Hard Work Region Preview: Ohio Buckets
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hard Work Region and here’s a look at the Ohio Buckets.
Ohio Buckets will compete in the 13u,15U and 16u age divisions of the Hard Work Region and will be at Havoc in the Heartland, The Summer Challenge and the Hard Work Region Finals.
I recently caught up with Ohio Buckets Director Jake Meisler to learn more about his program and what to expect from the Buckets this season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Ohio Buckets had their first team in the spring of 2012. Unlike so many other programs, the Buckets choose to offer only one competitive team per grade level (grades 3 through 11). This unique characteristic makes being an Ohio Bucket special. We had (and maintain) a sincere focus on giving our youth players valuable life experiences through the game of basketball. We pride ourselves on offering what we feel are high-intensity and competitive practices/coaching, and then exposing these athletes to some of the best talent that exists. All of this, of course, while forming special bonds with other area athletes, coaches and families along the way.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
In 2019, we hope to continue the rich tradition of Ohio Buckets by traveling to new and exciting locations. Ultimately, we hope to see each and every athlete grow his game by-way of our program. Being a part of the new Prep Hoops Circuit is special, too, and we are elated to see and compete against new and unfamiliar faces across the Midwest.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Each season, we want to see a player come out of the spring better than they went in. Whether its our overly qualified coaching staffs, high-level practices, or strategically planned tournament schedules, we work very hard to place the student-athlete first in all of the above.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Approximately 75% of Ohio Bucket rosters will return this season. While many of the groups boast young and explosive athletes who have bright futures in the game, there are several to keep an eye on at the high school levels (particularly 9th (2022) and 10th (2021) grades).
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
We feel Prep Hoops is the gold-standard for covering young athletes across the country. When the Prep Hoops Circuit was announced, we declined two other invitations to jump right in. Its exciting to be a part of a group that puts such a premier focus on watching, covering and publishing athletes with a promising future in the game. The idea of playing some other state’s best grassroots programs was extremely attractive, too. Any time you can get away from home and see different styles, athletes, teams, etc. it is a plus.