Tier 1 Sports MS Showcase Recap

On Saturday, I headed north to Lima, Ohio to cover Quincy Simpson’s Tier 1 Sports Middle School Showcase. By the time I got to Lima Central Catholic High School, the roughly 160 kids in attendance were still participating in skill and drill sessions. According to some of the parents I talked to, the skills portion of the showcase was top notch. Later in the afternoon, the games began, with each team playing 3 games. The format did not include all-star games. In addition to the Buckeye Prep Report, there were several other scouting services in the house including: Ty Kish, Ethan Knopp, Straight A Athletics and Zack Fleer.

Andre Gordon-2019 Sidney

Although the showcase featured kids in grades 4th thought 8th, for the most part, I concentrated on the younger guys. The best kid I say all day was Andre Gordon (2019) a 5’10 PG from Sidney. I’ve seen Gordon before, and have always been impressed with his game, but on Saturday, he was even better than I remembered. A bigger guard who is skilled, handles the ball very well, and does a great job of attacking the cup and finishing. I hear he is a fantastic football player and well, and his athletic and strong play is translates well to the hardwood as well. He is still flying under the radar right now, but once people really get a chance to see him play, he will take his rightful place among the top 2019 floor generals in the state. Trotwood’s Amari Davis (6’0 WF) was having his way in the 7th grade division. Davis has good length and can score in bunches. Davis is often over shadowed by all of the talent on All-Ohio Red’s 2019 team, but he can ball with the best of them.

Zeb Jackson-2022-PG Toledo

I really enjoyed watching some of the younger kids at the event. In the 6th grade division, Toledo’s Zeb Jackson Jr. was very impressive. The 4’11 PG has the ball on the string, excels at beating his defender off the bounce, and either getting to the rack or dropping a sweet dime to an open teammate. Oh yea, he has some flash to his game, but he’s still productive while giving his team a chance to win. I've had my eye on Jackson for several years, and he is still developing and is still one of the top lead guards in the class of 2021. I also liked Isaiah Kennedy, a 5’3 guard from Beavercreek. A big boded guard who is more about muscling his way to the basket right now than tricking his defender with dribble moves. But make no mistake, Kennedy can handle the rock, and he can shoot it as well. With his play at the fall Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases in September as well as Saturday’s event, it’s safe to say that Kennedy is among the state’s best. Some of the other standouts included: Joey Holifield (5’5 WF Toledo), Tahleik Walker (5’0 PG Columbus) and Kole Whitney (4’10 PG Sandy Hook, KY). I can’t forget about Tavion Harris (5’6 PG Mansfield). Quality player who can score.

Grayson Green-2018 Cleveland Heights

The 8th grade division had some gems as well, and one of the best was Trotwood’s Devon Baker, a 5-10 PG with size, athleticism and a solid jump shot. I had not seen Baker previously, but I plan to keep an eye on him going forward. Also, Cleveland Heights’ Grayson Green (6’0 WF) has been on my radar for a couple years now, and he just keeps getting better every time I see him play. Not only does his physical play standout in his play with King James, but you can see his talent in showcase-type events as well. Green does most of his damage in the paint where he is big and physical enough to bang and finish with contact. Green is an all-around good looking prospect. I also like Tyler Slash, a 5’5 PG from Roanoke, VA. Slash has a tight handle, great vision and is an excellent passer. In addition, Teas Valley’s Garret Tipton did several nice things on Saturday, and although I did not see him play, a scouting colleague told me that Diego Gray 5’11 SG/WF Oklahoma City, OK) had a big day as well. Explosive and strong was how Gray was described. I’m sorry I missed him! Also, I did not get a chance to see Keion Brooks (2019 PG Indiana), but someone I respected said he played well on Saturday.

Derrick James-4th Grade PG

When I say young guys, the event had some really good kids starting from the second grade. We don’t often write about kids below the 6th grade, but I have to mention a few kids who really caught my eye. Look out for Derrick James, a dynamic little PG with a game beyond his years! This kid can really handle that rock! I watched him put a couple of moves on his defender and was amazed with his skill set. I also like Sean Jones (4th grader), John Mobley Jr. (2nd grade) and Fred Wilkes (6th grade).

Other players to watch: Darius Quiszenberry (8th), Devin Meyers (7th), Josiah Hutchins (7th), Parker Vanarsdalen (7th), Caleb Rogers (7th), Ian Bull (7th), Soul Hines (7th), Jordan Moore (6th), Ketaan Wyatt Jr. (6th), Dai’Sean Saka (6’1 C Toledo), Khalil Luster (4th), Deuce Blake, Eearion Brooks and Reece Badgett.

All in all, it was a quality event, but of course I would expect nothing less from Coach Q!

Photo Gallery

Top Performer List

Buckeyes Crack NYBL Top 100

Jeremiah Francis-#1 PG

Late last night, the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) dropped their list of the top 135 7^th graders (2019) in the country. The list highlights the top 100 players in the class, including a 35-player “Watch List.” In addition, the NYBL list ranks the players by position. To date, the NYBL list is the most extensive, as the league seeks to become the primary authority on the talent in the class.

Among the list of 135 players, 10 Buckeyes made the cut. The highest ranked Ohio kid is the #6^th ranked Jeremiah Francis (5’11 PG Pickerington) who the NYBL also ranks as the #1 PG in the class. Francis had a breakout season in the NYBL and raised his stock with an improved shot and ability to get to the rack and finish. Right behind Francis is the #10 ranked Jordan Mitchell (6’2 WF Gahanna). Like Francis, Mitchell solidified his himself as a top 10 player with an impressive showing during the NYBL. Mitchell also had a big time weekend at the recent Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.

 

Jordan Mitchell-Ranked #10

The third Buckeye on the list was Gerard Reynolds (6’0 C Columbus). Reynolds got out of the gate quickly at NYBL’s session #1 in Washington DC, where his outstanding play garnered him “Session MVP” honors. Although undersized for his position, Gerard was simply too strong in the post for most of his defenders. Strong with good feet and hands best describes Reynolds’ game. Cincinnati’s Chris’Seon Stringer (5’11 PF) checks in at #64 overall and the #12 power forward. “Grown Man” is what they call him and his play during the NYBL and the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase backed up his nick name. Stringer is only a jump shot away from being special. Strong to the cup and athletic is Stringer’s calling card.

Alfonse Hale-Clevelenad PG

Cleveland’s Alfones Hale (5’6 PG), Chris Payne (6’0 PF Cincinnati), and Joey Edmonds (5’5 PG Cincinnati) round out the Buckeyes in top 100. Included in the NYBL’s Watch List are Cleveland’s Josiah Hitchens (5’9 WF), Justin Smith (6’0 PF Cleveland) and Payton Harris (6’0 PF Springfield). Look for the above players to continue to shine during season two of the NYBL set to tip off in Washington DC in March of 2014. Congratulations to all of the above mentioned players for representing the Buckeye State in the National Youth Basketball League!

NYBLTop 100 List

NYBL Release 2014 Sesssion Dates, Locations and new Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Season #2 of National Youth Basketball League Promises More Competition & Exposure

Columbus, Ohio (October 6, 2014) – Season #2 of the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) promises even more competition and exposure, as the league will expand from 3 sessions and one 24-team division, to 4 sessions and up to 100 teams in 3 grade divisions. Beginning in Washington DC on March 22, 2014, the league plans to host 40 seventh grade teams (2019), 32-40 sixth grade teams (2020) and 20 fifth grade teams (2021). In terms of the competitiveness of the league last season, of the 8 teams that advanced to Elite 8 at the 6^th grade AAU Nationals in Jully, 7 of those teams participated in the NYBL this year, including both teams in the tournament finals and the reigning Nationals Champions!

As was the case in the inaugural season, the level of exposure generated by the NYBL will be unprecedented, as the league will partner with more of the major media outlets the traditionally cover middle school basketball. Not only will media outlets such as Basketball Spotlight, Dunk Dog, Buckeye Prep Report, Middle School Hoops and the Hoops Report be covering every move the NYBL makes, but the league’s new official website will be offering more coverage including session-by-session recaps, top performer lists, player and team profiles, special feature stories as well as national individual and team rankings. In fact, the NYBL will soon publish its list of the top 100 players in the class of 2019 on its official website.

In terms of the format, the same basic principles will be in place for season #2. Each of the teams in their respective divisions will be divided into four, 5-10 team divisions (depending on the division), and during each of 4 sessions, each team will play a total of 5 games (3 games on Saturday and 2 games on Sunday) against teams from an opposing division. Team standings, individual player stats, team and individual player profiles and photo galleries will be posted on the NYBL’s new website (http://www.nyblelite.blogspot.com), and at the conclusion of the first 3 sessions, the NYBL will culminate in a national championship in Columbus, Ohio the weekend of June 7th & 8th 2014. Because the league will feature most of the nation’s top teams in each grade division, session #4 will be considered a true “National Championship!”

New in 2014, the NYBL will host a stand-alone “NYBL All-Star Weekend,” which will include 2 all-star games per class (Top 20 & Top 40), a skills & drills camp and activities for coaches and parents. Every player who participates in the league will be invited to participate in the event. The “NYBL All-Star Weekend” is tentatively scheduled for Washington DC in August 2014. Stay tuned for more details. Below is a complete list of the session dates and locations:

2014 NYBL Session Dates & Locations:

Session #1                             March 22 – March 23, 2014                            Washington DC

Session #2                             May 3 – May 4, 2014                                        Atlanta, Georgia

Session #3                             May 17 – May 18, 2014                                    Louisville, Kentucky

Session #4                             June 7 – June 8, 2014,                                       Columbus, Ohio

All-Star Weekend               August 15 – August 17, 2014                           Washington DC

Tier 1 Sports Camp Emphasizes Skill Development

Coach Quincy Simpson will be hosting his Tier 1 Sports Camp on October 19, 2013 in Lima, Ohio. Click on the link below to view information about the event.

 Information Page

Ohio Hoopsters Fall League Boasts Talent

Jerome Hunter-2018 Monroe MS

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to check out some of the action at the Ohio Hoopsters’s Fall basketball League at New Covenant Church in Columbus.  For three years now, Lamont Tillman and Tony Lavender have hosted the fall league, and in each of those years the league has experienced significant growth. This year, the 8-week league has 44 teams and about 450 kids in grades 3^rd-12^th. According to Tillman, “the league has continued to grow because 90% of the top kids in 8^th grade and below in the city are in the league, and the top kids want to play against the top kids.”

Although I did not get a chance to spend a lot of time in the gym on Saturday, while I was there a few kids caught my eye. I checked out a very competive 7^th/8^th grade game between the Cavs and the Rockets.  The Cavs boasted a stacked roster that included Pickerington’s Jeremiah Francis and Gahanna’s Gerard Reynolds, both of whom were dominate in the game, while pacing their squad to the win. As he did this summer in the NYBL, Francis scored in bunches with strong drives to the cup while Reynolds was beast in the paint and finished often around the bucket.

 

Jeremiah Francis-2019 Pickerington

Although Reynolds and Francis are the headlines, they are surrounded with talent with 2018’s Jerome Hunter (6’2 WF/PF Monroe MS) and 2019’s N’Keeley Elmore (4’8 PG), both 8^th graders. I’ve seen the speedy Elmore before, but Saturday was the first opportunity I had to see Hunter, who has only been in Columbus for about 2 years.  Hunter may still be flying under the radar for now, but that will soon change as Hunter as significant upside potential! From what I saw this weekend, Hunter has good length, is very skilled and has a great motor. Hhe also has a nice looking shot, can execute on the pick and pop, has a solid midrange game and a high IQ.  That’s not all; he can guard multiple positions, blocks a lot of shots and runs the floor very well for his size. I plan to keep an eye on this kid; he could be a good one going forward if he continues to develop!

Antonio Green-5'3 PG Columbus City Prep

I was also impressed with Coach Leon Towns’ Rocket team which featured a highly skilled Antonio Green (5’3 PG Columbus City Prep). I was truly impressed with Green’s feel for the game and high IQ. He was also very poised, and did a great job getting his teammates involved. He rarely turned the ball over, found open guys and also scored the ball. Green has the ball on a string and is equipped with several quality dribble moves he uses to gain separation from his defender. Green has nice little floater and a nasty step back shot. He did a great job working off screens, and when his defender went under the screen, he read it correctly and knocked down the jumper consistently. Green is really fun to watch, and should have his way with opposing guards during the upcoming middle school season.

Jejuan Weatherspoon-6'0 SG/WF Columbus

In addition to Green, the Rockets have a good one with 2018’s Jejuan Weatherspoon (6’0 SG/WF Sherwood MS). If that name sounds familiar it should, as Jejuan is the younger brother of Toledo’s JD Weatherspoon. He may not be as explosive as his older brother at this point in his development, but Weatherspoon is very athletic, has a solid handle and displayed a nice looking shot. Weatherspoon was also very aggressive and was good at attacking the basket. As was the case with his brother, look for Weatherspoon to continue to develop his skill set and to make his own name in central Ohio basketball.  Hopefully I will get another opportunity to catch more of the action at the Hoopster’s fall league.

Photo Gallery 

Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Rankings

Omari Spellman (2015) Had Another Great Camp

The 2013 Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase was the biggest and most competitive event to date, as over 400 elite 6^th-12^th graders converged on Central Crossing High School in suburban Columbus, Ohio intent on showcasing their talent to scouting services and college coaches. Not only did the players hail from several areas of the country, the event attracted international talent with the participation of a Canadian all-star team. Day one of the event featured a series of all-star games including interstate and international rivalry match-ups between Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Canada. Also included in the Saturday games were intrastate battles between northern and southern Ohio in grades 9^th-12^th.

Derek Funderburk (2016) Shined

Saturday’s lineup also included 2 National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) all-star games featuring the top 40 players from the inaugural season of the elite league. Additionally, a couple of unique features of the showcase included a 2 hour recruiting seminar put on by Deon Johnson on Saturday, and a Sunday presentation by the NCAA’s Jeremy McCool. Both segments provided parents, coaches and players with invaluable information designed to assist them in obtaining their goals of a college scholarship. Early Saturday evening the showcase games tipped off and the level of competition remained high. The showcase resumed on Sunday morning and culminated in final all-star games in each of the 5 divisions late Sunday afternoon.

 

Coulter Dotson (2018) Was Impressive

Because the many standout performances during the weekend have been well documented by the numerous scouting services that attended the event, we will conclude our event coverage with are final showcase rankings. Below is a link to those rankings.  In terms of our approach, the rankings were compiled using the team evaluation/ranking sheets which were completed by the player’s respective coaches. Basically players ranked either 1st or 2^nd on their teams were ranked in the top 20, while players ranked 3^rd or 4^th were ranked in the top 40.  There were a few exceptions depending on the number of teams in a division, and where there were fewer teams in a division,  some 3^rd ranked players made the top 20 and some 5^th ranked players cracked the top 40.

Zion Harmon (2021) Made Some Noise

In addition to the top 20 and top 40 rankings, coaches were asked to select players for specialty awards such as “Top Prospect,” “Most Skilled,” “Best Defender,” and other attributes. Our system is not fail proof, but for the most part, the system accurately identified most of the players who performed well over the weekend. Finally, in order to better define the top players, the names highlighted in red denotes top 10 performers. Again, these rankings are based on the team rankings as seen by the coaches. In closing, congratulations to all of the players that appear in the rankings; with so much talent in the gym, to be singled out in these rankings is a huge accomplishment. See you at our fall showcase on March 2, 2014!

Final Showcase Rankings