Williams Paces Team to a SWO Championship Run

Sole Williams 5'6"PG 2023 Cincinnati

After a 35-28 victory over Harrison Middle School, a So’le Williams (5’5”/PG/2023/Cincinnati) led Pleasant Run Knights team reached their season-long-long goal of capturing a Southwest Ohio Conference championship. With an overall record of 23-3, Williams was her team’s leading scorer averaging 20 points per game.  Also playing well for the Knights was Anna Grau (5'5"/SG/2023/Cincinnati), who poured in on average 13 points per game.

In the summer, Williams runs with her father’s Cincy Finest team where she is also a team leader. With respect to her game, Williams’ skill set includes the ability to shoot a high percentage from the perimeter, a tight handle and ability to make pinpoint passes.  “She can do a little bit of everything,” said her coach.  As evidence of her deep threat, Williams knocked down 7 treys in one game last season on her way to a 32-point outburst.

With a brother and a father who both played D-I basketball, there is no secret why Williams is so talented.  In addition to basketball, Williams is a standout volleyball player as well. She is also getting it done in the classroom and is a straight A student.  Although she has not attended any camps and showcases to date, Williams is working extra hard in anticipation of her debut at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase this weekend.  We look forward to getting a good look at Williams on Saturday.

OGBR to Cover Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase

Much like the Buckeye Prep Report has been to boys basketball for the past 19 years, the Ohio Girls Basketball Report (OGBR) has been to girls basketball in the state.  We recently confirmed the OGBR will be in the house on Saturday to evaluate the girls division.  In addition to the significant level of competition the showcase will offer, OGBR’s participation will serve as additional exposure opportunities for our participants!  Welcome OGBR!

Initial Draft of Prep Elite Showcase Team Assignments, Rosters & Schedule Released

The document below is ONLY A DRAFT and is being presented early as a courtesy and to provide some insight into the event prior to your arrival on Saturday.  You can expect some changes in either the rosters or the game schedules, as we continue to add/replace players who have not paid the registration fees with players who want to get in at the last minute and are prepared to register/pay ASAP! Because of the likely changes, you will need to continue to visit this website for daily updates up until the day of the event.  

Please review all of the documents carefully to insure your son/player is listed, his/her name and grade are correct and that their team is playing either 3 or 4 games (depending on boy or girl division).  If you see any errors whatsoever, please email me the information at: taylorobe@aol.com as soon as possible and I will make the corrections.  Also, if you paid the fee by Pay Pal and did not use the registration link, your payment may not have been credited to your child/player.  Please bring a payment receipt. We are still in need of a couple of coaches. Finally, if you child is not in one of the early Saturday all-star games, you do not need to be in the gym until 11:45am.

BUCKEYE PREP ELITE SHOWCASE TEAM ASSIGNMENTS, ROSTER & SCHEDULE (INITIAL DRAFT)

Miller Factory Claims Title

2023 Miller Factory-2018 All-Indiana Invitational Tournament Champions

This past weekend, Coach John Mobley’s 2023 Columbus based Miller Factory squad started the 2018 AAU season with a bang, finishing undefeated on their way to the championship of the USSSA sponsored All-Indiana Invitational.  On championship Sunday, Miller Factory took down Team Future 2023 (73-42) in the semi-finals, followed by Spartan Sports Black (74-56) to take the crown.  Standout performers for Mobley’s team included Deshawn Crim, Shawn Thigpen, Will Collins, Brady Garrett and MVP John Mobley Jr. (2024).  You can catch the Miller Factory in action at our April 13^th-15^th Buckeye Prep Invitational.  Congratulations to Coach Mobley, his players and fans for a job well done!

Grant has Tremendous Upside

Kamryn Grant 5'8" WF 2024 Columbus

On Sunday, we had the opportunity to spend some time with Ron Bess’ 2024 Team Knockdown squad as they prepared for the upcoming season at the Far East Recreation Center in Columbus. What was apparent very early was the amount of talent Bess has assembled. One of the best players we saw the short time we were there was Kamryn Grant (5’8”/WF/2024/Columbus).  We were most impressed with Grant’s length, athleticism and ability to score the ball, rebound the ball and push the ball in transition.  She was aggressive to the cup, rebounded her own shot and converted several put backs.  She was also tough defensively and her length posed a problem for would be shooters.

According to Coach Bess, he first laid his eyes on Grant when she was in the 3^rd grade when he first saw her competing against high school girls at Afrocentric High School.  Last season, Grant, along with Berry Wallace, led Team Knockdown in scoring averaging 15-17 points per game, and helped lead the team (She Got Next) to a 12^th place finish at the AAU Nationals in Cincinnati; a 2nd place finish at the GBA Nationals in Cincinnati and a 3^rd place finish at the Ohio AAU Qualifier.

This winter, Grant mixed it up with the boys at the Far East Recreation Center and more than held her own.  Not only is Grant excelling on the hardwood, she is also getting it done in the classroom where she has consistently made Berwick Elementary School’s Honor Roll.  Grant’s parents have taken a conservative approach with exposure events so far, but are looking forward to seeing her compete against the region's best players at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase this Saturday!

As we mentioned earlier, Coach Bess’ team is loaded with talent.  We were also super impressed with the quickness and aggressiveness of Rayanna Howell (5’4’PG/2024/Columbus) and her ability to drive the lane and either score or create.  Berry Wallace (5’7”/WF/2024/Pickerington is another good one who is blessed with good size and skill. Alyssa Horsley (5’4”SG/2024/Teays Valley) joins the team for the first time this season and will give Bess’ team added depth and perimeter scoring.  Rylee Bess (5’0”/PG/2025/Pickerington), although only a 5^th grader, is another solid piece to the puzzle and will add much needed ball handling at the point.  Jaden Tucker (5’4”/SG/2024/Westerville) is another key piece and is a risk to score if left unguarded.  There are a few more players on this team who will contribute significantly this season.  We plan to keep a close eye on this team over the course of the season.  You can also catch all of the above girls in action this coming Saturday at our elite showcase.

Hatcher-Tuberville Another Northeast Ohio Gem

Chyanna Hatcher-Tuberville 5'7" SG 2023 Solon

The more we talk to coaches around the state the more hidden gems we uncover.  Apparently, Chyanna Hatcher-Tuberville (5’7”/SG/2023/Solon) has a boatload of talent and is one to watch going forward.  From what we understand, Tuberville is a pure scorer who is highly skilled and can handle the rock. In addition, she finishes at a high rate and is proficient at going either left or right.  That's not all, Hatcher-Tuberville can also shoot it in catch and shoot situations or off the bounce, and is one heck of a defensive player both on and off the ball as well.

Tubeverville’s talent is a big reason her Solon Middle School team is currently undefeated at a perfect 11-0 with only 4 games remaining in the regular season. For the season, Tuberville is averaging a gaudy 20 points per game, and in the summer when she is running with the SMAC Bombers, Tuberville averages 15-17 points per game.  We’ll get a close look at Tuberville at our March 10^th Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.

Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Information Page