Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Rebels fall 1 win Short at Dru Joyce Shooting Stars Classic

Ohio Rebels-Dru Joyce Shooting Stars Classic 5th Grade Runner-ups
Although they fell 1 win short of a 5th grade title at the Dru Joyce Shooting Stars Classic this past weekend, Coach John Brooks’ #1 ranked 2026 Ohio Rebels teams has a lot to be proud of.  Prior to their 40-33 loss to the eventual champions North Coast Blue Chips, the Rebels had notched wins over Detroit Roadhounds 2026 (24-32), Allen Elite (38-9), Meanstreets-Harris (54-44), Toronto City Elite (53-52), and League Bound Elite (48-40).

Standout performers included Brayden Fogle (5’8”/PF/C/2026/Lexington), Diante James (5’3”/PG/2026/Canal Winchester) and Jakyevion Roane (5’5”/SG/WF/2026/Mansfield). Coach John Brooks attributes his team’s run to the championship game to “playing together, locking in defensively and having fun.”  So for this season, the Rebels are an impressive 23-6 heading into the final session of the Midwest Circuit this weekend.  Congratulations to Coach Brooks and his players for a successful weekend.

Monday, April 29, 2019

Blue Chips Take Dru Joyce Classic

2023 North Coast Blue Chips- 2019 Tru Joyce Classic Champions
With their 59-36 win over previously #1 ranked Orangemen Elite at the Dru Joyce Classic this past weekend, Coach Marlon Barnes’ North Coast Blue Chips squad has grabbed the top spot in the Buckeye Prep Power Rankings. The Blue Chips’ 6-0 run included wins over Ohio Phenom Academy (63-25), 716ers Elite (70-22), All-Ohio Turf (62-40), Ohio Basketball Club (55-53), Michigan Heat (59-50) and Orangemen Elite in the championship game.

According to Coach Barnes, his squad “finally came together and played as a unit” over the course of the weekend.  The Blue Chips were down in a couple of games, including a 9 point deficit against the Ohio Basketball Club with 2 minutes left in the game; however, Barnes’ team did not panic and eventually fought back to get the win. Although Barnes describes the win as a total team effort, he went on to point out the standout play of LA Hayes, Cody Head, Tyler Williams and Marlin Barnes, Jr.  Next up for the Blue Chips is a Made Hoops event in 2 weeks. Congratulations to the Blue Chips for their title run.

MYF All-Star Saturday All-Star Game Videos

As we pointed out in an earlier story, the talent level at the 2019Metropolitan Youth Foundation All-Star Saturday middle school game was big time! As evidence, below are 2 links to highlight videos that clearly depict the level of basketball displayed by some of the top players in the state.  What should be remembered is that the players in the videos are only 7th and 8th graders!  Arguably, this may have been the best all-star gamer in the event's 23-year history. Enjoy!


Sunday, April 21, 2019

Stars Shine at All-Star Saturday Event

Middle School Game Champions
The 21stAll-Star Saturday All-Star Games tipped off on Saturday at the Bruce Howard Rec Center in Columbus and proved to be a huge platform for the 8th graders who made the games. In terms of the middle school game; it proved to have lived up to expectations! Not only did the game feature several of Ohio top players in the class of 2023, but also the players came to play and really put on a show. Best among them was Dayton’s Lawrent Rice who put on an impressive performance in the all-star game on his way to MVP honors.  Rice is a silky smooth PG with height, who also has the ability to score the rock and/or make plays for teammates.  Although his final numbers are unclear (scouring errors) we know he had a big game. 


Almost as impressive was Cleveland’s Tyler Williams, who played above the rim and presented a problem for any player trying to finish near the cup. Williams has great length and bounce, which he displayed with numerous in-game dunks.  At halftime, Williams used his explosiveness to wow the crown during the dunk contest, which he won.  College coaches need to be tracking this legitimate post prospect now! The other big on the floor was Columbus’ Chase Walker, who put on an absolute show as well! Not only can Walker score on the low post, he can handle the rock in transition and he can step outside and knock down the 3-ball if left unguarded. We were really impressed with Walker's game!

We had not seen much of Dayton’s Kalerrio Reaves before this game, but what we saw on Saturday was very impressive. Reaves is an explosive athlete who can score at the rim.  We also liked what we saw from Bede Lori, who came on late in the game and and just keeps getting better the more we see him!  Lori had a good game and is a threat to shoot it from beyond the arc or get to and finish near the rim.  

Rice, Williams, Cunningham, Walker, Reaves, Barnes, Shrout & Lori
Although the game was primarily designed for 8th graders, Dayton’s Mason Shrout more than represented for the class of 204.  Shrout is crafty, highly skilled, plays with great energy and is fun to watch.  He can also score at all 3 levels and he just seems to understand the game. From what we’ve seen of Shrout over the past few years, he has D-I potential.  Other players who played well included Majadi CunninghamMarlin Barns Jr., Dre’Sean Roberts and Cody Head.   All-in all, the middle school game was the highlight of the day.


Although not has highly anticipated, the high school game ended up being very competitive.  Although there were several standouts in the game, Columbus’ Josiah Mobley was most impressive. So impressive was Mobley, that as an underclassman, Mobley balled his way to MVP honors.  Mobley’s skill set is impressive, as his ability to create space for his jumper and/or beat his man off the dribble and get to the rim.  This kid has continued to develop his skill set over the past several years and should play college ball at some level in a few years. 

Josiah Mobley & Taylor Cafer
We also have to give a shout out to Whitehall’s Taylon Cofer, who used his impressive hops to win the dunk contest. Other standouts included Wellington’s Dallas Patrick, Briggs’ Quinten Johnson, Harvest Prep’s Sole Hines, Harvest Prep’s Avonti Duncan, Whitehall’s Rshean Bagley, Walnut Ridge’s Meech Coble and Tramon Hairston.  In addition to the Middle and High School games, the event featured games in the 6-8 and 9-11 year olds.  The MVPs of this games were Wynter Ranson and Antonio Shows. Congratulations to all of the players in both games for be selected to this storied event.



Happy Easter


The Buckeye Prep Report would like to wish everybody a very happy Easter!  Enjoy your time with family and friends!

Monday, April 8, 2019

All-Star Saturday Provides Platform


Young Stars Emerge at Buckeye Prep Invitational


We’ve already featured a number of standout players at our Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament last week, but we wanted to take the opportunity to talk a little bit about some of the youngest players in the event.  Some of the young guys who deserve some mention include: Reece Hamrick (5’2”/2026/Columbus), Amir Clark (5’1”/PG/2027/Columbus), Braylon Fogle 6’0”/WF/2026/Lexington), Dantrell Hughes ( 5’4”/PG/2026/Lexington), Brandon Bell
(5’4”/WF/2026/Columbus), Eli Stumpf (5’6”/WF/2027/Big Walnut), Jeff Reynolds( 5’7”/PF/2027/Columbus), Aayen Snyder (4’9”/PG/2026/Columbus) and Keeran Stokes (4’7”/PG/2027/Toledo).  We’re not completely surprised at these players, as several of them have logged impressive performances at our elite showcases in the past.

Saturday, April 6, 2019

2023 Blue Chips Loaded with Talent

LA Hayes, Marlon Barnes, Jr. & Jayvion Moore
There were a number of very talented teams at the 2019 Buckeye Prep InvitationalTournament last weekend, and included in this long list was the 2019 North Coast Blue Chips.  I’m not kidding, almost the entire roster includes players we’ve ranked among the top 10 players in the state for several years.  Guys like LA Hayes (6’0”/PG/2023/Brookpark), Marlon Barnes, Jr.(6’5”/WF/2023/Cleveland), Jayvion Moore (6’6”/PF/2023/Cleveland), Cody HeadMichael Greenlee, Jr., Tyler Williams and Darius Strafford are all well known to us as they have participated in our elite showcases since they were in the 4th and 5th grades.  We’re not kidding, each of theses players has a chance to play college basketball, and some at the D-I level. 

The Blue Chips did not win the tournament (knocked out by All-Ohio Red in the final four 47-42), but they had the horses to do so.  We expect the Blue Chips to be just fine this season as they play more games and learn how to play with all of that talent!  In fact, according to Coach Marlon Barnes, he's bullish on his team’s chances of having a big season.  “This was our first tournament. We need to work on our chemistry, discipline and unselfishness down the stretch of big games,” said Barnes. Next up for the Blue Chips is the Drew Joyce Classic in 2 weeks.  “I think we can win it,” continued Barnes. From what we saw, by July, this team is going to be a problem!

Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament Videos

Rayvon Griffith & Chandler Starks
Below are a few highlight videos shot at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament last weekend.  As depicted in the video, the talent level was significant.  Also included are videos of Rayvon Griffith and Chandler Starks, both of whom had big weekends and should be playing D-I basketball in a few years!  As always promised, Buckeye Prep delivers “Elite Competition and Maximum Exposure!


Thursday, April 4, 2019

Plans Underway for All-Star Saturday



On April 20th, Richard Crockett and Capital transportation will be holding the 23rd Annual All-Star Saturday Basketball event at the Bruce Howard Recreational Center, located at 2505 N. Cassidy Rd. Ohio 43123. The event will feature a full day of activities, including an Easter egg hunt for the younger kids in the morning, followed by a series of 4 all-star games in various divisions throughout the day. Once again, Buckeye Prep has been asked to select the all-star game rosters for the middle and high school games. To this end, over the course of the next couple of weeks, we will be distributing all-star game invitations to deserving players.

In terms of the all-star basketball games, each player will receive a game jersey, and at the conclusion of each game, trophies will be presented to each participant, including a MVP in each game. DJs from Power 106.5 will be in the house spinning tunes, and free food will be available all day. The best part of this event is there is absolutely no cost for participation.

Right now, the middle school game is scheduled to start at 2:00pm and the high school game tips off at 3:30pm. You don’t want to miss this event, as many of the top players in central Ohio and around the state will be showcasing their talent in front of a packed house!

Buckeye Prep Invitational MVPs & All-Tournament Team Selections

Phillips, Raglin, Starks, Norris, Easter, Cornett, Davis & Steele
With the number of quality teams and elite players who participated in the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament last weekend, being selected as MVP or to the All-Tournament Team is a significant accomplishment.  Below is a link to the pictures of players who received such distinction. Congratulations to all of the players who received awards!



Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Buckeye Prep Invitational Day 3 Standouts


Above are the top 5 Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament Day 3 Standouts.
Although we’ve mentioned Chandler Starks recently, his MVP performance over the weekend begs for another shout out!  It should be noted that Stark’s Orangemen Elite squad leaned on him more heavily Sunday afternoon to win the title because his team was without the services of Rayvon Griffith who was sidelined with a ankle injury.  Joining Starks on this exclusive list are Cade Norris (2024 Mid-Ohio Pumas), Tony Cornett (2027 Team Dose), Levi Davis (2026 Team Dose) and Xavier Steele (2026 OBC/Showstoppers). The other 4 players made the cut by virtue of their MVP selections in their respective grade divisions.  Congratulations to all 5 players for making the cut!

Buckeye Prep Invitational Day 2 Standouts.


Above are the top 5 Buckeye Prep Invitational Day 2 Standouts.  Each of these 5 players logged in standout performances for their respective teams. In our opinion, with continued growth and development, each of these players should not only contribute early to a high school varsity squad, they should play college basketball at some level. We've seen Shrout, Rose and Easter on multiple occasions so it comes as no surprise that they separated themselves from the pack; however, we got our first look at Griffith and Porter and we could not have been more impressed!  We will continue to keep an eye these player's progress and development.

Griffith was Electric at Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament

Rayvon Griffith-6'5" WF 2023 Cincinnati
We’ve heard his name and we’ve read about his game, and from what we saw from Rayvon Griffith (6’5”/WF/2023/Cincinnati) this past weekend at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament, he has a chance to be a big time prospect going forward!  Running with Orangemen Elite this past weekend, Griffith enjoyed significant individual success, but he also helped lead his Orangemen Elite squad to an 8th grade Gold Championship. 


Griffith, only an 8th grader, already has great length, athleticism and has a big time motor.  In addition, he’s an elite athlete who is explosive, quick off his feet, and his quick second jump allows him to rebound at a high level. Griffith is not only an effective rim protector; he’s great in transition and he finishes at the rim at a high rate.  According to his coach, Griffith’s “game starts with defenses.  He is an energy guy who continues to work on his offensive skill set." Clearly, Griffith deserves his top 10 national ranking, and he already projects as a high major prospect.  College coaches would do well to track Griffith early!

Chandler Starks & DeSean Crim
Speaking of the Orangemen Elite team, Griffith’s front court teammate, Chandler Starks (6’5”/C/2023/Cincinnati) is a D-I prospect as well.  Starks has good size, a strong frame and he moves well side to side and up and down the court.  Moreover, Starks defends the rim, rebounds well and because of his skill set, he is an effective low post scorer.  According to his coach, Starks wears a size 18 shoes and is one of the youngest players on his team.  Additionally, doctors have projected Starks to grow to 7 feet. In all likelihood, Starks will be recruited at the mid to high major D-I level as well if he continues to grow and to develop!


We also loved the Orangemen’s backcourt with guys like Deshawne Crim (6’0”/SG/2023/Cincinnati), Kanye Moreland (5’10”/CG/2023/Cincinnati), Alexander Parks (5’8”/CG/2023/Cincinnati) and Riley Woods (5’6”/PG/2023/Cincinnati).  Three of the guards are strong, athletic, play hard and excel at getting to the rim and finishing, while Woods is more of a facilitator, play maker and floor general. Crim may be the best of the four as evidenced by his All-Tournament Team selection.  Crim is quick, skilled and knows how to get into the paint and create or score.  We would not be surprised to see Crim playing college basketball in a few years as well. Finally, with their success this weekend, Orangemen Elite has ascended to the top of the Buckeye Prep Power Rankings as the #1 team in the state.  We intend to keep and eye on this team going forward.


Highlight Video

Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament Results



By most accounts, the 2019 Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament was a complete success! Not only were the best teams in Ohio in the event, but also there were several teams in the region who represented their respective states.  Also, the level of individual talent was significant.  Below are the final results of the tournament.  Tourney Machine App

Gold Division

Team Flyght-10th Grade Champion
Rochester Royalz-10th Grade Runner-up
Team Flyght-9th Grade Champion
VSN Trailblazers-9th Grade Runner-up
Orangemen Elite-8th Grade Championship
All-Ohio Red-8th Grade Runner-up
Mid-Ohio Pumas-7th Grade Champion
All-Ohio Red-7th Grade Runner-up
Superfriends-6th Grade Champion
All-Ohio Red-6th Grade Runner-up
Team Dose-5th Grade Champion
Ohio Kings-5th Grade Runner-up
Team Dose-4th Grade Champions
Much Greater Elite-4th Grade Runner-up
OBC/Showstoppers-3rd Grade Champions
All-Ohio Red-3rd Grade Runner-up
  

Silver Division

Hopson Elite-9th Grade Champions
Toledo Thunder-9th Grade Runner-up
Dayton Airmen-8th Grade Champion
Nova Village-8th Grade Runner-up
Team Flight-7th Grade Champion
Ohio Hustle-Henry-7th Grade Runner-up
Hardwork Basketball-6th Grade Champion
West Virginia Burn-6th Grade Runner-up
Nine3Seven-5th Grade Runner-up
Red Storm-5th Grade Runner-up
All-Ohio Red-4th Grade Champion
Nova Village-4th Grade Runner-up