All-Ohio Nike Cup-Championship Sunday

Although Jerry Watson’s All-Ohio Nike Cup hosted 35 teams over the course of the weekend, on Sunday, I was only able to catch the U-17 championship game between All-Ohio Red and the King James Shooting Stars. Despite injuries to Marc Loving and Keon Johnson, Red was able to easily handle King James on their way to a 79-60 win. By most accounts, Jarron Simmons was great at the point, scoring 16 points, and Tony Farmer (16 points) looked to be in mid season form.  Nigel Hayes was a monster down low, newly acquired Maurice O’Field (11 points) was a human highlight reel and Zach Denny provided perimeter shooting and led Red in scoring with 18 points.

Mark Williams, Zach Denny, Jaaron Simmons, Tony Farmer, Wendall Davis & Nigel Hayes

Of courses Randy Clarkson’s King James squad played without their stud as well, as Jack Gibbs Jr. is still recovering from an ACL injury. Randy Clarkson Jr. was the leading scorer with 10 points, and sharp shooting Isaac McGlone added 9 points. All-Ohio has added some key pieces to last year’s team, with Maurice O’Field, Zach Denny and Tony Farmer.  King James' key additions include Mark Williams and McGlone. The All-Tournament Team consisted of Nigel Hayes, Zach Denny, Jaaron Simmons, Tony Farmer (MVP), Mark Williams and Wendall Davis.

In the freshman division championship game, All-Ohio Elite (8th grade) thumped Who Got Game 60-38. All-Tournament Team selections included: Jarron Cumberland (MVP), Carlik Jones, Kameron Moore, Caleb Tregre, David Dennis Jr. and Austin Armwood.

Cap City Hoopfest-Day Three Report

Juan Elmore-Player of the Game

The final day of day of the Cap City Hoopfest featured some very competitive games. The semi-finals in the 6th grade division featured match-ups between All-Ohio Red and the Ohio Hoopsters, and Buckeye Prep versus Ohio Hoopsters. Both games resulted in blowouts, with the Hoopsters winning 51-31, and Excel defeating Buckeye Prep 37-17. Corey Baker led the Hoopsters with 12 points and Excel's Dane Goodwin led his team with 13 points.


The best game of the day pitted a bigger and more athletic Ohio Hoopsters against a scrappy and fundamental Excel. This game was close the entire game, with the Hoopsters maintaining a slight lead through out most of the contest. Early in the first half, big Juan Elmore was having his way in the post as his size advantage was undeniable. Elmore finished the game with a team-high 14 points. Dane Goodwin hit the game's first bucket and would go on to lead his team in scoring. Despite a Valiant effort, the Hoopsters' pressure defense eventually took its toll on Excel, resulting in a 38-31victory and a second championship in as many weeks for the Hoopsters.

Dane Goodwin-6th Grader-Upper Arlington

One of the things I'm most impressed with about the Hoopsters is their balanced scoring from game to game, as there seems to be different standout player every game. In the championship game it was the post play of Elmore and the guard play of Ty Wiley. Clearly, Dane Goodwin was the man for excel as he finished with a game-high 18 points. It's evident by the way he played this weekend that Goodwin's father is a college basketball coach (Capital) and has taught his kid how to play the game, as his skill set is advanced for his age. One of the top point guards over the weekend was Upper Arlington' s Matt Alloco. Only a 5th grader, Alloca has a special talent. I don't think I have ever seen a kid so young be as verbal with his teammates as Alloca was. That's not all, the kid is tough as nails, has a tight handle, a high basketball IQ and is poised beyond his years.

Tre' Charles-Martin-8th Grader Groveport

In the 7th grade division, Devin Howard's All-Ohio Red squad held off a feisty OYSP team. In the championship game, Toledo's Brett Lauf was his spectacular self as he led his team to the tournament championship. The Ohio Hoopsters/Cardinal's 7th grade team played up in the 8th grade division and still got it done. The seventh graders defeated Ohio Hoopsters Holliman 60-45. Dylan Dupler led all scorers with 19 points, followed by Garcia Dixon with 15 points. Corey Benten led his team with 14 points, followed by Tre' Charles-Martin who added 10 points. Martin, a 5'10 SG from Groveport Middle School, has good length, athleticism, and looks to be a good looking prospect going forward.

Day 3 Pictures

Cap City Hoopfest-Day Two Report

Early yesterday morning, I caught some of the action at the Ohio Hoopsters' Cap City Hoopfest. Although the 40-team event attracted mostly local teams in grades 3-8, there was still some quality teams and players on the court. Right out of the gate on Saturday morning, the much anticipated match up between the 6th grade Ohio Hoopsters and Buckeye Prep jumped off at New Covenant Church. Although Buckeye Prep drew first blood, the much more physical and aggressive Hoopsters quickly seized the lead and never looked back. By the end of the game, the Hoopsters had amassed a convincing 57-19 victory.

David Fitzgerald-Player of the Game

Key for the Hoopsters was their dominance in the post, stellar shooting from the perimeter, and solid guard play. The Hoopsters dominated the rebounding battle and scored easy buckets in transition. Westerville's David Fitzgerald, a 5'8 wing from Blendon Middle School, paced the Hoopsters. Fitzgerald scored at every level, including the trey ball, floater and put backs. Fitzgerald displayed constant motor, the ability to defend and he finished at a high rate. The Hoopster's Juan Elmore is a force in the paint. Although not a super athlete at this point, he is big, aggressive and he knows how to use his attributes. Ty Wiley did another solid job at the point and consistently found open guys. After their success the last couple of weekends, it's safe to declare the 6th grade Hoopsters as the top 6th grade team in Central Ohio.

Matt Allaco and Braden Norris-Dynamic PG Duo

I finally had a chance to check out All-Ohio's 6th grade team as they matched up against a scrappy Excel squad. Excel got on the board first with a Dane Goodwin trey. All-Ohio answered right back on a three pointer by Tavion Kanzy. Both teams would trade buckets early in the first half, before Excel went on a run, finishing the 1st half up 32-23. The second half was all Excel, as All-Ohio would only score 5 points as late as 2:29 left in the contest. Simply put., the Excel kids put on a basketball clinic against All-Ohio, as they totally out executed Red. Excel was led y the backcourt duo of Matt Allaco, a 5th grade PG from Hastings Middle School, and Braden Norris, a fearless floor general from Memorial Middle School in Hilliard. Add to that the rugged play of Dane Goodwin, a 5'9 PF from Jones Middle School in Upper Arlington, and it is easier to reconcile the fact the Excel totally out classed All-Ohio in their impressive 62-31 victory. Excel was led in scoring by Allaco who dropped a game-high 16 points, followed by Braden Norris (14 points) and Dane Goodwin (14 points). The top guy for All-Ohio was Columbus' Tavion Kansy who finished with a team-high 12 points.

Both Buckeye Prep and All-Ohio would both bounce back from blowout defeats earlier in the day, as Buckeye Prep would take their anger out on a defenseless OSYP Lions (46-23), and All-Ohio would win big over a under-matched Rodgers Neighborhood (46-16).

Trey Pugh-Player of the Game

In the 8th grade division, the Ohio Hoopsters defeated King of the Court 39-32. Tamal Watkins, a crafty PG from Columbus finished with 14 points. Justin Sylver, a 6'5 C from Cleveland, is a kid to keep an eye on. Sylver is a wide body and a space eater with upside potential. In their second game against the Ohio Hoopsters/Cardinal, Sylver's front court mate, Rayvon Lewis, logged in a nice performance as well. Lewis, a 6'3 PF from Lynchfield MS in Akron, let his team with 12 points. Speaking of the Cardinals, they easily handled King of the Court to the tune of 64-40. Hilliard Weaver's Trey Pugh continues to dominate the competition, as he led all scorers with 18 points. I also liked Antwon Smith, a 6'3 C heading to Dublin Coffman High School. Tyrell Ajian also played well, finishing with 10 points. Ajian attends Madison Middle School in Mansfield, and will likely attend Madison High School next year.

Tournament Pictures

Jump25.com College All-Star Classic Preview

Johnny Clark-Jump 25 Founder

If you are anything like me, you are already looking for a college basketball fix. If you find yourself in the central Ohio area on Saturday, you might want to stop Ohio Dominican University to take in the action at Johnny Clark’s 4thAnnual Jump25.com College All-Star Classic. Clark’s annual event will once again play host to some of central Ohio’s elite high school and college players.

The festivities will tip off at noon on Saturday with the Central Ohio Girls High School All-Star Game. The following players will participate in the game: Morgan Plummer (Jonathan Alder), Brittany Bakehaster (Jonathan Alder), De'Ottia Robinson (Mifflin), Ashley Bassett-Smith (Pickerington North), Jaila Bryant (Pickerington North), Nicole Payne (Olentangy), Marissa Elliott (Worthington Kilborne), Jasmine Craig (Independence), Jaren Francis (Africentric), Aliyah Zantt (Reynoldsburg), Adesuwa Aideyman (Reynoldsburg), Lindsey Reiland (Dublin Jerome), Jasmine Johnson (Brookhaven), Essence Bates-Hatcher (Brookhaven), Brandi Curd-Watson (Northland), Morgan Neighbors (Westerville North), Katie Dymek (Hilliard Davidson), Jessie Baldridge (Mt. Gilead), Jasmine Junkins (Hilliard Bradley) and Torrie Ruffin (Mifflin).

At 1:30, the Ohio Women’s College All-Star Game gets starte and will feature: Kristi Kotterman (Otterbein), Shea McCoy (Otterbein), Meredith Fox (Ohio Dominican), Abby Glover (Ohio Dominican), Casey Nance (Dayton), Tyeasha Moss (Xavier), Amanda Dobbins (Muskingum), Tenishia Benson (Ohio State), Clare Aubrey (Findley), Samantha Prahalis (Ohio State), Tiffany Shields (Hiram), Morgan Korinex (Kenyon), Kori Wiedt (Mt. Union), Bjonee Reeves (Cincinnati), Jen Caiola (Lake Erie), Stephanie Rogers (Lake Erie), Kara Dysert (Ohio Northern), Jessica Slagle (Bowling Green), Cathy Ingersoll (Toledo), Kenya Middlebrooks (Youngstown State), Sarah Watson (Wittenberg), Amanda Francis (U-NW Ohio), Alexis Harkins (Mt. Vernon Nazarene), and Shalene Hawkins (Capital). The teams will be coached by Mark Baker (Ohio State) and La”sawn Brown (La Tech/Columbus Quest).

3:00 marks the start of the Central Ohio Boys High School Game featuring: Zack Abbruzzese (Dublin Coffman), Jake Bischoff (Olentangy Liberty), Zach Ratcliff (Columbus Academy), Trent Weaver (Hilliard Bradley), Christian Graves (Westerville Central), Chad Nelson (Pickerington Central), Jalen Robinette (Bexley), Fuquan Tucker (Africentric), Hosie Smith (Africentric), Kai Turner (Walnut Ridge), Alex Randall (Jonathan Alder), Brad saxton (Grove City), Kris Carius (Westeland), Kyle Wade (Worthington Christian, Dewey Rice Jr. (Briggs), Julian Johnson (Horizon Science), Matt Rhodes (Westerville North), Taivon Thomas (Westerville North), Andy Bosley (Olentangy Orange) and Malik Dime (Walnut Ridge). The team will be coached by Brian Brown (Ohio State) and Devin Green (Hampton/La. Lakers).

The finale tips off at 5:00pm with the Ohio Men’s College All-Star Game. Rosters include: Scott Thomas (Bowling Green), Dee Brown (Bowling Green), Johann Mpondo (Wright State), Chris Davis (Otterbein), Brice Raush (Otterbein), Clayton Black (Wittenberg), William Buford (Ohio State), Scott Dennis (Christian Brothers University), Robbie Taylor (Mt. Vernon), Du’Shawn Brooks, (Youngstown State), Michael Porrinni (Kent State), Justin Manns (Kent State), Carlton Guyton (Kent State), Corey Shontz (John Carroll), Mark Hester (John Carroll), Sharif Muhammed Jr. (Urbana), Jimmy Wood (Mt. Union), Nate Barnes (Alderson Broaddus), Aaron Gibbs (Ohio Domincan), Justin Hallowell (Wooster), Greg Rice (Central State), Jamaal Watkins (Hiram), Kendall Allison and (Ohio Valley). The teams will be coached by Scoonie Penn and Matt Sylvester (Ohio State). Buckeye Prep will be covering the event and will be posting a story.


College All-Star Game Pictures

8th Annual Buckeye Prep Invitational-Final Results

By most accounts, the 8th Annual Buckeye Prep Invitational was a great success! Over 120 teams participated in this year’s event. Thanks to all of the players, coaches, parents and fans that helped make the event a success! Below is a link to the final results, including pictures of the champions, runner-ups, All-Tournament Teams and MVP’s.

Nations Elite Prospects Write-up
Triple Double Prospects Write-up
Full Court Hoops Write-up Day 3
Full Court Hoops Write-up-Day 2
Full Court Hoops Write-up-Day 1
Full Court Hoops Write-up
Final Results
Championship Sunday Pictures

Buckeye Prep Invitational-Day Two Report

Day two of the Buckeye Prep Invitational ended much like Friday; very competitive. For the first time ever, I had a chance to get around to all of the facilities to take in some of the action.  At the Dublin site, I caught the end of the Ohio Purple vs Hidden Gems Orange (9th) game. While I was there, I watched Purple’s James Bolden, a 5’10 SG from Cincinnati, drop a game-high 22 points on Hidden Gems.

James Bolden

In addition, Don Jackson’s 6^th grade Michigan Titans team was getting it done against Next level. Next Level’s Peyton Harris, only a 5^th grader, was the work horse and the leading scorer. I continue to be impressed with Cody Blankenburg, a slick lil PG from the state up north. I last saw Blankenburg at my Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase, and he proved his March performance at the event was no fluke. The best part of his game is penetration and dishing.

John Williams

Dwight Blair’s DB Hoops teams are making noise this summer, as he has begun to stock pile northeast Ohio talent.  His 7^th grade squad had its way with Toledo Elite, to the tune of a 62-39 victory. DB Hoops is powered by John Williams, who knows how to run the point and get his teammates involved.  Williams finished with 13 points. Naz Bohanan had a big game also, as he logged in a game-high 14 points. Keep an eye on Loraine’s Deuce Martin and West Salem’s Derek Koch, both of whom are playing well this weekend.

Zach McCormick

Although they were playing up in the U17 division, King James Shooting Stars 2014 looked more than comfortable against the Showtime Ballers. Showtime may have gotten off to a slow start in the first half, but they fought back to within 2 points midway through the first half. Despite the mini run, the success was only short lived, as King James would go on a run of their own, and finish the half up 44 to 26, then collect a 74-44 win. King James is loaded with talent, with guys like Zac McCormick (16 pts), Cameron Taylor (8 pts), and Vincent Edwards (10 pts). Finally, let me say this, he may not look like it when he walks in the gym, but Zach McCormick will put you in a poster if you try and challenge him at the rim.  McCormick is not only super athletic; he is skilled as will and possess a nice jump shot.

The 10^th grade Michigan Titans faced off against the Ohio Hoopsters, and by the time the final horn sounded, Michigan had claimed a 58-36 victory. The Titans were led in scoring by Collen Jones (16 pts), Nick Spitleg (14). The top guys for the Hoopsters were Douglas Bennefield (10 pts) and Gabe Rodriquez (8 pts). In the sophomore division, Millennium Fire Select notched a close 46-42 win over Nitro USA.  Ohio Varsity White (sophomores) pulled out a 76-65 win over Buckeye Nation.  Big Alex Stewart led all scorers with 16 points, while J. Thomas finished with 14 and Ty Hairston added 11.

Carter Mims

They may still be young, but I saw some 4^th graders today who straight balled. Georgia’s Worldwide Sun Devils rolled into town and finished the day 3-0 heading into championship Sunday. They’re on the small side, but guard play is the key to this team.  The team’s top guy is Kalil Brantley, a dynamite floor leader with a solid skill package. While we are on the subject of point men, I plan to keep an eye out on Carter Mims from Dayton. From what little I saw of him, I can’t imagine there are many kids his age who can handle the rock like this kid.  He has a lot of tricks in his bag, and is only a couple of growth spurts away from being special. Last but certainly not least, Toledo’s Zeb Jackson continues to impress this evaluator. This kid has as complete a game as you might expect for a 4^th grader. He can shoot, penetrate, pass and defend. Add in a high basketball IQ and poise under pressure; it’s easy to see why he might have a bright future.

Chase Rankin

I finally had a chance to check out Ed Lyshe’s 6^th grade Buckeye Prep team, and I could not have been more proud of their effort.  This team may not be the most talented team in the state, but they play the game the right way. I really enjoyed how they played unselfishly, passed the ball well, and defended from whistle to whistle. The strength of this team lies with its guard play.  Gahanna’s Chase Rankin is the lead guy for this team, and he excels at running the show. Rankin continues to show development in not only his skill set, but how he approaches the game. In support, Julius Brown is often the spark plug for this team and brings toughness and aggressiveness to the table. This team is deep at the guard spot, as evidenced by the contribution of Troy Taylor Jr., who is talented in his own right. Kristian Pachac was also a standout in the game I watched.

King James’ U-17 advanced to bracket play with an undefeated record  With Jack Gibbs Jr. still recovering from knee surgery, primary leadership of the team has been delegated to Randall Clarkson Jr. who has embraced his new role. Clarkson has been on attack mode the entire tournament. I heard some good things about Tyree Harris, a long athletic wing with Murphy AC Elite.Word has it, he has a high motor, runs the floor like a deer and is very active around the rim. Day three should prove to be pretty interesting

Day 2 Pictures