forward, he now has better ball-handling skills to go along with his power game. He has already received more than 15 Division I offers.

Louie Semona, St. Xavier, senior, 6’7”

He is a versatile all-around player who can score, pass and rebound. He is a good shooter from the perimeter but also has the ability to attack the basket off the dribble. His size and athleticism make him a tough matchup for most opponents.

Troy Scowden, Buckeye Valley, senior, 6’8”

Honorable mention All-Ohio last year with 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks per game. He can play inside or outside and runs the floor well. He has the strength to score against defenders in the paint but the touch to step outside and hit a jumper. He plays with a high motor.

Ben Southerland, Sycamore, senior, 6’7”

Transferred from Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. He can play both forward spots and has the ability to shoot from the perimeter as well as score in the paint. His length helps him on the defensive end, especially against smaller wing players. He has committed to play at Liberty University.

Tavian Tatum, Garfield Heights, senior, 6’7”

He averaged 11.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game last season. A strong power forward who can post up in the paint and overpower opponents, but he can also explode past defenders on the perimeter.

Tyler Williams, Brush, junior, 6’8”

He averaged a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds per game as a sophomore, but only played half the season due to injury. He can play either the 3 or the 4 and is a good finisher.