Upstate Unsigned Seniors Pt. II
The season stays winding down, and it’s hard to believe we’re nearly halfway into February. Regardless, the teams at the top are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the pack, and so many players have continued to do well for themselves as we push towards playoff hoops. In this piece, we take a look at more unsigned seniors. Unlike past articles, this will not alter from section to section, but rather just an overview of names for coaches of all levels.
Sidenote: In our last article, I had mistakenly labeled Greece Athena (5) guard Russell Ellis as a member of the Class of 2026. Ellis is a Junior, Class of 2027.
Miles Nelen - Cooperstown (3)
Nelen was previously featured in our Upstate NY Midseason Report, but now we’ll evaluate the senior guard, who has led Cooperstown to this point unscathed (18-0), with a little more depth. Nelen, who has now surpassed 500 points for the second straight season, is averaging just about 28 ppg this campaign, seriously impressive considering the rest he could receive each game as the Hawkeyes have failed to win by double digits just ONCE all season. Nelen, often characterized as a sharpshooter, which he is - does so much more than just shoot the ball well. He handles, sets his teammates up, defends, and is just as much of a threat when attacking the rim. He’s recorded 5 or more three’s made in 6 contests this season, which given his scoring totals, is evidence that he can do more than just shoot it at a high percentage. He is a crafty finisher and has elite awareness and IQ - getting to the line and locating advantages for the undefeated Hawkeyes. He’s got all the tools to contribute beyond the high school level - and if doing it for Class C Cooperstown doesn’t convince you - he did much of the same for City Rocks Hope last summer.
Culver and Fairport are one of my favorite watches across the State. Culver, albeit 5’10”, has all the makings of a true point guard. The size may hinder some interest, but he has the speed, length, and scoring ability to compensate, excelling at getting to the paint and creating looks for teammates while using his craft to create his own looks too. He values each possession and rarely turns the ball over - a key quality for a pass-first guard with the ball in his hands often. Culver makes those around him better, and certainly thrives around comparable talent, as he has for 16-0 Fairport. He looks for his bigs and lob threats, and given his ability to penetrate defenses, he continually dishes to shooters. Make no mistake, though, Culver can put the ball in the net from all three levels - a good and efficient shooter from distance and grace combined with athleticism in the midrange makes him a threat from everywhere offensively. Defensivel,y he is a pest, plays with a high motor, and applies great on-ball pressure, a primary catalyst behind Fairport's continued success.
Anthony Bryant - East Syracuse Minoa (3)
Another tough guard, as are most under-the-radar impact guys, Bryant has made winning plays all season to lead ESM to a 15-2 record (12-0 in division). Bryant, strong and athletic with above the rim capabilities, is a versatile threat offensively. He’s got a tough midrange game given his bounce, and attracts multiple defenders with the ball in his hands, which helps usher his ability to assist teammates. He’s scrappy defensively and never afraid to get after it against taller opposition. At 6’, he’s very sharp with his back to the basket - able to use his strength to back defenders down on the block. He’s quick in attack and prefers scoring at and around the rim, a testament to his physical characteristics and style of play. He’s averaging 17 points, 7 boards, and 4 assists per game, and recently surmounted 1,000 points for his career.
Finn Taberski - Orchard Park (6)
Taberski, 6’4” with great length, offers a different profile than the guards that precede him here. Taberski leads Buffalo’s Orchard Park in scoring at nearly 15 per game and has taken more than half of his shots this season from three. He’s good for above 50% from the field and nearly 35% from distance on high volume. He plays a methodical game, and when not spotting up, he’s picking his drives and getting out in transition. He finishes above the rim and is excellent at drawing fouls and using his defender to create space and display that wingspan. His skill and physical attributes make him a player worth monitoring.
Justus Kleitz - Iroquois (6)
Kleitz is averaging an absurd 35 ppg for the 14-1 Red Hawks with 5 games remaining on the schedule. This is in addition to the 6 assists and steals each that he averages per game. The 6’1”, 2,000-point scoring southpaw is an elite athlete, also quarterbacking the Iroquois football team. Kleitz does everything for his team, and based on his ability to pass, see the floor, and make those around him better, it’s a miracle that Iroquois isn’t averaging 150 points each game - though they are yet to be challenged outside of their lone loss to St. Mary’s Lancaster. Only three times this season has Kleitz failed to hit the 30 point mark (29,26,26), and he’s recorded more than 40 four times, including a 52 point barrage back in December. Kleitz doesn’t solely rely on the three either, though, showing off his smooth jumper at a high percentage - he plays with confidence and poise, using bursts of speed to shake defenders before getting to his spots. That football strength helps him down low, as he’s often finishing through contact or rising up over. He’s not afraid to play a little bully ball against weaker players and often gets rewarded with trips to the foul line. Again, he is a terrific passer and is consistently finding his teammates. Those sort of qualities will bring great success as the crafty and creative Kleitz looks to lead Iroquois come playoff time.
Harlem Brannon - Kenmore West (6)
Making up for some of the missed coverage out in Buffalo, we now feature the Blue Devils all-time scoring leader, Harlem Brannon. Harlem, like Kleitz, has a series of eye-popping box scores and also doubles as an impactful football player. The 5’11” guard is averaging 24 points, nearly 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals per contest. He’s got six double-doubles on the year (all with rebounds), and a number of near triple-doubles, an indication of his hard-working motor. The football strength impacts his efficiency around the rim and on the boards, his rebounding totals aren’t typically something you see coming from someone at his position. He plays at a great pace, consistently in control, able to step into his shots or draw defenders in before blowing by with an athletic finish at the rim. His defense often results in production on the other end too, as Brannon is very smooth in running the break. Another extremely talented dual-sport athlete should have his selection of where and what he wants to play at the next level.
Gannon Logue - Hudson (2)
While Keith Robinson continues to garner attention, and rightfully so, I figured it was appropriate to feature Hogue, who visually and maybe even statistically may be one of the best spot-up guys in all of Upstate NY. Numbers at the high school level aren’t always accurate or easy to track, but upon my research, Logue has attempted 161 three-pointers this year and connected on around 45% of them, including a stretch of games earlier in the season where he had knocked down 30 in four games. A couple of certainties when watching Logue, though - he has great mechanics and isn’t shy from letting it fly from the college line and even comfortably behind that. While Robinson continues as the star, Logue has been key to the Bluehawks success, and it is my belief that his quick, smooth release and accuracy from beyond the arc may very well land him on a roster beyond his time at Hudson. For now, Logue, Robinson & Co. will be very focused on winning some silverware to cap what has been a tremendous season for Hudson.
Russell Ellis
Anthony Bryant
Gannon Culver
Miles Nelen