All-Ohio/Ohio Hoopsters Pre Nationals Saturday Action

Cory Hudson, AJ Clayton & Adam Duval

We had the opportunity to spend some time at Reynoldsburg High School on Saturday, and although we were expecting to see a great game between the 2022 North Coast Blue Chips and All-Ohio Black, it was evident early that was not going to be the case.  When fully loaded with studs like Shawn Jones, Sincere Harris and Sean Jones, the North Coast Blue Chips are one of the top 3 teams in the state.  However, Harris and Jones were not in the gym, and Trey Dennis was sidelined with an injury; consequently, All-Ohio Black had their way with the Blue Chips.

By the time Coach Shawn Thigpen called his first timeout in the first period, All-Ohio Black was already up 18-5, and by halftime, the score was a lopsided 44-23. Early on, Cory Hudson (5’10”/PG/2022/Pickerington) was balling, and had already dropped 14 points before the break.  In the post, AJ Clayton (6’7”/PF/C/2022/Zanesville) was getting it done to the tune of 12 half-time points. We would like to say things were different in the second half, but by the time the horn sounded, All-Ohio had secured an easy 78-46 win. W

Hudson was spectacular on his way to scoring a game-high 26 points.  Hudson impressed us with his skill set, playmaking and ability to knock down the 3-ball both off the bounce and in catch and shoot situations.  Hudson was also patient, poised and under control the entire contest.  Clayton demonstrated a soft touch around the basket, the ability to knockdown high and mid-post jumpers and the pass out of the post to spot up jumpers.  In addition to being a scoring threat (finished with 14 points), Clayton exceled at protecting the rim as well.  We were so impressed with Clayton’s game that we invited him to participate in our September Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, and even offered him an early spot in the prestigious Ohio North vs South All-Star Game. e also liked what we saw from Adam Duval (6’6”/WF/2022/Beavercreek) who is still working on his perimeter skills. Duvall is handling the ball well for his size and can knock treys if left unguarded.  Ernest Brown and Rico Coulter were the standouts for the Blue Chips with 13 and 11 points, respectively. 

Ohio Kings on a Roll

2026 Ohio Kings

With 2 tournament victories in a row, the 2026 Ohio Kings appear to be on a serious roll. Recently, the Kings won the very competitive 5K in Atlanta and the Kings Island Challenge in Cincinnati, not to mention their semi-final finish at the George Hill tournament in Indianapolis a few weeks ago.  In the 5K event, the Kings defeated the Kissimmeee Wolfpack (44-22), CPE (55-45) and the EP Running Rebels 51-48) on championship Sunday to claim the title.  Great job Ohio Kings!

Angels Take GBA Nationals

2024 Cincy Angels-2018 GBA Nationals Champions

Riding a 6-0 record and playing with only 7 players, the 2024 grade Cincy Angels claimed the 6^thgrade title at the GBA Nationals in Cincinnati last week. In route to the championship, the Angels defeated several ranked teams including: the Cincy Royals (54-10), #3 ranked Team Knockdown (37-25), All-Ohio-Hutchings (48-7), #3 ranked WV Rampage (38-29), #2 ranked Cincy Thunder (42-31) and #11 ranked RGB Gold (40-27) in the championship game.

Standout performers included: Zheiyah Rolack, Leandra Curette and Morgan Rose. The Angels’ roster included: Zheiyah Rolack, Laila ZHarrison, Leandra Curnutte, Rylie Homan, Morgan Rose, Isabella Dunwiddie, Kailee Bransford and Kylee Fears (injured).  So far this season, the Angels’ overall record stands at an impressive 25-1!  Next up for the Angels is the AAU Nationals scheduled for June 24-29^thin Rockford, IL.  Congratulations to the Angles’ coaching staff, players and parents!

VanSlooten Secures a Pair of Offers

Grace VanSlooten 6'0" WF 2022 Ottawa Hills, OH

With all-star performances at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase in March and the UA Next Combine in May added to her resume, Grace VanSlooten (6’0”/WF/2022/Ottawa Hills, OH) has recently received her first scholarship offer from the University of Toledo and Xavier University according to her father.

While playing at the University of Toledo with her Norte Dame Academy high school varsity team last Friday, VanSlooten met with Coach Cullop after the event and was extended an offer.  On Saturday at the Xavier Prospect Camp in Cincinnati, VanSlooten played well enough to receive her second offer of the weekend from Coach Brian Neal.  

When we evaluated VanSlooten in March and again in May, predicted she would eventually be a solid D-I prospect.  In fact, here’s what we said about VanSlooten in our post-event report in March: “Talk about long-term prospects, add Grace VanSlooten’s name to the list.  At 6’0” and fluid, Vanslooten’s skill set and length scream potential! According to her showcase coach, VansSlooten, “… can do it all, has a great motor and is a shot blocker with a great basketball IQ.”  From what we’ve seen, there is little doubt Vanslooten will matriculate to the final all-star game at the end of the day.  VanSlooten is a great looking prospect.” what we’ve seen of her game, VanSlooten has big time potential and should receive many more offers over the next couple of years!  Congrats to Grace and her family for the early recognition!  We expect to see VanSlooten again at of September elite showcase.

Harris Receives Multiple D-I Offers

Josiah Harris 6'6" WF 2022 Cleveland

In the wake of standout performances at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase in March and again at the UA Next Combine last month, Josiah Harris (6’6”/WF/2022/Cleveland) has recently picked up an offer from Coach John Gross and the University Akron according to Harris’ father.  After demonstrating an advanced skill set at a high school team camp in Akron this week, the entire Akron coaching staff watched Harris's final game was "blown away" by Harris’ ability to handle the ball and see the floor at his size.  Already holding an offer from Youngstown State, Akron’s offer this week and Kent State’s offer today brings Harris offer total to 3, and he has not played a singe varsity game yet!  In addition, Harris is working out at in front of Coach Keith Dambrot at Duquesne today and he could see his offer total rise! Congratulations to Josiah and his parents! 

Happy Father's Day

The Buckeye Prep Report staff would like to wish every father a happy Father's Day! The impact a father can make on  a child's development is unmeasurable!  Enjoy YOUR day fathers!!

Angels Claim State Championship

6th Grade Cincy Angels-2018 Ohio AAU State Tournament Champions

Because of their 4-0 run at the Ohio AAU State Championship in Cincinnati Last weekend, the 6^th grade Cincy Angels have ascended to the #1 spot in our Buckeye Prep Power Rankings.  In route to the championship, the Angels defeated the then #1 ranked Cincy Thunder (47-42), #8 ranked Dayton Lady Hoopsters (54-41), #2 ranked Team Knockdown (65-50) and Cincy Thunder for a second time in the championship game (50-19).

The win marks the Angels’ 4^thtournament win in a row, and runs their overall record to an impressive 19-1!  Standout performers included: Zheiiyah Rolack, Laila Harrison, Leandra Curnutte, Kyle Fears, Brooke Arington and Rylie Homan. The Angels’ roster also includes Morgan Rose, Isabella Dunwiddie and Kailee Bransford. Congrats to the Angels coaches, players and parents!

NEO Showcase Returns