Mr. Basketball Candidate: Isaiah Jackson
Basketball season brings with it one of the most prestigious awards in all of high school sports: Michigan’s Mr. Basketball. Some of the all time greats have held this trophy and it’s a signal of a player forever etching their…
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Continue ReadingBasketball season brings with it one of the most prestigious awards in all of high school sports: Michigan’s Mr. Basketball. Some of the all time greats have held this trophy and it’s a signal of a player forever etching their name into the history books.
Isaiah Jackson has clearly established himself as a contender for the honor in the 2019-2020 season. He’s a 6’9″ power forward in the class of 2020. Jackson now attends Waterford Mott High School. He’s considered a 5 star prospect and is ranked #22 overall and #4 at his position by ESPN. Jackson is ranked as the #1 senior prospect in Michigan by Prep Hoops Michigan. He recently signed with Kentucky and is part of the #1 ranked 2020 recruiting class in the country.
Jackson’s high school basketball career started at Old Redford where he and Rocket Watts made a dynamic outside-in duo. Both eventually took their games to Spire Academy where they also teamed with LaMelo Ball. At Spire, Jackson averaged 14.9 ppg, and 10.4 rpg. He played grassroots basketball this spring and summer with The Family. He showcased his talents on the Nike EYBL circuit where he averaged 10.9 ppg, 6 rpg, and 3 bpg. All roads have led him to Waterford Mott for his senior season. Last year they went 16-4 and return a talented core. Jackson’s addition makes his team an instant state championship contender.
Isaiah Jackson is truly a special talent. He may be the best pure athlete in the state. He’s very long and uses it to stifle his opponent on defense and continuously alter shots. Jackson is a high riser with impeccable timing on his jump. This helps him in being one of the top shot blockers in the country. Jackson is very fast up and down the court, especially for a power forward. He uses his long strides to seemingly glide down the floor in transition. There’s nobody a point guard wants to see more on a fast break with him than Jackson. He has incredibly soft hands around the rim that he uses for put back buckets. Jackson plays with a high motor that rubs off on his teammates as well.
The state of Michigan is very happy to have Isaiah Jackson back. He’s already become a role model for many young people. He’s shown that with grit and determination, anything can be accomplished. The only question is: Will his high school story end with the Mr. Basketball award?