Earl Boykins Summer League Standouts
The Earl Boykins high school summer league at the Word Church sports multiplex is arguably the most competitive prep summer league in the state.
Inside a warehouse-like building, hidden in a nondescript industrial park, some of the most electric high school hooping talent in Northeast Ohio goes at it on Monday night. In total 19 schools play in the league, including traditional powers Garfield Heights, Cleveland Heights, Barberton, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Lutheran East…the list goes on. Dru Joyce II, AKA LeBron’s high school coach and AAU coach, is regularly in attendance as are some the other top high school coach, including Chet Mason of Brush, Sonny Johnson of Garfield and Shaw coach Harold Rasul.
Here are some early standouts I’ve noted during three trips to see the league.
Tyreke Smith, (2018) 6’5” PF, Cleveland Heights
This guy is a pass-rushing force on the gridiron and the best programs in the country want him for football. But he burst onto the scene as a highly-touted basketball talent and continues to hoop. In his team’s win on June 26 in the Word league he showed off his athleticism when he dribbled along the baseline and finished with a ferocious dunk. He told he loves basketball and that’s why he continues to play.
Meechie Johnson (2021), 5’ 11’’ PG, Garfield
I love this kid’s game. He’s smart, strong handle with a developing jump shot. No matter who he’s on the floor with he seems to be the leader and he always seems to make the right and smart play. Nephew of Garfield coach Sonny Johnson.
Seth Wilson (2021), 6’2” 2021, SG Undecided
It’s not known at this point where the 6’2” guard from Westlake will end up. He scored in double figures while playing for St. Vincent-St. Mary on June 26 and then again scored 10 in a game with St. V’s on July 5.
Every seasoned Northeast Ohio prep hoop observer thinks this kid will make a big-time impact as a freshman. After one summer league game in which Wilson played with St. V’s Joyce II said Wilson’s offensive game is ready to go at the varsity level, but he needs to improve on the defensive end.
Most recent rumor has him definitely going to St. Vincent-St. Mary where he would be joined by Columbus phenom, Malachi Branham (2021).
Chris Painter (2019), 6’ PG, St. Vincent-St. Mary.
Painter has plenty of athleticism could blossom over the summer. He had a dunk to finish one game and has shown the ability to get to the rack and stroke it from outside. He’s a returning starter from a state championship team and coach Dru Joyce II in comments about him said he’s a Division-I caliber.