Cincinnati, Ohio — Following a 3rd place finish in the GCL Co-ED last season, McNicholas was on track to be arguably the best team in the conference for the 2020-2021 season.
The team is losing the 2020 GCL Co-ED POTY, Evan Brunot, due to graduation. But, the team was on track to return their loaded 2021 class.
Larry Kocisko, Caden Conrad, Nick Schulte, Carson Seemann, & Max Minardi were all returning contributers to McNicholas’ run last season.
Unfortunately, one of them will not be returning to McNicholas for their senior season. Larry Kocisko was on track to be McNicholas’ star player next season, but will be transferring 4 hours away to ISA Andrews Osborne for his last go around before playing at the next level.
The prep school out of Willoughby, Ohio, near Cleveland, is only going into their third season as a program, but is no stranger to the Dayton area. These last two years, ISA has participated in the 2nd biggest high school basketball showcase in the country, Flyin’ To The Hoop. The rumor is they’ll be back for their third consecutive year.
In their Flyin’ To The Hoop debut, ISA was embarrassed in front of a packed crowd, losing 95-64 against a stacked Bella Vista Prep squad. Bella Vista was led by Terry Armstrong (NBL), Addison Patterson (Oregon), and 2021 ESPN #19 recruit, Zion Harmon (Western KY).
ISA overcame their growing pains this recent season by defeating the #2 team out of Arizona, Hillcrest Prep. Hillcrest was led by Puff Johnson (North Carolina), Dalen Terry (Arizona), and 2020 ESPN #16 prospect, Makur Maker. But, the three high school basketball stars couldn’t overcome the 81-68 upset ISA handed to them.
ISA’s Andy Barba made a name for himself in front of the Dayton crowd, earning himself a spot on this recent year’s FTTH All-1st Team. Barba is ranked Ohio’s 6th best player in the class of 2021 by ohhoops.org. The 6’6″ small forward is being scouted by an abundance of division one schools.
It might be a surprise to why Kocisko would leave a team destined for a big season. But, his reasoning is inspirational. “The competition man. I want to play against the best and guard 4 and 5 stars every night.”
Kocisko didn’t only was tougher competition, but also wanted a tougher schedule, “It’s 40 games, so way more games”. He mentioned the powerhouse program, La Lumiere, will be apart of their schedule. Lumiere has been home to the NBA’s Jaren Jackson Jr. (Grizzlies) & Jordan Poole (Warriors).
The 2021 guard seems to be doing everything he can to make sure he’s ready to play at the collegiate level.
Kocisko is going on reduced tuition after receiving a scholarship to attend the academy, “I was just talking to the coaches, then went up there for a visit and worked out. They liked my game and gave me a scholarship. I’m blessed.”
Kocisko will be teaming up with the nephew of one of basketball’s greatest in LeBron James. After sitting out last season with ISA due to injury, Meechie Johnson will be that teammate. The 2nd highest ranked player in Ohio’s class of 2021 held offers from Louisville & Georgetown, before committing to Ohio State. Andy Barba will also be returning to squad up with the McNicholas transfer.
The academy will be graduating some of their top contributors in Keon Ambrose (Alabama) and the former Moeller Crusader, Brad Colbert (Louisville). Four star big man, Charles Bediako, who currently holds offers from 13 elite D1 schools including Michigan St., Michigan, Ohio St., & Alabama, will be transferring for his senior season to play at IMG Academy.
As his team’s 2nd option, he finished top 10 in conference scoring (11.3 ppg), top 15 in 3ptfg% (37.1%), top 15 in ft% (75%), and top 5 in blocks (1.4 bpg).
Who knows what other top prospects Larry Kocisko will have the chance to team up with at ISA Andrews Osborne? Will we get to see an ISA V.S McNicholas rivalry match-up at Flyin’ To The Hoop, like we did with Spire Academy & Springfield last year? We’ll have to wait until January to find out . . .
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