Staff Pick for Player of the Year: Kyle Young

Anthony Garcia March 13, 2017 @ 01:22 PM

After a season’s worth of consideration, we have chosen Kyle Young, a senior from Massillon Jackson, as the staff’s pick for Prep Hoops Ohio Player of the Year. The 6’7” forward/wing has averaged 17.8 points on 58-36-74 shooting splits to go along with 6.3 rebounds this season, per CantonRep.com. He also passes the eye test with flying colors. Simply put, Young is a super athlete with elite skills and fundamentals. Young can dominate the game both inside and out. The defense is forced to guard him all over the floor because of his three-point ability. Furthermore, Young can put defenders on his back and go over or around them in the post. Young also makes his teammates better, whether it’s by passing or drawing attention. We’ve seen guys like Ethan Stanislawki have strong seasons, in part because Young elevates his teammates. Furthermore, Massillon Jackson has been one of the best teams in Ohio from start to finish this year. The Polar Bears finished the regular season as the #4 team in Division I, with a record of 18-2. Most importantly, they’re still alive! Jackson will play Thursday at the University of Akron against Medina. (And, look, team success is one of the largest factors in determining our selection. Three of our five candidates are still alive, and that’s something we heavily considered.) Also, Young had himself a brilliant District tournament. Check out these numbers against legitimate opponents.

FINAL: Jackson 70, Hoover 42. Jaret Pallotta 19p 7a, Kyle Young 21p 9r for Bears. Eli Blackledge 14p, Nathan Fox 10p 8r for Vikes.
— Josh Weir (@jweirREP) March 12, 2017

Kyle Young 21p 7r 4b. Logan Hill 12p. Ethan Stanislawski 11p. Brian Roberts 15p, Austin Brenner 11p, KeShawn Hill 10p for Copley.
— Josh Weir (@jweirREP) March 9, 2017

Young did not burst onto the scene this season. Massillon Jackson was considered by many the pre-season favorites to win it all. They are still at the top of every board if you’re thinking of contenders. Basically, Young has welcomed and answered the hype. Individually, Young is (currently) ranked as our #3 prospect in the 2017 Ohio class. Nationally, Prep Hoops has Young ranked #84. Young is committed to play for Butler University.