Burkholder helped lead Newark to a district title behind an excellent offensive performance. Burkholder is a winner from the point guard position who just gets stuff done on both ends. Newark basketball requires toughness and defensive intensity and Burkholder competes on that end and is always in the right place and not shy about sacrificing his body to take a charge. Offensively, I think Burkholder has taken steps as an athlete which helped him create for himself. Recently picking up an offer from Mount Vernon, Burkholder also has heavy Division III interest as well, I expect him to impact winning at the next level.

Burkholder has had an excellent past few months, leading Newark to a district title and showing out at this event. A traditional point guard in every sense of the term, Burkholder did a great job getting his teammates involved despite this being a showcase event with players from all over the state. When he did look to score, Burkholder was efficient from the outside with his pull-up jumper. A guy who flat out helps you win, Burkholder should be an impact player at the Division III level early in his career.

Burkholder put the team on his back on Saturday. He scored 24 of Newark’s 57 points in their District win over Olentangy Liberty. He did all the things you want a point guard to do. He controlled the pace of the game, never let the pressure of the defense get to him, and ran Newark’s offense flawlessly. He leads by example all game by never showing great confidence even when the game might not have been going Newark’s way. He showed great touch in the lane on floaters. His shot is smooth and was falling. I’ve always been a big fan of Burkholder and he is a hard kid to not root for.

March and Newark basketball go together and in front of a frenzied crowd, Burkholder gave the fans a lot to cheer about all game long. Controlling the pace of the game, Burkholder did an excellent job playing with pace and getting to his spots. An improved athlete and pull-up shooter, Burkholder has taken clear steps as a scoring threat that will make him a tough player to defend in college. What Newark is known for is their defense and ability to do all the little things right and few players are as good as Burkholder at the little things. Burkholder is a winner from the point guard position and will help a small college program win games at the next level.

Burkholder was tough as nails for a Newark squad that requires toughness, defensive intensity and high IQ basketball. Burkholder checks all these boxes and has improved as an outside shooter off the catch and when he creates for himself. While he is undersized, Burkholder makes opposing ball handlers work hard to bring the ball up the court and create separation on him. An old school floor general, Burkholder has all the traits to have a productive small college career.