McMillan Secure First Offer

Paul McMillan IV 6'2" PG 2022 Cincinnati

Having watched Paul McMillan IV (6’2”/PG/2022/Cincinnati) dominate the class of 2022 both statewide and nationally since the 4^th grade, we knew it was only a matter of time before D-I college coaches started taking notice!  In fact, according to his father, McMillan received his first D-I scholarship offer from the Coach DeAndre Walker and the University of Tennessee Martin this week, after having a great showing playing up at the U-17 level with D-Miller Elite during both NCAA live periods.   

From what we know about McMillan’s game, it’s only a matter of time before the MAC coaches coming calling, and we would not be surprised if McMillan eventually gets some high major looks.  As a matter a fact, McMillan will be visiting West Virginia within the next couple of weeks. Congratulations to McMillan and his family for what is likely to be the first of many offers!

Buckeye Prep Ohio Top 50 Fifth Graders (2026)

Jeacarious Reeves, Denmarko Small, Dontrell Hughes, Rasheed Reed, Willie Foster

It’s still very early, but we have recently reached out to the coaches of the top 5^th grade (2026) teams in the state with the intent to identify receive feedback relative to the top rising 5^th graders in the state of Ohio.  In addition, we saw a number of the kids who are listed at our Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament last April. Below is our initial list of what we believe to be the best players in the class of 2026 based on the input we have received so far.  

Of the roughly 50 players we listed, there are about 10 of them who have the potential of being future top 10 the state. Everybody we talked to really liked the Ohio Rebels’ Braydon Fogle(5’5”/C/2026/Lexington).  In addition, everybody knows the history of Marcus Johnson(5’1”/CG/2026/Garfield Heights) who has dominated the class for several years. Other potential top10 players include TJ. Crumble (5’4”/C/2026/Cleveland), Willie Foster (4’11”/PG/2026/Lima), Elijah McCree(4’5”/PG/2026/Westerville), Taylen Kenny (5’0”/CG/2026/Cincinnati), Athens McGillis (4’5”/PG/2026/Cincinnati), Jaylen Mercer (5’0”/PF/2026/Cincinnati), Mai’si Pearson (4’8”/PG/2026/Akron), Gabe Schmidt (4’11”/SG/2026/Dublin), and Demarko Small(4’8”/PG/2026/Columbus).

Of course, we realize there are a number of other kids who may deserve to be on this list; however, the kids who have made our initial list have performed well enough at elite tournaments, showcases and camps to catch the attention of area coaches. In addition, this list will continue to grow as we identify other elite players.  It has always been our hope that lists like these will serve as motivation for players to keep working hard to develop their skills. If you want to catch these kids in action make plans to attend the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase on September 8^th& 9^thas many of these kids will be competing. Finally, invitations are being extended for the prestigious Ohio North vs South All-Star Game.  Let the debate begin!

Ohio’s Top 50 Fifth Graders/2026 

Ohio North vs South All-Stra Games Return

On September 8^th, the Buckeye Prep Report will once again play host to the very popular Ohio North vs South All-Star Games in grades 5th-9th.  In fact, a number of invitations to this prestigious event have already been submitted to the top players in each of the above-mentioned classes. This event was developed as a platform to feature the top players in the state of Ohio based on their geographical residence and graduation class.  Participation in this event is an honor and will provide selected players with an unique opportunity to compete against the best players in the state in their respective classes, while also receiving exposure from local and national media outlets.  Past participation in this event as represented a springboard to middle school, high school and college success. 

Players who have received an invitation to the event must confirm participation ASAP in order to retain their spot. After August 28^th, a new round of invitations will be extended and rosters will be finalized.  In addition to the Ohio North vs South games, Ohio vs Michigan games for rising freshmen is also scheduled. These games will include the top players from both Ohio and Michigan.  Past participants have gone on to play major college basketball and the NBA. This is an invitation you want!  As soon as rosters have been solidified they will be posted along with player profiles.  This is a unique, one-of-a-kind event that has a long linage of excellence. Look for additional details in the next few weeks.


2018 North vs South Rosters (Under Development)
Buckeye Elite Showcase Information Page

Prior Media Write-up

Prior 2016 Ohio vs Michigan Roster

Team Michigan Pictures

Team Ohio Pictures

Prior 2016 Ohio North vs South Roster

Prior 2015 Roster

Prior 2017 Roster
2017 Ohio North vs South All-Star game Video
2017 Paul McMillan Highlight Video
2012 Ohio vs Michigan Game
More Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Video
2017 Ohio vs Michigan All-Star Game
2012 Ohio vs Michigan Game Highlight Video

Pumas Claim Kentucky Title

2022 Mid-Ohio Pumas-2018 All in Hoopfest Champions

This past weekend, the 2022 Mid-Ohio Pumas-Sheldon traveled south to the Bluegrass State, where they ran through the competition in route to a Platinum Bracket championship at the All in Hoopfest tourney in Louisville, KY. The Pumas’ path to the championship included wins over Southwest Rebels (55-44), Quinn Anvils (80-51), Evansville Future (49-22), Charlotte Ky Court (66-46) and Indiana Elite-Side 2022 (63-42).  Standouts for the Pumas included Ajay Sheldon, Tegan Myers, Noah Lawrence andLike Lyall.  Congratulations to Coach Sheldon and the Pumas for repping the Buckeye State!

Lady Hoopsters Compete at a High Level

2025 Ohio Lady Hoopsters

Although we’re a bit late with posting this story, it’s never too late to recognize success and talent!  To this end, we would like to recognize Coach Chanel Collins and the 2025 Ohio Lady Hoopsters for logging in a very successful season.  When last we checked, the Lady Hoopsters had compiled an impressive 31-6 overall record, and had just come off of a runner-up finish in the Silver Bracket of the GBA Nationals in Cincinnati.  As a reward for their season-long record, the Lady Hoopsters are solidly positioned in the top 10 of our Buckeye Prep Power Rankings.  Congratulations to Coach Gibbs and the Ohio lady Hoopsters!

All-Ohio Claims Gold at Nike Summer Championship

2023 All-Ohio Red-2018 Nike Midwest Championship Champs

Coach Drew Lavender’s 2023 All-Ohio Red squad finished undefeated (5-0) on their way to the 7^th grade championship of the Nike Summer Championships. All-Ohio’s trek to the title went through Kids of Cleveland (67-32), HWB Blue (61-20), Beyond Ballers (77-71), Ohio Hustle (51-45), and Beyond Ballers (68-43).  

Also, a shout out goes to the Ohio Kings for taking the 6^thgrade crown.  The Kings’ 6-0 run went through Aim High Atlanta (66-51), TAD 2024 (55-29), HWB (59-27), All-Ohio Blue (51-47), HWB (59-27), All-Ohio Red (57-42) and U Play Collective (58-32).  

In the 5^thgrade division, Canada’s U Play Collective claimed the gold with wins over the Laurel Highland Storm (62-11), All-Ohio Select (56-19), Key Hoops White (59-22), Buffalo 716ers (60-27) and Indiana Elite (score unknown).  Congratulations to all 3 teams for a great run!

C2K Claims National Title

2022 Ohio C2K Cleveland-2018 USBA Nationals Champions

This past weekend, Coach Corey Holmes’ 2022 Ohio C2K Cleveland squad mounted an 8-0 run in route to the championship of the USBA National Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.  C2K’s impressive run to the title game included wins over CSB Select 2022 (61-60), Beaufort Hustle (53-13), Shelby Heat (47-40), Sandhills Warriors (36-32), Team Clutch DMV (64-48), Dayton Wolves (65-48), Atlanta Nets (51-38) and the Connecticut Select (62-54).

According to Holmes, his team played well under pressure. “We played very disciplined basketball, even when we were down in some games; they [C2K] never got rattled.” Standouts for C2K included Channner Wells (6/0”/PG/2022/West Holmes), Raymell Haster (5’9”/CG/2022), Jaylon Clark (5’8”/SG/WF/2022), Ja’marion Lanum (6’2”/WF/2022),  Davon Smith (6’4”/WF/2022) and Dushawn Hill Jr.

Since picking up Wells mid season, C2K has won 4 straight tournaments to finish their 2018 season. Based on the same, including their win in Charlotte, Ohio C2K Cleveland moves back into the top 10 of our Buckeye Prep Power Rankings.  Finally, you can catch C2K’s starting 5 in action at our elite showcase scheduled for September 8^th& 9^th. Congratulations to Coach Holmes, his players and parents for a great season.

Nike Midwest Summer Championship Standouts

Mcintire, Gordon, Saunders, Hearst, Marinchak, Luster, Bodamer & Miles

On Sunday, we ran by the Nike Midwest Summer Championships at Whitehall High School High School in Columbus and caught some of the 8^th grade action. The best team we saw that day was Indiana Elite, who not only took down Another Level  (46-39) in the game we watched, but later went on to win the championship with a win over Canada’s CIA Bounce.  Indiana Elite showed great fundamentals and executed their sets to perfection! We also saw CIA Bounce take out a good All-Ohio Black team (56-54), and the Laurel Highland Storm take down a solid Ohio C2K squad (61-55). 

The best player we saw all day was Kole McIntire (6’3”/WF/2022/Knox, IN), who not only was highly skilled, but also was deceptively explosive, as he threw down multiple dunks while we were watching.  That’s not all; McIntire was a scoring machine, as evidenced by his 16 half-time points and 22 points for the game. Playing well for Another Level was Detric Hearst (6’1”/WF/2022/Cleveland), who was a force in the paint to the tune of 12 points.  We last saw Hearst putting in work at our Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament in April where he logged in another standout performance. Right behind him in scoring was Steven Bodamer (6’0”/SG/2022/Cleveland), who was deadly from deep either in catch and shoot situations or off the bounce. We also liked his pace, poise and confidence.

Other standouts on the day included: Khalil Luster (5’4”/PG/2022/Lima); Cameron Miles (6’1”/SG/2022/Lima); Matthew Marinchak (6’0”/PG/2022/Ligonier, PA); Jerry Saunders Jr. (6’0”/SG/2022/Columbus); and Justice Gordon (6’3”/PG/2022/Toronto, CA).

OBC Breaks into National Rankings

2022 Ohio Basketball Club

According to Coast2CoastPreps.com, Coach Danny Young’s 2022 Ohio Basketball Club (OBC) squad is the #17^thranked team in the nation! Of course, we have been well aware of this team’s talent for a while now and have written about them often. In addition, this may be news to some, but according to Coach Young, Raymar Pryor (6’0”/CG/2022/Canton) has recently joined the team, and will not only be running with OBC at the upcoming Fab 48 tourney in Las Vegas next week, but will also be joining the team full-time on the Adidas Gauntlet next season.  This is big for OBC, as Pryor is a big time prospect with D-I potential!

Jackson Getting it Done at UAA Challenge

Zeb Jackson-2020 PG Toledo

The Buckeye Prep Report has an extensive alumni list dating back over almost 2 decades.  A majority of the top players in the state have participated in our elite showcases, and we try our best to keep up with their progress as they rise through high school, college and the professional ranks. One such alumnus is Toledo’s Zeb Jackson (PG/2020/Toledo) who started attending our events when he was in the 3^rd or 4^th grade.  Although he was very young and undersized, Jackson was skilled and gritty enough to compete with much older and much bigger kids.

The highlight video below shows why Jackson is racking of scholarship offers by the boatload, many of which are from high major programs.  Jackson is a dynamic PG who can score at all three levels or make plays for his teammates. He’s always been a wizard with the rock in his hand and he has always understood the game.  We couldn’t be more proud of Jackson and can’t wait to see him excel at the next level!

Zeb Jackson Video

2014 Article

Elite Showcase Alumni List

OBC Takes National Championship

2027 Ohio Basketball Club-GRBA National Champions

Congratulations to Coach Mike Lee, Coach Winston Grays and the 2027 Ohio Basketball Club (OBC) for taking home the GRBA National Championship last week. OBC mounted a 7-0 run, including a victory over a beefed up All-Ohio Red squad to claim the title.  For the season, OBC has compiled a gaudy 35-4 overall record.  OBC has now vaulted into the top 5 of our Buckeye Prep Team Ranking with their recent title.

Xpress Enjoys Inaugural Season Success

2023 All-Ohio Xpress

Experience has taught us that the creation of “super teams” does not always lead to success.  However, Coach Kelly Peeks’ 2023 All-Ohio Xpress squad has proven that a team made up mostly of star players can succeed if handled correctly. Case in point, so far this season All-Ohio Xpress has reached the championship game of each of the 12 tournaments the team has entered.  In addition, in all but 2 of those tournaments All-Ohio won the title.  If that wasn’t impressive enough, the Xpress team only played their age division 1 time, and played up in the 8^thand 9^thgrade divisions in most events.

When Coach Kelly assembled this team earlier this year one of the primary goals centered around finding the best competition available. To that end, over the course of the season All-Ohio routinely faced national level competition. Specifically, All-Ohio defeated Alabama Southern (by 11 points), who were not only the 2017 AAU National Champions, but were widely considered the #1 or #2 ranked team in the country. Moreover, on that team was Madison Booker, one of the top 7^thgraders in the nation.  It’s safe to say, based on their body of work this season, All-Ohio in not only the consensus #1 ranked team in Ohio, but they can make the case for top 5 nationally.

Obviously, in order to achieve the level of success the Xpress has enjoyed this season the roster has to have talent.  According to our own Buckeye Prep 2023 Top Player list, a majority of the players on this team are ranked.  The Xpress roster includes: Raven Raye-Redmond, Taylor Stanley, Carly Prows, Zyaire Miller, Gabby Martin, Lasonja Hill, Grace Barnes, KylaIrby, Mekhia Shipp and Kesha Francisco. We’ve had a chance to evaluate most of these players, as they excelled at our elite showcase back in the spring.  

We asked Coach Kelly to describe her team's style of play; to what she attributes her team's success; and her coach philosophy. "Controlled Up-tempo and organized transition is our style; however, they are prepared to play any team at any tempo," said Peek.  "We play with passion and control the controllablessuch as defense, conditioning, making smart plays, rebounding and winning 50/50 opportunities. If shots don't fall, all those things players can control when they step on the court - this will keepthem close in every game. If you are doing these things you are having fun," Peek said.  In terms of their success, "...same fundamentals taught at every position (i.e., ball handling, shooting and post work); strong basketball IQ of the PGs; tenacious defense; we can run the floor at every position; and we plan and play each game with 3 words, energy, effort and execution," continued Peeks.

All-Ohio will wrap up their season next week playing in a U14/U15 division at an exposure event in Atlanta, GA. Congratulations to the All-Ohio Xpress and Coach Kellyfor their outstanding season!  We hope to see most of the above players at are fall elite showcase scheduled for September 8^th& Camp; 9^th.

Angels Finish 8th Nationally

With an outstanding season already in the bag, the 2024 Cincy Angels put a cherry on the top of a great season last week with a 4-3 run at the AAU Nationals and an 8^th place finish.  The Angels started the tournament on fire with a 3-0 run through pool play, which included victories over Illinois Xcitement Buckets Crew (43-32), North Texas Tar Heels Elite Platinum (48-28) and Oklahoma’s OLBE 2024 (46-36).

The Angels got off to a great start to bracket play with a 43-35 win over Indy Lady Gym Rats-Gray, before they were upended by Indiana Flight (31-28) in the second round. For the record, the Flight would go on to finish in second place.  After being knocked out of contention, the Angels would take 2 additional losses against Florida Lighting (29-32) and Texas’ Cy-Fair Elite (32-47) in the 8^th/9^thplace game.  Standouts for the Angels included Zhieiyah Rolack, Leandra Curnutte, Rylie Homan and Laila Harrison.

Next up for the Angels is a trip to Louisville, KY. for the Roses Rising Stars Nationals, where they are sure to face more stiff competition. For the season, the Angels have amassed an impressive 29-4 overall record.

OGBR Skills Camp Standouts

Alysia Lawson, Autumn Taylor, Sole Williams & Neuah Brown

Although we only had the opportunity to spend a little time at the OGBR Skills Camp at Reynoldsburg High School on Friday, we were still able to discover a few gems! One of the best players we saw was Alysia Lawson (5’7”/SG/2022/Toledo). Lawson was highly skilled, showed great court vision, the ability and willingness to pass the rock.  She also defended well on ball, and knocked down multiple catch and shoot treys.  We were also really impressed with Autumn Taylor (5’4”/PG/2023/Twinsburg), who was fast, aggressive to the cup and stayed in the paint. She also ran the court with a purpose and shot the ball well out to the three point line.

We’ve seen Sole Williams (5’6”/PG/2023/Cincinnati) play on several occasions, but her play at this event was eye opening.  She has the rock on a string, attacks the cup aggressively, and she has several dribble moves she uses to separate from her defender. She also plays hard, pushes the rock in transition and excels and dribble drives and dishing. We didn’t see much of her, but what we saw out of Nauaeh Brown (5’6”/PG/2023/Westerville) was impressive. Brown drove to the cup often and finished with contact at a high rate. Brown also showed the ability to use a euro step to finish in the lane.  

Although we did not get to see her play, it was clear from the comments form those who caught her in action that Madison Greene (5'5/PG/2023/Blacklick) was one of the better young players at the event.  So much so, she was the only underclassman player to make the final all-star game, which was made up of mostly players from the class of 2021.We also recognized several other players who we had a chance to evaluate at our last elite showcase such has Kamryn Grant,  Kendell Braden, Rylee Bess and Taylor Stanley just to name a few.

There were several other standouts at the event but because we did not have access to rosters and uniform numbers, it was difficult to identify players for this report. With that said, once we receive additional information from OGBR we will post additional information. From what we heard, the event was great and the skills and drills portion of the camp was a hit.  We hope to see all of the above girls at our September 8^th& 9^th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.