Friday, June 1, 2012

Ohio Kids Garner National Recognition


Exposure is one of the primary things we try to accomplish with Buckeye Prep. We attempt to get kids the kind of quality exposure that will lead to national exposure and opportunities traditionally reserved for elite level players.  Also, when we see our kids making an impact on the national level, we are proud to write about it and share the information with our followers. Our friends at Middle School Hoops, a website devoted to highlighting elite middle school basketball players, has figured out what we have know for quite sometime, Ohio has a lot of great young talent! Recently, the website featured videos of some of Ohio's up and coming middle schoolers.  Check them out below.

Willie Jackson-6'3 PF Cleveland

Willie Jackson first burst onto the statewide scene at our 2011 fall elite showcase. Jackson, a 6'3 PF from Cleveland, took full advantage of his size, athleticism and explosiveness to log in a dominate performance at our showcase; so much so, he was selected to the showcase all-star team, where he played his way into Top 5 honors. Not only is Jackson squarely on our list of top 30 players, he is illegitimately considered a top 5 player statewide. Jackson is an 8th grader, and he will be attending Garfield Heights HS next year. The video shows some of Jackson's explosiveness as he catches a pass of the backboard for a dunk. (video).

Jaylen Harris-6'3 PF Cleveland

Jaylen Harris, a 6'3 PF from Cleveland, has attended the last 2 Buckeye Prep Showcases and has excelled on each occasion. Not only is Jackson on our top 30 list, he is widely considered the top kid in the class for the moment. Most fans are impressed with Harris' size, strength and his ability to score around the rim and block shots. Harris is an active defender, with good feet and mobility. In the video, Harris steals a ball from a guard for a break away dunk. (Video).

Paul "PJ" Jones-5'6 SG Columbus

It seems like we have been watching and writing about Paul "PJ" Jones for 10 years now. Jones, a 5'6 6th grader from Columbus, has long established the fact that he is one of the elite guards in the city, and state for that matter.  The best thing about Jones' game right now is his ability to shoot the 3-ball.  In addition, Jones is a solid defender with a good motor.  Traditionally, Jones has been a standout at our eliet showcases, and his name will likely appear on our list of top 30 players when we release it in the fall.  In the highlight video, Jones shows the world that he has game. (Video).

Derrick Daniels-6'6 PF Dayton

You have no doubt already seen the video showing Derrick Daniels throwing down an alley oop dunk during our showcase last fall, but since the video is also featured on the website, we thought we would mention him again.  By most accounts, Daniels is one of the 2 top big men in his class (along with Derek Funderburk). Not only has he established himself as a top 10 player in the state, he is now attracting national attention for his talent. (Video). Congrats to the players featured above, and thanks for making Ohio proud!

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