In what was one of the most chaotic games I watched all season long, Massillon Washington erased a 15-point second half deficit to stun the defending state champions. Jackson Jr does well in a chaotic game, as he knows how to play at one speed and that’s fast. Jackson Jr did a nice job using spin moves to go around Westerville North defenders, who were always trying to swipe away at the basketball. Add in a couple buckets off Jackson Jr’s four offensive rebounds and it’s no surprise he was the most efficient double-digit scorer in the game.

The most efficient player on the court, Jackson Jr made 6/7 shots from both the field and the free throw line on Saturday. Using his length to finish over the smaller Lima guards, Jackson Jr did a nice job of getting an angle against the defense and using his quick burst to turn the corner and score past a shot contest. To open the second half Jackson Jr had a blocked shot on one end and followed it up with a putback layup on the other to set the tone for Massillon Washington out the locker room. Very impressed with Massillon Washington’s ability to make Lima Sr uncomfortable with their athleticism and pace of play.

One of the top multi-sport athletes in Ohio’s 2027 class, Jackson Jr holds eight offers for football including Ohio, Toledo and Miami (OH) while also holding an offer to Fairmont State for basketball. Massillon Washington has been on a tear this season and look to be a state title contender in Division II. Jackson Jr is a dominant athlete on the hardwood and the lefty forward can space out and knock down an open jumper but is at his best attacking closeouts and getting to the rim in transition. If you want to beat Massillon Washington, you’ll have to slow them down.

One of the top multi-sport athletes in northeast Ohio, Jackson already holds two Division I offers on the gridiron and has had a really impressive spring with OBC at the 16 U level on the hardwood. A versatile forward who can face-up, attack off the dribble and use his size, frame and athleticism to finish at the rim. It’s tough to stop Jackson when he’s finishing with his left hand and he does a nice job using the spin move to get back to his dominant hand to score at the rim. While football coaches know the name Gio Jackson Jr Gio Jackson Jr 6'5" | PF Massillon Washington | 2027 State OH already, I expect basketball coaches to also familiarize themselves with him sooner rather than later and he should have college options in both sports.

Jackson had one heck of a performance against a very good Meanstreets – EYBL squad. He is a next-level athlete right now. His vertical leaping ability and length allow him to have some highlight plays. He attacks the rim and glass with the intent to dunk the ball. He is an aggressive player. He is amazing in transition, and it was honestly surprising when he did not score. His ability to finish around the rim with touch going full speed was impressive. He knows his body and athleticism well and how to use it. This is a tough thing for a lot of players to figure out.

This was my first time watching Jackson Jr and left impressed with his athleticism, frame and motor. A lefty forward who plays hard driving to the basket and crashing the offensive glass, Jackson was going strong with his left hand whenever he caught the ball. Able to finish through contact, Jackson Jr has the strength as a multi-sport football athlete that translates on the hardwood. For Jackson Jr to take the next step as a basketball player, being able to attack with his right hand will make him more difficult to scout and gameplan for. Interesting talent I’ll be continuing to monitor in northeast Ohio’s 2027 class.