Buckeye Prep Summer Showdown MVPs

Brock Henne, Devin Tabor, Tyrin Sturdivant & Ethan Stare

The following is a list of the Buckeye Prep Summer Showdown Most Valuable Players.  Not only did these players help lead their respective teams championships win, they excelled during the course of the entire weekend.  Congratulations to each of these players for their outstanding play!

Brock Henne-SMAC Akron (8th Grade)

Devin Taborn-Lima Gators (7th Grade)

Tyrin Sturdivant-MVP Dynasty (6th Grade)

Ethan Stare-TAD (5th Grade)

Buckeye Prep Summer Showdown Day One Report

Raymar Pyror, Alex Watters, Jelen Wenger, Sellers Littles & Brady Hawewig

It’s only been one day at the Buckeye Prep Summer Showdown, but already several players have emerged as standout performers.  In addition, for the most part, the teams seeded at the top have held serve so far. One of the most anticipated games of the event featured a 2023 battle for Dayton by the 6th ranked Dayton Swish and the 7^th ranked MVP Dynasty.  MVP got on the board first hitting 1 of 2 free throws.  After a Dayton Swish 4-0 run, MVP countered with their own 4-0 run. There were multiple ties and lead changes in the first half, but Swish took a 20-17 lead into the break. The Swish scored first to start the second half and the scored stayed close during the second period. By the time the horn sounded, MVP Dynasty was ahead 44-42. Standouts for the game included MVP’s Tyrin Sturdevant, Mason Shrout and Dre’Sean Roberts.  For the Dayton Swish, Kalerrio Reeves and Antaune Allen were the high men.

Later in the day, the same MVP Dynasty team would face off against the 5^th ranked MWA Elite. MWA would lead most of the game, but Dynasty was in great position to pull the upset before a buzzer-beating heave by MWA’s Marlon Barnes broke a 63-63 tie as time ran out. Kellon Smith led MWA Elite with 14 points, while Marlon Barnes added 13 points.  Dynasty was led in scoring by Tyrin Sturdivant and Tyron Barns, who finished with 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Another big game on the opening day pitted the 3^rd ranked Lima Gators vs TNBA Shooting Stars.  Although TNBA raced out to a 16-7 run to start the game, the Gators cut the lead to 17-16 by half time.  The game went back and forth in the second half, but by the end, the Gators got the win 51-48. In this game, TNBA’s Mike Bova and Raymor Pryor were spectacular.  Bova dropped a game-high 23 points, while Pryor added 18 points. Cyrus Burden led the gators with 18 points, while Devin Tabson added 11 points and RJ Cortz finished with 10 points.

Tyron Barnes, Mekhi Elmore, Antaune Allen, Jared Frey & Kellon Smith

In addition to the games that had direct impact on our Power Rankings, there were some teams we saw for the first time that really impressed us.  SMAC Akron has a couple of teams (6^th & 7^th), both of whom are very fundamental and are well coached. In addition, both teams are loaded with guys who can shoot the heck out of the ball! All-Ohio Phenom’s 8^th grade squad is mowing down the competition with wins averaging 20 points.  There’re long, athletic and fun to watch. Kobe Johnson, Jayden Ballard and Sam Oliver are inflicting the most damage for this team.

We saw MKU Athletics for the first time and were very impressed. MKU is loaded with athletes the play extremely hard.  They won a big game against a very good SMAC Akron team in the afternoon.  MKU is powered by Demarcus Rogers (5’9/PG/2021/Akron) and Vernon Smith (6’4/C/2021/Akron). Rogers put up big numbers on Saturday while Smith protected the rim from would be scorers. The Michigan Prospectors are looking good again.  They are a well-built team with great guard play, slashing wings, a quality big and good coaching. Alex Watters 5’10/SG/2022/East Lansing, MI) came up big for the Prospectors on day one.  He plays at full speed both defensively and offensively, and is good at both driving to the basket and knocking down perimeter shots. Mason Docks (5’9/PG/2022/East Lansing) is still controlling this team at the point.  Docks is smart, skilled, can make plays at a high level, and can still score when needed.  He’s most certainly a D-I prospect going forward.

Mike Bova, Demarcus Rogers, Ty Hall, Marlon Barnes & Isaac Little

Artic Rush has an intriguing team.  The team is coached by a high school coach that has obviously infused a lot of skill work on the team.  Also, although they have a smaller backcourt that can some times be exploited, those guys can go! Both guards are highly skilled with high basketball IQs.  We really liked Jared Frey (6’1/SG/WF/2022/Hilliard), who has good length tremendous skill set and is very versatile. He has great range on his jump shot, is patient, and his length and ball skill allow him to play multiple position.  We can definitely see him playing college ball at some level in a few years. 

The 7^th grade Dayton Wolves went 2-0 on Saturday and is being led by a dynamic backcourt featuring Sellers Littles (5’4/PG/2022/Dayton) and Mekhi Elmore (5’9/CG/2022/Dayton).  Both guys are capable of putting up big numbers. In 2 games, Littles and Elmore put up 44 and 36 points, respectively! The Buckeye Storm (2021) is another good-looking teams with multiple shooters and good guard play. Isaac Little (5’8/PG/2021/Piketon) appears to be the best player on that team, as evidenced by the 25 points he dropped on a very good Extreme Heat Neon team in a highly contested game Saturday afternoon.  Speaking of the Extreme Heat Neon, they are a very good team as well. TJ Pugh (6’4/PF/2021/Attac), Ty Hall (5’10/WF/2021/Shelby), and Garrett Chapin (6’2/PF/Norwalk) appear to be the guys for this squad.

Mason Docks, Tyrin Sturdivant, Marlon Barnes, A.J. Campbell & T.J. Pugh

The other 2-0 team in the 6^th grade division are the Shinning Stars. There’s little doubt that the star of the team is Brady Hardewig, who put up crazy numbers on Saturday. In fact, in 2 games, Hardewig exploded for 49 points.  If you don’t guard him, he’ll hit a trey in your face.  Both Hardewig and the Shinning Stars will be tested on Sunday when they run into the 3 teams in the other division!  One of those teams is Andre Wheeler’s MWA Elite team that is 2-0 and is more than capable of winning the whole thing. Kellon Smith (5’10/WF/2023/Cleveland) and Jayvion Moore (5’11/C/2023/Cleveland) have been the day one standouts so far, but guys like Desh Molton, AJ Wheeler Jr. and Marlon Barnes (6’2/PF/C/2023/Cleveland) can step up big at any time.

Other day-one standouts include: Quadrees Ward (5’6/PF/2023/Canton), Corey Hudson (5’6/PG/2022/Columbus), A.J. Campbell (6’1/WF/2021/Copley), Jonathon Powell (5’2/SG/2024/Akron), Lamar Douglas (6’4/C/2022/Columbus), Vaughn Armour (5’10/PG/Westerville), Jalen Wenger (5’11/WF/2022/Dalton), Devin Taborn (55’SG/2022/Sidney), Cyrus Burden (5’11/WF/2022/Lima), DeMarr Foster (5’1/PG/2024/Lima), Jaylen McElroy (4’11/PF/2024/Canton), Jay Crablle (5’6/PF/2023/Massilon), Tyron Barnes (5’4/PG/2023/Springfield), Chris Smith (5’6/PG/2022/Orrville), Zachary Jones (5’3/WF/2024/London), Luke Denbow (5’10/PG/2022/Ashland) and Camden Beatty (5’9/WF/2022/Columbus).

All in all, it was a great opening day of basketball.  As is the case on every championship Sunday, teams and players will be tested as they as they pursue championships. Stay tuned for our final report tomorrow.

Day One Photo Gallery

Buckeye Prep Summer Showcase Promises Competition

It may be smaller in numbers, but when the Buckeye Prep Summer Showcase tips off at Otterbein University on Saturday there should be several juicy match-ups worth watching!  In the 8^th grade division, we will finally get a close look at Darryl Peterson’s 4^th ranked All-Ohio Phenom Squad.  We’re not sure any team has made as big a jump in the rankings as All-Ohio Phenom has.  We are also excited to get a good look at Kobe Johnson (6’1/PG/Canton), who has cracked the top 10 in our individual rankings and has been the driving force for one of the hottest teams in the state.  In that same division, Extreme Heat Neon and SMAC Akron will have a chance to move up in our rankings.  Also, watch out for Probound Elite, MKU Athletics and All-Ohio Black, all of whom could make some noise.

The 7^th grade division should be the most competitive, as there are 4 teams ranked in the top 10 of our Power Rankings.  The 3^rd ranked Lima Gators; 4^th ranked TNBA Shooting Stars, 5^th ranked Dayton Wolves and 10^th ranked Dawg Days Basketball are all heading to Columbus for match-ups that will surely answer several questions and impact our rankings.  In addition, the Ohio Hoopsters-Hill (#11), SMAC Akron (#13), All-Ohio Black (#18) and Artic Rush (#20) are all represented in our rankings and have a legitimate chance to make some moves this weekend.  Oh yea, we have to mention to Michigan Prospectors, who are not only one of the top teams in Michigan, but could be the favorite to win the event with a solid roster and excellent coaching.  We can’t wait to see some of these match-ups!

Cecil Benton, Jr., Mike Bova, Cody Head, Kellon Smith, Desh Molton, Dre'Sean Roberts & Automne Allen

We are very excited to get another look at Andre Wheeler’s 5^th ranked MWA Elite team who is the clear favorite to take the 6^th grade division. MWA’s roster is full of players who are ranked in our individual rankings.  Guys like Desh Molton, Jayvion Moore, Cody Head, Andre Wheeler Jr. and Kellon Smith have all excelled at our elite showcases and will be fun to watch.  We will also get another look at Dre'Sean Roberts and Autaune Allen, both of whom are elite guys in their class. We can’t wait to see the battle of Dayton, which will feature the 6^th ranked Dayton Swish and the 7^th ranked MVP Dynasty.  Both teams feel they have been under represented in our Power Rankings and are eager to stake a claim as the best 2023 team in the Gem City.  They will get that chance early in pool play!  You can’t sleep on the Shinning Stars, who have a chance to pull a few upsets.  We have not seen them this year, but we know they have talent and are well coached.

All four teams in the 5^th grade teams are represented in our Power Rankings.  We are eager to see the 4^th ranked TAD, as we’ve heard some good things about them.  Also coming to the event are All-Ohio Phenom (#11), All-Ohio Black (#12) and the Lima Gators (#18).  After this weekend’s results the picture should be clearer in terms of our Power Rankings. 

With a smaller field this weekend we will really get a chance to sit down and take a close look at some kids and teams.  In addition, we should be able to make some decisions relative to our post-season awards as well as participation in the prestigious Ohio North vs South All-Star Games in September.  Stay tuned for our post event report.

Summer Showdown Schedule

Buckeye Prep Power Rankings

Allocco Receives First Scholarship Offer

Matt Allocco 

As most of our followers know, one of the primary missions of the Buckeye Prep Report is to assist kids in reaching their dream of receiving a free education.  Therefore, anytime one of our Buckeye Elite Showcase alumni achieves that goal we get excited, and look for an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishment.  Matt Allocco (6’1/PG/2020/Hilliard Bradley) got a little closer to his dream when he recently received his first scholarship offer from Miami of Ohio. 

As most people have read on this website, we have followed Allocco’s development since he was in the 5^th grade, and despite his small stature early on, we always felt that his elite skill set, basketball IQ and tenacity projected him as a D-I prospect. His recent play with Hilliard Bradley High School, All-Ohio Red and the Mid-Ohio Pumas in the summer has obviously caught the attention of the Miami coaching staff.  We would like to congratulate Matt and his family for their first offer, which will not likely be his last!

UA Next Combine Series Dallas-Final Report

On Saturday we published an early look at several players who stood out in the skills and drills portion of the UA Next Combine Series in Dallas, TX. Of the 40 elite 8^th graders who attended the event at Duncanville High School, there were several players who logged in standout performances during the games on Saturday afternoon.  We liked them early in the day and we were even more impressed with P.J. Neal (6’2/PG/2021/Houston, TX) and Duncan Powell (6’7/PF/2021/DeSoto, TX) during the games.  Neal was of one of 2 elite guards on the day and his play on Saturday clearly explained why he’s effective playing up on the UA Association with the Houston Defenders’ U15 team.  Big, powerful, with a pass-first mentality best describes Neal’s game. Powell has a big body and can bang with the big boys in the paint; however, he's skilled and more than capable of stretching the floor and scoring on the perimeter. For their efforts, Neal and Powell were ranked #1 and #2, respectively.

In terms of guard play, Wade Taylor IV (5’10/PG/2021/Dallas, TX) was one of the best guards in the gym. Taylor is very active on both ends of the floor and excels at getting buckets.  He’s good at changing speeds and direction, and when he attacks the cup he finishes at a high rate.  We also liked Taylor’s willingness to defend. From what we saw, Taylor should be an early contributor at Duncanville High School next year.  In terms of upside potential, Jaylon McDaniel (6’6/PF/2021/Lees Summit, MO) had as much as any player we saw.  A rebounding machine, McDaniel has great length and he plays with a big time motor.  He has some dog in him, and he understands the need to protect the rim.  A big time prospect and D-I caliber player in our opinion!

P.J. Neal, Duncan Powell, Wade Taylor IV, Jaylon McDaniel & Emmanuel Obaseki

Rounding out our top-5 is Emmanuel Obaseki (6’2/PG/2021/Allen, TX), who is long, athletic, bouncy and quick off his feet. He defends well and is always a threat to catch an ally oop for a highlight play. Obaseki plays the pick and roll well and he flashed a nasty spin move in the lane, which he finished.  Obaseki is another good-looking prospect. Possibly the best shooter in the gym, Gavin Perryman (6’1/SG/2021/Dallas, TX) was a late entrant and seen knocking down treys all day.  He’s not just a catch and shoot threat, as Perryman can go get his shot off the bounce.  He moves well with out the rock, he’s got good court vision and he does a god job finding open teammates.

We also liked the skill set of Juan Reyna (6’2/PG/2021/San Antonio, TX).  He’s crafty, has the rock on a string and is a threat to hit the 3-ball if left unguarded.  He’s also a threat to score off the bounce, going to his left or right. Christopher Felix (6’3/CG/2021/Fresno, TX) has good length, solid ball skills, hits his free throws and has a nice looking floater.  It also looks like Felix has a lot more growing to do.  Later in the day, Nicholas Davidson (6’6/PF/2021/Mission Viejo, CA) started making a little noise.  Like most bigs his age, Davidson needs to add strength, but on the perimeter, Davidson is money.  He does much of his damage in the pick and pop situations, but he’s really a stretch 4, who’s most valuable in catch and shoot opportunities from beyond the arc.  He could be a good one in a few years!

Gavin Perryman, Juan Reyna, Christopher Felix, Nicholas Davidson & Damon Nicholas Jr.

Rounding out our top 10 is Damon Nicholas Jr., (6’2/CG/2021/Arlington, TX), who is another long guard with ample athleticism. Nicholas also has the ability to knock down 3-pointers.  Other guys who caught our eye included: Cameron Smith (5’11/CG/2021/Little Elm, TX), Wilfredo Amaro (6’3/CG/2021/Floresville, TX), Zion Swader (5’11/PG/2021/Murfeesboro,TN), Dallan Coleman (6’3/CG/2-21/Memphis, TN), Harrison Ingram (6’5/WF/2021/Dallas, TX), Jacobi Lewis, Kendell Fair, Damon Gentry, Jaden Jones (6’5/WF/2021/Richardson, TX) and Elijah Bernstein (5’8/CG/2021/Missouri City, TX). The 5^th and final UA Next Combine rolls into Washington DC this coming Saturday to close the 2017 campaign and will conclude with a boatload of talent.

Player Pictures

Photo Gallery

Lima Gators

Three teams ranked in Buckeye Prep’s Power Rankings (2022) participated in were in the Hoopin N The Summit tournament this past weekend in Ft. Wayne Indiana. The third ranked Lima Gators, 4^th ranked Dayton Wolves, and number 7^th ranked SMAC Premier all attended the event. A highly competitive tournament had upsets and revenge in the making. SMAC Premier won their pool, which included a win over the Lima Gators (57-52). This game had many lead changes and went down to the wire. 

The Lima Gators went on to beat FBC out of Michigan in an overtime thriller on a 3-pointer from the Lima Gators’ Evan Unruh to cap off a 14 -point comeback by the Lima Gators in the last 5 minutes of the game. This game sent the Gators into the championship bracket on Sunday.

A showdown between SMAC Premier and Dayton Wolves seemed imminent, but the Wisconsin Shooters had other plans, as they upset the Wolves in the first round of championship play (45-41). SMAC went on to eliminate the Wisconsin Shooters in the semi finals (51-42). Meanwhile, the Lima Gators went on to beat Always 100 in a tough game (57-49), and then defeated Artic Rush (56-40) in the semi-finals game to set up a rematch with SMAC Premier in the championship game.

The championship game was very intense rematch and both teams competed at a high level. The Gators struck first with a 12-2 spurt before SMAC went on a signature run with their signature hot shooting. The Gators led for the entirety of the game, but SMAC would not make it easy by keeping the game within 6 points for the most part of the 2nd half. The Gators went on to win (51-45) due to the play making of Cecil Benton Jr., the inside presence of Cyrus Burden, hot shooting from Devin Taborn, who led all scorers with 23 points, and a much needed quick 7 points off the bench by Quintel Wilson Jr. in a 2-minute span late in the 2nd half. The Lima Gators are now 31-5 on the season with 4 tournament titles. You can catch the Gators and the Dayton Wolves this coming weekend at the Buckeye Prep Summer Showdown.