Introducing Elmore James IV

James Elmore IV

As most Buckeye Prep Report fans know, many of the elite 2022 players in the state have been featured extensively on this website. Guys like Chris Livingston, Paul McMillian IV, Sonny Johnson Jr. and Khalil Luster have made their names with standout performances at Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases and other competitive events around the state; consequently, their success has been well documented. Well, with each season, as players grow and develop, new names emerge on the scene and demand recognition.  Although he enjoyed some success running with Court Leaders last season, his talent went mostly unrecognized.  His outstanding play and all-star game selection at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase last September convinced us we needed to give James his props.

He’s not yet a hot name, and most fans who follow this class have not seen nor heard much about him, but Elmore James IV (5’9/WF/South Euclid/2022) can play, and deserves to be recognized on the statewide stage.  We first saw James play at an NEO event this past February and were really impressed with his game.  In fact, in our post event report we described James as “…big, athletic and plays hard.  James runs the floor well and finishes at a high rate around the basket.  James has good genics as well; as he’s a relative of Ohio State commit Derek Funderburk. We think James’ upside is huge…”

Based on what James is currently accomplishing with his 7^th grade Memorial Middle School in South Euclid, where he’s averaging 24 points per game, including a high game of 29 points, James has his 5-2 Arcs squad on a 5-game winning street, and it’s clear that what we saw in February was no fluke. Also, the fact that his cousin, Ohio State’s Derek Funderburk is 6’9, projections that James will to grow 6’7-6’9 is realistic.  In addition, with his current skill set, size and strength, it would not surprise us if James ends up playing college basketball at the D-I level.

We asked a couple of people about James’ game and the conscience is that he’s big, athletic, with a developing skill set.  Specifically, with his size and ball skills, James is versatile, allowing him to play multiple positions from the point to the post.  In addition, James’ size allows him to finish with contact, and his skill set, IQ and decision making equips him to be effective further away from the basket. Not only is James handling his business on the court, he’s an honor role student and with an A/B average. According to his father, James is likely to attend Brush High School in a couple of years.

James is currently weighing a couple AAU team options, both of which would put him in a more competitive situation and allow for even more exposure. We certainly expect to keep an eye on James’ development when the 2017 season tips off in March.  You can catch James in action at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase on March 4^th, and again at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament March 31-April 2^nd. Welcome to the big stage James Elmore!

Buckeye Prep Top 2022 Player List