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 2017 OCA 11th Grade Boys (Callahan) Most Improved Player Award is Kyle Young from Badin High School!

Kyle was one of our most consistent shooters all season. He was 3rd on the team in both 3-point shooting (40.7%) and free throw shooting (71.9%). However, he really improved at taking the ball to the basket and his one dribble pull up as the season progressed and his numbers reflect that improvement. Kyle's scoring average increased from 3.5 points per game in March, to 5.5 ppg in April, to 6.5 ppg in May/June, to 8.2 ppg in July. Kyle was at his best when it mattered the most. At the AAU National Championship Tournament in July, he scored a season high 18 points in a close loss to the Old Gold Dream Team from Chicago who finished 5th in the Country this season.

Kyle competes very hard on the defensive end as well and is always willing to sacrifice his body to help his team be successful. He took a team high 15 charges and was second on the team with 64 deflections. He was also 4th on the team with 39 steals this season.

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