Recruiting Report: Ben Fort (2019)

Reynoldsburg 6’5” wing Ben Fort (2019) makes getting to the rim look pretty easy. Averaging double-digit scoring numbers for a 15-7 Reynoldsburg team, the long slasher has a habit of weaving through creases in defenses with his lean frame and aggressive mentality. “Finishing and driving to the basket and creating for others,” Fort said, when asked about his best skills. His athleticism shines through defensively also, Fort telling us that he is comfortable defending positions 1-4. Yet, Fort isn’t satisfied with where he’s at right now, knowing that he needs to improve a little bit of everything to take his game to the next level. “Well I really need to improve on everything. I try to get better every year. But I could improve on my handles and my shooting,” Fort said. Plenty of that development happens in the Hoosier state, where Fort plays grassroots basketball with Eric Gordon’s sponsored team EG10 in the adidas Gauntlet Gold. His AAU choice has trickled into his recruitment, with a number of Indiana and Western Ohio schools showing serious interest. Fort and his mother listed off Miami (OH), Indiana State, IUPUI, Wright State, and the University of Indianapolis as schools he’s been in contact with. Which school is standing out above the rest? “Probably Miami,” Fort responded. “I took visits to Miami, Wright State. I’m supposed to take one to IUPUI. They’re all unofficial ... [They were] during the season,” Fort said. Although Fort doesn’t have offers in front of him yet, he knows that his decision will likely come down to academics and the coaching staff. The Reynoldsburg junior had an accumulative GPA of 3.3 at the end of his sophomore year but expects that number to rise. He’ll take the ACT on Feb. 27 for the first time. Until then, Fort will use his versatile set of skills in trying to string together postseason wins for Reynoldsburg. They open postseason play at home against Thomas Worthington on Feb. 24 and will likely meet Westerville Central in a District Semifinal on March 7. They’ve won four in a row, including games over Pickerington North and Bishop Hartley. Fort points to chemistry as the key. “I feel like we, as the season goes, we started to play with each other better and know what we need to do to win,” Fort said.