Livingston to Return to Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase

Chris Livingston 6'4 WF 2022 Akron

It’s been confirmed that Chris Livingston (6’4”/WF/2022/Akron) has registered and will be returning to the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, which is currently scheduled for March 10^th.  As most of our readers know by now, Livingston has been a perianal all-star at our events for several years, and he’s widely considered one of the top 5 players in the country in the class of 2022.  

As an update to Livingston's current middle school season, he has his Emmanuel Christian Academy team a perfect 5-0 and poised to win their 3rd championship in as many years.  In addition, Livingston is dominating the competition to the tune of 31 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3.25 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.

In terms of Ohio, Livingston and Paul McMillan IV are among the top 2 guys in the class.  Having watched Livingston develop into a national phenom over the past several years, we’re excited to welcome him back to our event.  Livingston will be joined by a number of elite players from around the state, region and country.  Can't wait!

Bransford’s Potential is Unlimited

 

KK Bransford 5'10" PG 2022 Cincinnati

In terms of raw talent and middle school girls’ basketball, we have to believe that KK Bransford (5’10/PG/2022/Cincinnati) has as much talent as any player in the state.  Having played against the boys and excelling in several of our events, we know Bransford’s game very well.  Not only has Bransford played with the boys at our elite showcases, she has made the all-star team and was even selected for a “Top 5 Award” based on her standout performance in the final all-star game.

In fact, the last time we saw her at our Buckeye Prep Winter Showcase in Cincinnati, we had this to say about Bransford: “Remember this name, KK Bransford, a 5’1 PG from Cincinnati will be playing major college basketball for a lucky D-I program in a few years. She may be a female playing with the boys, but you would never know it by her game. Advanced skills, tough as nails and relentless best describe her game right now.  We know she has had success in past events, but Saturday was really the first time we had enough time to watch her play and truly appreciate her game. Big upside potential!”

Currently, Bransford has her Finnytown Middle School team sitting at a perfect 4-0.  As the top player on that team, Bransford is averaging 20 points per game, and not only can she score the rock, Bransford is the top rebounder in her league.  Last season, Bransford led her 7^th grade team to a 14-2 record and the school’s first league championship.  In the spring and summer, Bransford runs with Coach Carlton Gray’s Cincinnati’s Finest travel team. According to her coach, Bransford is a team player who is very coachable and shows great leadership on the court.  Moreover, Bransford is highly skilled, sees the floor well and is a real floor general for her team.  She also defends well and excels at knocking down the mid-range jumper.

Undoubtedly, Bransford’s skill set and basketball IQ were forged by many years of playing with and against the boys.  In addition, Bransford has played up a grade for most of her career.  Although she’s only in the 8^th grade, college coaches have already taken notice of her talent.  As a matter of fact, according to her mother, Bransford currently holds scholarship offers from Ohio State, Louisville, Michigan State, Miami University, Xavier, Indiana, West Virginia and Minnesota. 

We may be still putting together our local and statewide rankings, but needless to say, Bransford will be near the top of every list!  Also, we have a long way to go before we announce the official rosters for the girl’s Ohio North vs South All-Star Game March 10th), but we can confirm right that Bransford will be running the point for the South team! Finnally, as the first girl to compete at our elite showcase, we are proud to count KK Bransford as one of our alumni, and we can’t wait to see her compete at the next level!

Girls Ohio vs North All Star Games Scheduled

On March 10th, for the first time ever, the Buckeye Prep Report will be hosting the very popular Ohio North vs South All-Star Games for girls in grades 6^th - 8^th.  Invitations to this prestigious event will soon be distributed to the top girls in each of the above-mentioned classes.  This event is designed to provide a platform to feature the top girls in the state of Ohio based on their geographical residence and graduation class. MVP awards will be presented in each of the 3 games.

Selection for this event is an honor and will provide selected players with the unique opportunity to compete against the best players in the state in their respective classes, as well as exposure from local and national media outlets.  Past participation in this event has represented a springboard to middle school, high school and college success.  In addition, several of the 8^th grade players selected for this game may receive invitations to a unique shoe-company sponsored event this spring in Chicago, IL. 

We have been hosting the Ohio North vs South All-Star games on the boys’ side for several years and the event has enjoyed significant success.  The Buckeye Prep Report would like to extend the same benefits and opportunities to the ladies!  Look for additional details in the next few weeks.

Cincinnati’s Top 7th Grade Girls

As part of Buckeye Prep’s new coverage of girls basketball around the state and region, we are currently working with several sources in the Cincinnati area to help us identify the top 6^th, 7^th and 8^th girls in the area.  Below is a list of the top 7^th grade girls in Cincinnati, which will be followed by a 6^th and an 8^th grade list very soon.  We will also be compiling the same type of lists in the other large metropolitan areas around the state.  In addition, we hope to get as many of the girls who are listed to attend the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase on March 10th.  Of course, all of them are invited! As we expand our girls coverage, we invite people in the know to provide us with information about individuals, teams and events related to the girls side of the game.  Enjoy, and let the debates continue.

Cincinnati’s Top 7th Grade Girls

MLK Tourney Returns

Cottingham has the Right Stuff

Mahogany Cottingham

As we prepare to add girls to the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase for the first time in March and begin our coverage of girls basketball in the state and region, we profile Mahogany Cottingham (5’8”/PG/2023/Parma).  We are very familiar with the Cottingham name, as Makail Cottingham, one of the top guards in the state in the class of 2022, has been one of our top players for several years.  Apparently, sister Mahogany is also a star in the making.

This past middle school season, Cottingham led her Shiloh Middle School team to an undefeated season and played with both the 7^th and 8^th grade teams. When she was in the 6^th grade, Cottingham played 7^th grade AAU for Lady James and dominated 7^th grade ball this past spring.  In addition, while playing for Reality Sports last season, Cottingham was selected to the USJN All-Star team.  From what we understand, Cottingham is one of the top younr players in the Cleveland area.  We look forward to catching Cottingham in action at our elite showcase in March!