Every year about this time I look forward to turning my sights towards the new crop of 6th graders. Now that the 7th and 8th grade classes have begun to take shape, Buckeye Prep will begin the task of identifying the young up and coming players in the class 2019 around the state. Starting in the fall and continuing with winter leagues and tournaments, we will begin to develop a solid list of the top 100 players in the class.
Because I have kept at least a partial eye on this class over the past 12 months, some of the class’ top guys have already begun to surface with standout performances at various elite tournaments, showcases and camps.
Anyone who follows this class even on a casual basis recognizes that several of the elite players could be found on either All-Ohio Red (AOR) or All-Ohio Purple (AOP); the top 2 teams in the state over the past several years. Also, it stands to reason that any team that has captured an AAU National Championship, or has competed with other top teams from around the country has to be loaded with talented players.
Before I go any further I need to acknowledge the fact that AOR and AOP will look vastly different when the season tips off next year, as the two organizations have merged for the upcoming season, and will play as either All-Ohio Elite or All-Ohio Red. According to DeMarko Bradley and other sources, the new team will combine several of AOR’s top players with the top guys at AOP. Coming over from AOR are: Jordan Mitchell; Jeremiah Francis Jr.; Jaidon Lipscome and Gerard Reynolds. From AOP, DeMarko Bradley Jr.; Greg Tribble Jr., Joey Edmunds, Chris’Seon Stringer, Omari Davis; Christopher Payne, Kendall Matthews and Malachi Matthews will fill out the roster.
Although the new team will be the preseason “team to beat,” you might want keep an eye on Murphy AC, as Coach Kevin Jackson appears to be putting together another talented squad from northeast Ohio. Some of Jackson’s top guys include: Darious Moss; Alonzo Gaffney; David Dials Jr.; Tevin Jackson; and Alex Feelings. According to Jackson, his team is loaded with talent.
Of course we understand that there are other quality teams and players around the state who do not play on any of the aforementioned teams. Some of the other players we intend to keep an eye on include: Matt Allaco (Upper Arlington); N’Keely Elmore (Columbus); Noree Uloho (West Carrolton); Payton Harris (Springfield); Chase Harding (Mason); De’Zion Taylor (Mansfield); Jaron Smith (Dayton); and Anthony Byrd Jr. (Garfield Heights).
Below is a partial list of some of the other top 6th grade players in the state. This list is only a starting point and will be updated weekly based on what we see on the circuit. I’m always on the lookout for updated player information; therefore, please email me at buckeyeprep@yahoo.com if you are a coach in this class with either updated information for a player already listed or you have information about a player you think deserves to be listed.
Finally, I’m trying to reach out to all of the coaches in this class so I can start the process of building my network of coaches and begin to secure week-to-week information about the players. So, please email with contact information for you or your son’s coach so I can make contact with him/her.
Players to Watch
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| Jordan Mitchell-6'0 WF Blacklick |
Every year about this time I look forward to turning my sights towards the new crop of 6th graders. Now that the 7th and 8th grade classes have begun to take shape, Buckeye Prep will begin the task of identifying the young up and coming players in the class 2019 around the state. Starting in the fall and continuing with winter leagues and tournaments, we will begin to develop a solid list of the top 100 players in the class.
Because I have kept at least a partial eye on this class over the past 12 months, some of the class’ top guys have already begun to surface with standout performances at various elite tournaments, showcases and camps.
Anyone who follows this class even on a casual basis recognizes that several of the elite players could be found on either All-Ohio Red (AOR) or All-Ohio Purple (AOP); the top 2 teams in the state over the past several years. Also, it stands to reason that any team that has captured an AAU National Championship, or has competed with other top teams from around the country has to be loaded with talented players.
Before I go any further I need to acknowledge the fact that AOR and AOP will look vastly different when the season tips off next year, as the two organizations have merged for the upcoming season, and will play as either All-Ohio Elite or All-Ohio Red. According to DeMarko Bradley and other sources, the new team will combine several of AOR’s top players with the top guys at AOP. Coming over from AOR are: Jordan Mitchell; Jeremiah Francis Jr.; Jaidon Lipscome and Gerard Reynolds. From AOP, DeMarko Bradley Jr.; Greg Tribble Jr., Joey Edmunds, Chris’Seon Stringer, Omari Davis; Christopher Payne, Kendall Matthews and Malachi Matthews will fill out the roster.
Although the new team will be the preseason “team to beat,” you might want keep an eye on Murphy AC, as Coach Kevin Jackson appears to be putting together another talented squad from northeast Ohio. Some of Jackson’s top guys include: Darious Moss; Alonzo Gaffney; David Dials Jr.; Tevin Jackson; and Alex Feelings. According to Jackson, his team is loaded with talent.
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| De'Zion Taylor-4'10 PG Mansfield |
Of course we understand that there are other quality teams and players around the state who do not play on any of the aforementioned teams. Some of the other players we intend to keep an eye on include: Matt Allaco (Upper Arlington); N’Keely Elmore (Columbus); Noree Uloho (West Carrolton); Payton Harris (Springfield); Chase Harding (Mason); De’Zion Taylor (Mansfield); Jaron Smith (Dayton); and Anthony Byrd Jr. (Garfield Heights).
Below is a partial list of some of the other top 6th grade players in the state. This list is only a starting point and will be updated weekly based on what we see on the circuit. I’m always on the lookout for updated player information; therefore, please email me at buckeyeprep@yahoo.com if you are a coach in this class with either updated information for a player already listed or you have information about a player you think deserves to be listed.
Finally, I’m trying to reach out to all of the coaches in this class so I can start the process of building my network of coaches and begin to secure week-to-week information about the players. So, please email with contact information for you or your son’s coach so I can make contact with him/her.
Players to Watch
FYI garfield hts Anthony Bird is also on that murphy 2019 team.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to the city series this year! We need all the talent in the cleveland area to come out to rep our area. first year grades 4 thru 8 will be able to compete. spread the word this sat/sun at garfield hts HS its goin down!!!
ReplyDeletedoes anyboby know what area or gyms will the city series championships be held in?
ReplyDeleteGo to the website
ReplyDeleteAllohiobasketball.8k.com
MarSaun Robinson is 2020
ReplyDeleteMy son's team scrimmaged an Upper Arlington 6th grade team over the weekend. The Allocco kid is outstanding.I was impressed. So quick and very skilled. Plays amazing defense too. extremely tough. Has to be one of the best around at this point! They said he is in 5th grade.
ReplyDeleteI know this is really late, but a friend just told me my son's name was on this list. You have him listed as Kendall Matthews, but it's Kendall Mathis. It would be great if his name could be listed correctly for any future articles. Thank you!
ReplyDelete