By most accounts, the 2011 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase was the best ever! Approximately 220 of Ohio’s best middle and high school ballers rolled in Central Crossing High School in Grove City, Ohio to participate in the one-day showcase. Not only did the Buckeye State’s top hoops stars attend the event, kids from as far away as Wisconsin, New York, Michigan and Indiana participated in the action. The competition level in each of the three divisions was fierce, and there were scouting services and the highlight video guys in the house documenting and filming the action. ESPN’s John Stovall was in the gym, as was City League Hoops’ Ty Kish and Cap City Preps.
Top Sophomore
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| Monty Boykins-2013 |
Although there were a number of great players in attendance at the showcase, Lakota West’s Monty Boykins clearly established himself as the top 2013 prospect in the gym. Boykins has a super smooth game, is very skilled and can really shoot the rock. From what I hear, Boykins has already been offered a scholarship by Miami of Ohio. In addition to Boykins, you might want to keep an eye on Zach Denny, a 6’0 shooting guard from Valley View High School in the Dayton. Denny had an impressive day and he really had his shoot clicking.
Top Freshman
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| Chris Sanka Davis-2014 |
Although Akron Buchtel’s Chris “Sanka” Davis has only lived in Ohio for about 3 weeks, his electrifying play on Sunday puts him in the conversation as one of the top freshmen in the state. Davis, a 6’4 small forward, jumps out of the gym, and he put on a one-man dunk contest the entire the day. Although Davis began his basketball career late, and still has several areas if improvement, but his explosiveness is already big time.
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| Carlin Dupree-2014 |
Davis was not the only player with freakish bounce; Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s Carlin Dupree put on his own dunking show this past weekend, as he had several highlight dunks of his own. Dupree is a 6’5 combo guard from Bay View High School in Milwaukee. All I can say, I’m glad he made the long trip to Columbus, because he was a pleasue to watch. Some of the other standout performers included: DeAndre Martin, Dejorr Gibson, John Roberts, Javon Bess, Trajan Seay (Michigan) and Jaylen Tucker. See the list of the other all-stars in the accompanying story.
Top 8th Grader
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| Amos "AJ" Harris-2015 |
For most observers in the gym, the top 8th grader at the event was Dayton’s Amos “AJ” Harris. The 5’8 point guard is considered by many to be the top 2015 prospect in the Buckeye state. Harris has a good skill set, is athletic, and plays with a confidence beyond his years. Harris is still developing his jumper, but every other aspect of his game suggests he has next level potential.
Right behind Harris was Springdale’s MaCio Teague, who impressed a lot of observers on Sunday, and played his way onto the all-star team. Although he did not get a Top 5 Award for his his all-star game performance, I'm not sure there were five better 8th graders at the event. The 5’8 guard impressed coaches with his positive attitude and overall game. According to his showcase coach, Teague shot the ball as well as anybody on Sunday, and he used his a tight handle tobeat his man off the dribble and get to cup at will. Bottom line, Teague's upside is tremendous. Huber Height’s D’Mitrk Trice showed great point guard skills and instincts, as did Columbus’ Xavier Holston-Simms and Jalon Lewis. Dayton's Isiah Fairley came late, but when he got there, he hit the ground running. The 6'3 forward played hard and should be high school-ready by the time he enrolls in Wayne High School next fall. Tyree Kinnel finished the event with a good all-star game showing, while Columbus' Elijah Barber did some real nice things throughout the day. One of the best long-term post prospects in the gym was 6'5 Anthony Anderson from Columbus. He's not just big, Anderson shows a lot of skill around the bucket. Noah Bramlage, Kyle Ahrens, Robert Martin and Chris Nunn (Indiana) were all impressive as well. See the list of the other all-stars in the accompanying story.
Top 7th Grader
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| Anthony Christian-2016 |
The 6/7th grade division was full of talent, and included players as young as 4th and 5th graders. In terms of the 6th and 7th graders, Lima’s Xavier Simpson, Akron’s Anthony Christian and Cleveland’s Trevell Beck were some of the best players I saw on Sunday. Simpson is a veteran of Buckeye Prep showcases, and he continues to build his case as one of the top point men in the state. Also, Simpson’s play in the all-star game earned him MVP honors. According to his showcase coach, Christian was the top 7th grader at the event, and my own observation supported that assertion. Christian is a good looking prospect with good length and a constant motor, and he did a really god job of finishing around the rim. Beck has the size, athleticism and potential of a big time prospect. Just looking at the kid play, I would be surprised if does not turn into one of the top players in his class. The more I watched this kid play the impressed I was with his game. Keep a eye on this kid, he could be a good one! Hamilton’s Ashon Riggens was a man among boys and logged in an impressive performance as well. Other player to watch included: Jordan Kinchen, Algevon Eichelberger (Michigan), Alec Rhodes, Yerusalem Hill Jr., Trey Jackson, Jalani Rogers, Drew Grombacher. See the list of the other all-stars in the accompanying story.
Top 6th Grader
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| Jacquel Freeman-6th Grade |
Although they are both young and a little undersized, Jacquel Freeman and David Dials Jr. more than held their own against the older players. As only 4th and 6th graders, both point guards are supper quick, aggressive, and proficient at finding open teammates. Despite his age, Freeman played his way into the all-star game. Keep an eye on big EJ Williams, a 6'3 center from Middletown. As is the case with most big men, he still has a lot of work to do, but you can't teach size! I also like what I saw in the play Jeremiah Francis, a 4th grader from Columbus. Depsite being hounded by older and bigger players, Francis did not back down and appeard comfortable handling the rock.
Stay tuned to this website over the next couple of days, as we will be adding links to highlight videos. Also, an event recap will be posted on ESPN's website within the next day or two. Also, to see some of the pictures we took at the event, visit the Buckeye Prep Facebook Fan Page. To look inside the showcase click on the highlighted video link. See video #2.
Other Prospects:
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| Trevell Beck-2016 |
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| Xavier Simpson-2016 |
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| Ashon Riggens-2016 |
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| Zach Denny-2013 |
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| Algevon Eichelberger-2016 |
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| David Dials Jr.-2019 |
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| Kevin "Sticks" Fisher-2015 |
what about that deiondray martin kid he was 6'5 strong and can do it all from rebounding to shooting the three he was clearly the top player there..... not knocking monty boykins because that boy can flat out shoot
ReplyDeleteThanks for your quick and fair response. We will return next year and my son will come back even better and stronger in hopes of an allstar selection. Hopefully even be the MVP.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thanks for hosting the event, although I didn't get to make the trip from California, my son (Trey Jackson) said he had a fantastic time and wants to come back next year. I think you had him listed as a part of the 2016 class, but he will graduate in 2017 - he plays for the D1 All-Stars out of San Ramon, CA.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting on a good event, nice to see so much talent in one spot and really like the way you guys get the word out about the kids - great exposure for them and a great environment to match up against the top talent in Ohio and beyond.
Goto Youtube
ReplyDeletesearch Buckeye Prep MaCio Teague
Thank you Mr. Taylor. This is a great way for the children to get exposure.
BT
The showcase was great! The 2016 class had good talent in it. It was a stand out though anthony christian out of akron the top player the class
ReplyDeleteWhat about the young man Beck? He was better than that christian guy. As was that player eichelberger from michigan. I watched them both and they were better than all the players in their division! Yall slipped up on the best players those two bigs were the best players.
ReplyDelete"Yall slipped up?" Come on man! Both players you mentioned received Top 5 awards, got their picture taken/posted, and were written about. Sometimes parents just need to relax!!
ReplyDeleteThe Milwaukee, WI players wish to thank Rob Taylor for the invitations. They really enjoyed the experience. 2 out of 4 made their respective All Star teams. This was a huge exposure opportunity. We hope to return next season.
ReplyDeleteIt needs to be noted that EJ Williams is only 11 years old and in the 5th grade. If you are stating that he needs lots of work compared to a 7th grade Center that is fair and should be expected as their bodies have minimally gone through puberty. But I would ask you to speak to any fifth grade coach in the Cincinnati/Dayton area and I guarentee that they will indicate that he is the best 5th grade center in the area and I dare to say State of Ohio!
ReplyDelete