Local Fall Leagues in Full Gear

Jeremiah Francis, Alex Williams & John Mobley Jr.

Now that the AAU basketball season is in the rear view mirror and school ball is still several weeks away, the fall basketball season is in full swing, and heading down the stretch. In most communities, fall basketball leagues offer an opportunity for players to get in more work in preparation for the upcoming middle and high school season.  In central Ohio, Lamont Tillman’s Ohio Hoopsters League and All-Ohio’s Nike League are the 2 best options in terms of size and competition. 

On Saturday, I spent a couple of hours over at Whitehall High School taking in the action at All-Ohio’s Nike League. Once there, it was clear that the 2 local leagues are splitting the talent pool.  In terms of sheer numbers, the Hoopsters’ league appears to have the most kids, and conversely, the most talent; however, there was plenty of talent at Whitehall.

Although I spent most of my time watching Aaron Brown’s 6^th grade team, I took a peak at some of the high school games. As is the case most times I walk into a gym in central Ohio, 2019’s Jeremiah Francis was there putting in work.  On this day, Francis was playing up on a 9^th grade team and was still giving guys the business.  Although Francis has mostly been known for using his strength and big frame to attack the basket, he has continued to hone his perimeter game. On Saturday, Francis’ ball handling and his ability to create his own shot was evident.  Francis is now equipped with a nice looking pull up jumper and a sweet step back move. Now that he is a legitimate duel threat to score at the rim and from the outside, Francis is tough as hell to guard. We know he could do it against the best in the class of 2019, but his play on Saturday proved he could get it done against high school guys.  Look for Francis to make an impact on a high school program next year!

As I mentioned earlier, I mostly watched 6^th grade games on Saturday. One of the best 6^th graders I saw was Alex Williams, a sturdy built 5’5 WF from Xenia, Ohio. Williams will be running with All-Ohio next season, and makes the 1 hour trek from Xenia to Columbus on weekends to get some run in the Nike League. Although a bit undersized for his position, Williams plays strong around the basket and finishes with contact at a high rate.  Tough and aggressive with the ability to score best describes his game right now.  I had not seen him play before Saturday, but from what I saw, Williams has to be considered one of the best players in the class of 2021 in the state.  I plan to keep an eye on Williams’ development.

I also saw some good things out of Josiah Mobley (5'1 P/SG Columbus) who hit several big time shots in the loss to Bowling Green.  I also continue to be very impressed with his little cousin, John Mobley Jr. (PG 2024), who is off the charts in terms of his skill set, but who also has the heart of a lion. Mobley is widely considered to be one of the top players in his class nationally, and his play on Saturday was consistent with his status. Mobley consistently makes the right play rather that’s scoring the ball or finding a teammate in position to score.  He’s still very young, but his vision and passing skills are elite!

Aaron Brown’s squad, Bowling Green, consists of players from his spring and summer Buckeye Prep team, in addition to some prospects for next year.  Although no one player ever seems to dominate in any of the games I’ve watched, his team-based approach has several players who contributes to their success.  On Saturday, Brown’s team finished 2-1 with wins over All-Ohio’s top 5^th grade team.   Daron Brown (4’8 PG Columbus) is a consummate PG who runs the team with poise and is an able and willing passer with a high basketball IQ. Brown shares the point guard duties with Azzan Daniels (4’6 PG Columbus) who is a bit quicker and more aggressive, but also does a good job of running the squad. Also in the back court is Courtney Blake (5’1 P/SG Dayton) who shares the ball handling duties but also scores the ball. On the wing are Makhale Massey (5’4 WF Columbus) and Jayden Hawkins-White (5’0 WF Columbus).  Massey knocked down several jumpers on Saturday, while Hawkins-White was more about slashing to the basket. Patrick Daniels (5’1 W/PF Columbus) is a key component to this squad; when he’s on his game there is a good chance this team gets the win. New to the team is Kobe Buford (5’7 PF Dublin), who plays in the post and gives this team more size, rebounding and post scoring.  By most accounts, Buford may be one of the top 2 post players in central Ohio. Last but not least, Mark Small (4’9 W/PF) is another kid who can get streaky from game to game, and can be the key peace to winning or losing.  With the talent from last year and the possible new additions for 2015, Brown’s squad could make some nosie in the NYBL next season!

Buckeyes Garner National Attention

J. Francis, J. Mitchell, A. Gordon, C. Stringer & A. Davis

Regardless of where you stand on the relevance and wisdom of ranking middle school-aged players, it has become common practice for national media outlets to begin identifying elite players at a very young age. Traditionally, players begin to receive recognition though a variety of ways.  Primarily, young kids are discovered by playing on elite level teams and in the most competitive tournaments.  In addition, participation in elite camps and showcases where national media is present can help put a player “on the map.” Although sometimes costly and time consuming, participation in elite events is often the ticket to a player appearing in national rankings.

This fall, several media outlets (i.e., Prolific Performance, NYBL, Basketball Spotlight, Coast-to-Coast, (2020 Ballers, etc.) have released national player rankings, and the state of Ohio is well represented any many of their rankings.  The class of 2019 boasts the most players (7) in various top 100 player lists. Consistently, the highest ranked player in the class is Jeremiah Francis (6’1 PG Columbus) who by many accounts, is one of the top 2 point guards in the class and a consensus top 10 player nationally.  Right behind him in most rankings is Gahanna’s Jordan Mitchell (6’5 WF) who has consistently been ranked in/or near the top 10-15 by most scouting services.

After a year of running with All-Ohio Red in the NYBL, Sydney’s Andre Gordon (5’10 WF) has burst onto the national scene. His play during the NYBL season and his outstanding performance at the recent Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase has solidified his place among the nation’s elite.  Any discussion about players whose stock is on the rise has to include Dayton’s Amari Davis (5’11 WF). Not only did Davis make a name for himself in the ultra-competitive NYBL, his play at several elite showcases confirmed that he should be mentioned among the best. In addition, Cincinnati’s Chris’Sean Stringer (5’11 PF) has been a consistent top 100 performer and as evidence, Stringer capped off a great NYBL season with a MVP performance at the NYBL Finals in Columbus in June. Rounding out Ohio’s top 8^th graders include Gerard Reynolds (6’0 PF Columbus) and Chris Payne (6’0 PF Cincinnati).

I. Kennedy, C. Mott, S. Wilson, M. Johnson & N. Peeples

Ohio’s class of 2020 is also well represented on the national scene. With Shemar Morrow moving out of state, the top spot in Ohio is now up for grabs. Plain City’s Jack Pugh (5’10 PF) and Matt Allocco (5’3 PG Upper Arlington) are often mentioned in top 100 conversations, as are Zeb Jackson Jr. (5’2 PG Toledo), Willeon Yates (5’3 PG Springboro) and Grant Huffman.  Isaiah Kennedy (5’7 PG) has recently emerged on the national scene and is now considered elite. Having recently received MVP honors at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase a few weeks ago, as well as a solid showing at other national events, Kennedy’s stock is clearly on the rise. Also new to the national scene are Chance Mott and Taveon Pierre-Louise, Sammy Anderson, Ketaan Wyatt Jr., and Devontae Blanton. Mott capped off a solid NYBL season running with the Mansfield Cavs with a standout performance at the recent Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase and Pierre-Louise was also a standout on that Mansfield Cavs team.

Although smaller in numbers, Ohio’s class of 2021 has a few representatives.  Seth Wilson is the consensus number 1 player in the Buckeye state, but nationally, some consider him as the top guy as well.  In any account, Wilson is solidly in the top 5-10 nationally. Most recently, Wilson’s talents were on display at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase were he re-established his place nationally. Cleveland’s Meechie Johnson is fast making a name for himself nationally as well. A dynamic guard with a significant skill set, Johnson is moving up the rankings in breakneck speed. Jaden Hameed and Noah Peeples have both moved into the national debate through their stellar play with All-Ohio Red and impressive performances at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase.  Finally, add Columbus’ Travonne Jackson to the list of fast risers.

Sean Jones, Sonny Johnson Jr. Derrick James & John Mobley Jr.

If you don’t like middle school rankings, I’m sure you are less than impressed with 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade lists. With that said, Ohio has some quality young guys who are already demanding attention nationally.  In the class of 2022, Cleveland’s Sonny Johnson Jr, Sean Jones, Derrick James and Josiah Harris are already on national radars.  These kids are playing with elite teams and are getting it done at national camps and showcases.  Consequently, they are already firmly on the national map. Lebraun James Jr. is the lone representative in Ohio’s class of 2023 so far, but 2024 is already looking good with guys John Mobley Jr., Jerry Easter Jr., Isaiah Marshall and Kent Hairston demanding attention. Mobley has been mentioned as the #1 player in the class by some media, and from what this writer has observed over the past couple of years, the title is well deserved.  I love this kid’s game and confidence.  Mobley, Easter and Marshall all played up a couple of grades against elite 5^th graders at the recent Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase and more than held their own!

Although the Buckeye state is clearly on the national map, there are other players who are talented enough to be considered for placement on some of these lists and over time, as they receive more national exposure, they will assume their place among the nation’s elite. Congratulations on all of the above players for reaping the Buckeye State!

NYBL Press Release

National Youth Basketball League Returns for Third Season

Columbus, Ohio (September 26, 2014) – Season #3 of the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) will once again reflect significant growth, both in terms of the number of divisions (3) as well as the number of teams (96).  With the addition of the class of 2021, 16 new teams in the class of 2020, and an additional 8 teams in 2019, the NYBL continues to trend upward. Not only will season #3 host more teams, but the quality of teams and the level of competition will remain high.

The 2015 NYBL season will again encompass 4 sessions and will feature 2 new sites and 2 traditional locations. As was the case the first two seasons, the 2015 campaign will tip off in the nation’s capital the weekend of March 21^st-22^nd; Session 2 is scheduled for April 25^th and 26^th in Richmond, Virginia; Session #3 is set for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (just south of Knoxville) May 22^nd-24^th; and the league will conclude with the NYBL Finals the weekend of June 6^th-7^th in Columbus, Ohio. 

The NYBL’s motto, Elite Competition and Maximum Exposure, was on full display during the 2014 season. In fact, in terms of league competitiveness last season, NYBL teams again dominated at the AAU Nationals.  As evidence, in both the 6^th & 7^th grade AAU Nationals, NYBL teams (Team CP3 & Oakland Soldiers) took home national championships.  In addition, as was the case the first 2 seasons, the high level of exposure generated by the NYBL will be unprecedented and unmatched, as the league has re-established partnerships with many of the major media outlets that traditionally cover middle school basketball. Not only will media outlets such as the Buckeye Prep Report, Basketball Spotlight, Middle School Hoops, Prolific Performance, DMV Elite and Lineage of Champions be covering every move the NYBL makes next season, but the league’s official website will also 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. Based on the number of NYBL players that are ranked in the recent top 100 national rankings, it’s clear that the NYBL-generated exposure has played a significant role in determining those rankings!

The season-three format will mirror season two. Specifically, 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 website (http://www.nyblelite.blogspot.com). At the conclusion of the first 3 sessions, the NYBL will culminate in a national championship in Columbus, Ohio the weekend of June 6th-7th 2015. Although others will attempt to match our success, the NYBL has built a solid foundation in just 2 years, has established a credible reputation, and still represents the standard by which middle school basketball leagues are judged!  Come join us in year three and experience the hottest event in middle school basketball!

2015 NYBL Session Dates & Locations:

Session #1                                March 21^st - 22^nd, 2015            Washington D.C.

Session #2                                April 25th-26^th, 2015                Richmond, Virginia

Session #3                                May 22^nd-24^th, 2015                 Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Session #4                                June 6^th-7^th, 2015                      Columbus, Ohio

All-Star Weekend                     September 19-20^th, 2015          Columbus, Ohio

Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase Individual Player Evaluations

In addition to ranking the players for all-star game considerations, and as part of our attempt to provide participants with elite competition, maximum exposure and evaluative feedback, the coaches at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase also provided individual player evaluations as part of their duties.  Below is a link to those evaluations. Many of the names listed were randomly selected depending on the nature and detail of the evaluation notes.  Unfortunately, not every coach provided detailed, and/ or legible evaluations suitable for publishing.  Hopefully players will continue to work on their overall skill development and physical fitness.

Player Evaluations

Tier 1 Sports Middle School Showcase Returns

Quincy Simpson's Tier 1 Sports Middle School Showcase returns on October 18th in Lima, Ohio.  Always a great event for players looking for development and exposure!

Adidas Midwest Elite Exposure Camp Scheduled