Court U Camp Standouts

Darius Parham, Jake Nowak, Myles Coleman, Zakai Alexander, Tyler Kindberg & Garnison Budd

On Monday, we spent some time checking out the action at the Court U Camp at Ohio State.  In addition to guest speakers and skills and drills, the roughly 30 high school players in attendance also played a series of 5-on-5 games. The best player we saw was Darius Parham (6’1”/WF/2021/Bishop Reedy), who excelled at attacking the cup and finishing.  Parham also has good length, is athletic and handles the ball well.  In addition, Parham can create his own shot and was very active on both ends of the court.  We also really liked Jake Nowak (5’8/PG/2019/Worthington Christian), who was the consummate floor general who also showed great court vision and a willingness to create plays for his teammates.  Nowak also displayed solid ball skills.

Zakai Alexander (6’3”/WF/2021/Pickerington Central) impressed us as well with his size and skill set.  Alexander is powerful, aggressive to the cup and possess strong frame.  In addition, Alexander handles the rock well for his size and showed the ability it hit the pull up jump shot. Myles Coleman (5’11”/PG/2019/Centennial) was another good one, and showed excellent ball skills and the ability to beat his defender off the bounce and get to the rack.  We also loved his drive and dish game. One of the best shooters at the camp was Garrison Budd (5’11”/PG/2021/Bishop Reedy), and he proved that  by winning the 3-point shooting contest with ease.  As the morning went on, Budd showed he was more than a shooter as he got to the rim on several occasions.  Other standouts included Tyler Lindberg (6’3”/WF/2021/Worthington Christian).  

From what we saw, Chris Joseph’s the 3-day Court U Camp is a must attend event for talented central Ohio high school players.  The event offers a great message, great skill development and great Competition.  We would like to thank Chris and Kelly Joseph for inviting us to speak and for offering central Ohio kids such a great opportunity to learn and develop!

Photo Gallery

DV45 Finishes Season with Championship

2022 DV45- 2018 Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic Champions

DV45 entered the Bigfoot Las Vegas Classic Tournament with a 62-8 overall record.  Their first game in pool play consisted of a 53-49 win vs Dallas Mustangs-Henderson, but a loss to Seattle Stars 53-46 slowed their momentum the following game.  After regrouping for day-2, DV45 beat YBA Elite 64-18 as Carson Sanders (15pts) found his range to pace the team to finish pool play in 2^nd place, which moved them on to the Platinum Premier Bracket. 

After meeting up with former Michigan State University All-American Denzel Valentine for dinner and a pep talk, on day-3, DV45 went on to beat Dallas Mustangs 70-58 behind strong performances from Jacob Wallace (24pts), Mike Williams (19pts), and timely 3-point shooting by Juwan Maxey (8pts).  In the Elite 8, DV45 defeated Team Buckner 58-41, putting them in the Final Four vs Seattle Rotary.  Behind a strong performance by Alex Waters (18pts), DV45 defeated Seattle Rotary 64-47 to find themselves in the championship game against #3 ranked Indiana Elite 2022, who defeated #1 ranked Drive Nation at the buzzer to advance to the championship game.   

In the championship game, DV45 found themselves down 13 before rallying to get the lead down to 4, trailing 25 to 29 with their aggressive defense and crafty shots by Mike Williams (8).  However, in the second half behind strong guard play by Jacob Wallace (16pts), Mason Docks (15pts), and Alex Watters (13pts), DV45 took the lead.  DV45 sealed the win with a huge 3-pointer by Ashton Atwater (4pts), timely stops, and clutch free throws down the stretch. 

Of note: DV45 picked up highly touted JJ Louden from Indianapolis for the Las Vegas Classic.  Their coach described his contribution to the team’s win as immeasurable.  Stating, “the kid is the perfect teammate, who made everyone better.  He is a high IQ player who can play multiple positions.  His defense is way beyond his years, and JJ possesses a rare quality of impacting the game without dominating the ball.  Truly had a Draymond Green effect for our team.” 

Coach Docks stated, "These young men were a special group and blessing to coach.  I'm hopeful lessons learned on the court will serve them well off the court and the bonds of brotherhood formed over the course of the season will last a lifetime.” You can catch most of DV45’s player in action at the September 8^th & 9^th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, as they will be suiting up for Team Michigan against team Ohio and Team Kentucky in the Inaugural “3-State Challenge.”  Congratulations to Coach Docks, his player and parents for a fantastic season!

 

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!