The Ohio Crossover Athletics Most Improved Player Award is given to a player who has made significant strides in his game from the beginning of the AAU season to the end. These improvements are not only based on statistics, but also include the player's mental approach, intensity, and will to win that he brings to each and every game. I am proud to announce that the winner of the 2014 OCA 11th Grade Most Improved Player Award is Jackson Long from Anderson High School.

This was Jackson's first year of AAU basketball, and I could tell at the beginning of the season that he was trying to get used to the pace of the game and the level of competition that we face on a game to game basis. However, Jackson continued to improve each and every game he played and became a key contributor for this year's team. Jackson is a great rebounder and a very physical post defender. He saved his best for last as he grabbed 8 rebounds and played great defense against the Tennessee Express in our last game of the AAU Division 1 National Championship Tournament. Jackson is also a very good free throw shooter for a post player, but he is still developing other aspects of his offensive game. I know that with Jackson's work ethic that he will continue to make strides in this area and all facets of his game.

I enjoyed coaching Jackson this year and expect him to have a fantastic Senior season at Anderson High School and to have the opportunity to continue his career on the next level. Congratulations Jackson!