Greenlee has a Bright Future

Michael Greenlee Jr-Toledo

It’s still very early, but Ohio’s class of 2023 is starting looking like it’s going to be one of the better classes we’ve seen in years.  Near the top of the class is Michael Greenlee Jr. (5’4”/combo guard/Toledo/2023). We’ve seen him in action a couple of times at our elite showcases and each time we were impressed with his game. In fact, the last 2 showcases Greenlee attended, not only did he punch his ticket to the all-star game; he balled out on his way to Top 5 Award honors.  Greenlee also put in work at Jerry Watson’s Nike City Series a few months ago, and was selected to the event’s All-Tournament Team.

The first time we saw Greenlee we had this to say about him: “…No one impressed us more than Michael Greenlee Jr., a long and athletic lead guard who displayed an almost complete game.  Not only is he effective at getting into the paint and finishing, Greenlee can knock down the jumper as well. Greenlee’s performance was so impressive, he will vault to the top of the class on our top player lists.”  Greenlee excelled this past season on a loaded Maumee Bay Turf team, where he averaged nearly 20 points per game.

We think so highly of Greenlee that we selected him as 1^st Team All-Ohio, and currently have him listed as a potential top ten in the state in the class of 2023. That's impressive because he’s up their with guys like Gabe Cupps, LA Hayes, CJ Hornbeak, Dre’Sean Roberts, Chase Walker, Desh Molton, Jayvion Moore, Jyles Brandon, Daylin Swain, Karl Burroughs, LeBron James Jr. and Antaune Allen. If you’re listed among the best in this class that’s really saying something!  You can check Greenlee out on March 4^th when he returns to the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase where he will once again put his rep on the line and compete against the best in the state, region and country!

Buckeye Prep 2016 All-Ohio Teams

Buckeye Prep Top 6th Graders List

Bova’s Play Draws Attention

Mike Bova-Avon Lake

Up until recently, discussions about elite guards in Ohio’s class of 2022 have not included Michael Bova (5’8/combo guard/Avon Lake/2022).  However, with his MVP performance in the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Top 40 All-Star game in September, and his play in the Ohio North vs South All-Star game (second leading scorer with 13 points), Bova has now muscled his way into the conversation.  In terms of consistency, Bova also logged in a standout performance at a recent NEO event in Cleveland, where he parlayed a top 20 finish into an all-star game selection. Moreover, Bova averaged 22 points per game in the Ohio Shooting Stars Fall League, and averaged 16 points per game at the AAU Nationals last season.

Bova might not look the part to some, but his skill set, which includes a consistent stroke out to the 3-point line, a tight handle, court vision and playing making ability, are all attributes in a top guard.  In addition, Bova is a hardnosed competitor who aggressively attacks the basket.  According to Ed Heben, Bova’s AAU coach, Bova can play both guard positions, is coachable and is a “great and willing passer.” According Paul McMillian, Head Coach of All-Ohio Red 2022, who has had an opportunity to compete against Bova, “…the kid can play. He’s a solid shooter who is above average and will not back down,” McMillian said.

Because Bova’s Learwood Middle School team does not open their season until January (girls play first), we don’t have any stats; however, Bova is not just good on the hardwood, he’s also a big time scorer on the grid iron, as evidenced by 20 touch downs this past middle school season.  Bova also takes his studies seriously, and he has an A/B average as proof.  You can catch Bova in action at our March 4^th elite showcase, and again when his Ohio Shooting Stars team attends the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament March 31^st-April 2^nd.  We plan to keep an eye on Bova’s development.

Farmer Continues to Develop

EJ Farmer-Shaker Heights

In our effort to turn the spotlight on more “under the radar” type guys, we turn our focus to EJ Farmer (6’1/Guard/Shaker Heights/2021), who has continued to grow and develop since we saw him in Cleveland earlier this year. In our post event report for the NEO showcase in February, we noted this about Farmer, “…We knew Hameed was a top 10 player, but Farmer surprised us a bit. Farmer is a threat to shoot it as soon as he crosses half court.  There’s no need for him to wait for a pass to get his shot off, as Farmer can create his own shot off the bounce.” We last saw Farmer in action at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase in September, where he participated in both the Ohio North vs South and Ohio vs Kentucky All-Star games.  In addition, Farmer logged in a top 100 performance later in the showcase.

Farmer is fast, sees the floor well and can get to any spot on the court he wants to in order to get his shot.  He also works well in transition, defends and can put up big numbers.  Farmer has stretched out  bit since we last saw him, and at 6’1 with the ability to play the 2 spot or slide over and play the point, Farmer’s upside potential is worth noting. From what we here, Farmer is enjoying a lot of success with his 7-2 Shaker Middle School squad so far this season, where he is averaging 17 points, 6 assists, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game.  

In addition, Farmer is excelling in the classroom as well, and is packing a hefty 3.7 GPA. This coming AAU season Farmer will again be running with Jonathon Burge’s Another Level organization.  We look forward to seeing Farmer again at our March 4^th elite showcase and again when his Another Level team participates in our March 31^st-April 2^nd Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament.

Myers off to a Fast Start

Tegan Myers-2022

With his 31 point, 7 assist, 5 steal and 3 rebound outburst on Monday night, Tegan Myers (5’8/SG/Logan/2022) is poised to have a big season for his 2-0 Logan Hocking Middle School.  Myers logged in those impressive numbers in a 61-31 win against Newark Heritage in his team’s opening game on Monday. We first saw Myers at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase last March when his standout performance caught our eye. Although we did not see much of him during the 2016 season, we liked his IQ and motor enough to select him as Buckeye Prep’s 7^th Team All-State, and to give him a spot on our top 7^th grade list.

From what we recall, Myers plays with great energy, runs the floor and excels in transition.  He’s also aggressive, tough, shoots it well and has a high basketball IQ. With his size and skill set, Myers can play multiple positions.  Myers is also a good student, as evidenced by his selection to the 2016 Buckeye Prep All-Academic Team and his 3.5-3.8 GPA.  Because both of Myers’ parents are educators, his academic future would appear to be set.  Although Myers played AAU last season with a southeast Ohio based team, he’s looking to upgrade his team next season in order to face more competition and receive more exposure.  We look forward to getting a closer look at Myers on March 4^th at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.

Buckeye Prep All-State Team

Buckeye Prep Top 2022 List

Introducing Elmore James IV

James Elmore IV

As most Buckeye Prep Report fans know, many of the elite 2022 players in the state have been featured extensively on this website. Guys like Chris Livingston, Paul McMillian IV, Sonny Johnson Jr. and Khalil Luster have made their names with standout performances at Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases and other competitive events around the state; consequently, their success has been well documented. Well, with each season, as players grow and develop, new names emerge on the scene and demand recognition.  Although he enjoyed some success running with Court Leaders last season, his talent went mostly unrecognized.  His outstanding play and all-star game selection at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase last September convinced us we needed to give James his props.

He’s not yet a hot name, and most fans who follow this class have not seen nor heard much about him, but Elmore James IV (5’9/WF/South Euclid/2022) can play, and deserves to be recognized on the statewide stage.  We first saw James play at an NEO event this past February and were really impressed with his game.  In fact, in our post event report we described James as “…big, athletic and plays hard.  James runs the floor well and finishes at a high rate around the basket.  James has good genics as well; as he’s a relative of Ohio State commit Derek Funderburk. We think James’ upside is huge…”

Based on what James is currently accomplishing with his 7^th grade Memorial Middle School in South Euclid, where he’s averaging 24 points per game, including a high game of 29 points, James has his 5-2 Arcs squad on a 5-game winning street, and it’s clear that what we saw in February was no fluke. Also, the fact that his cousin, Ohio State’s Derek Funderburk is 6’9, projections that James will to grow 6’7-6’9 is realistic.  In addition, with his current skill set, size and strength, it would not surprise us if James ends up playing college basketball at the D-I level.

We asked a couple of people about James’ game and the conscience is that he’s big, athletic, with a developing skill set.  Specifically, with his size and ball skills, James is versatile, allowing him to play multiple positions from the point to the post.  In addition, James’ size allows him to finish with contact, and his skill set, IQ and decision making equips him to be effective further away from the basket. Not only is James handling his business on the court, he’s an honor role student and with an A/B average. According to his father, James is likely to attend Brush High School in a couple of years.

James is currently weighing a couple AAU team options, both of which would put him in a more competitive situation and allow for even more exposure. We certainly expect to keep an eye on James’ development when the 2017 season tips off in March.  You can catch James in action at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase on March 4^th, and again at the Buckeye Prep Invitational Tournament March 31-April 2^nd. Welcome to the big stage James Elmore!

Buckeye Prep Top 2022 Player List

All-Ohio Red 2021 Upgrades Roster for 2017 Season

Trey James, Jaden Hameed & Keon Henderson

Last year, they were already one of the top 7^th grades teams in the state, who could more than hold their own on a national level; however, with 3 key roster upgrades for the upcoming season, 2017 could be a big year for Coach Marty Finta’s All-Ohio Red 2021 squad.  Gone are Alex Williams, a big bodied slasher from Dayton and Quincy Clark, the team’s steady floor general from Gahanna. The biggest addition to Finta’s team is Trey James, a 6’10 athletic, space eater from Kentucky who will provide rim protection, rebounding and additional low post scoring.  We last saw James in action during the Ohio vs Kentucky All-Star Game and the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase in September, where he showcased his ability to block shots, grab rebounds and score. For the record, James played with Al Mobley’s All-Ohio Red 7^th grade team last year.

Also new to the team is 5’11 Jaden Hameed, a strong, athletic combo guard from Cleveland, who will add a more robust scoring punch with his ability to attack the cup and finish.  He joined the team late last season and made an immediate impact, but Keon Henderson, a dynamic 5’10 PG from Detroit, will join the team full-time in 2017.  Last season, Henderson provided both a scoring option as well playing making ability, and showed flashes of greatness. Another addition to the squad is Cleveland’s Collin Albert, a 5’7 PG who will add additional depth and shooting at the guard position.  In addition, Albert has been described as a fearless defensive specialist who is willing to guard the opponent’s best player. Rounding out All-Ohio’s roster additions is 5’8 Caden Edmondson, a very athletic combo guard who’s quick and defends at a high level.

With the return of 6’5 Brent Walker (Huber Heights), 6’1 Wil Sizer (Cincinnati) and 6’2 Elijah English (Gahanna), All-Ohio will have the biggest front court in the state.  Add 6’3 Isaiah May to the list and Finta’s squad will have 6 players over 6’0 tall.  Also returning is 6‘0 Gabe Finta, (Columbus) the team’s best 3-point shooter. With a roster that includes, size, multiple scoring options, elite defenders and solid guard play, Finta is excited about his team’s potential.  “Our team has been assembled with top talent, and we will focus on team ball,” Finta said. “We will have good attitudes, a 10-man rotation and we will play heavy and intense defense,” continued Finta.  According to Finta, his team’s keys to success require “team oriented play, coachability, and parent’s willingness to allow their sons to be coached,” offered Finta.

When we release our pre-season team rankings in March it will be hard not to give All-Ohio Red 2021 the nod as the #1 ranked team in the state based on the quality of their roster additions.  As far as Finta is concerned, it’s not even close [the #1 spot]. “I don’t see anybody close. This team will be tough to beat.  I wouldn’t want to coach against us,” proclaimed Coach Finta. In anticipation of their dominance next season, Finta has upgraded their schedule to include more competitive tournaments. Not only is Finta looking to play the other top teams around the state; he wants to play them in pool play! Joining Finta on the bench will be assistant coaches Anton Hameed and Harry Albert, both of whom coached with All-Ohio Northeast last season.

We’re confident that when the rest of the coaches and players in this class read Finta’s comments there will be no shortage of motivation, especially from the likes of All-Ohio Purple, last’s season #1 ranked team, the NEO Shooting Stars and the Ohio Basketball Club! You can catch All-Ohio in action when they debut their new team at the Buckeye Prep Invitational March 31^st through April 2^nd in Columbus.  Can you say “Super Pool?” We can’t wait to see this team take the floor in March!