ITS OFFICIAL; Jerry Easter II Signs With USC; Why Did Easter Decide on USC and Not Ohio State or Oregon??

 Jerry Easter II, one of the biggest recruits to come out the state of Ohio recently, has decided to go to USC, ending the speculation of him going to Ohio State. 

 Easter decided to make the announcement during the road trip as they face #1 ranked A.J. Dybansta and his elite squad in Utah tonight. 

                        Courtesy of 24-7 Sports 

Easter, who had over 50 D-1 offers, was coveted by a bevy of top tier schools, decided on his Top 6:

Oregon, Ohio State, USC, SMU, and Vanderbilt along with Miami.

Courtesy of Greenlight Media 

The Buckeyes had originally went hard after top recruit Darryn Peterson, but lost out on him to Kansas. 

Once they lost on Peterson, they decided to make a late push for Easter II, but ultimately, Easter II and his family decided on USC.

Eric Musselman, who recruited Easter heavily at Arkansas, is now at the helm at USC. USC has gotten some high profile recruits lately, such as Scoot Henderson, Bronny James, and now, Easter II. 

Easter will probably be given the ball from Day 1, which was important for Easter as he is leading the top team in the country (Link Academy) at the point guard spot. 

"I liked that Mussleman continued to recruit me, even when he left Arkansas. Sometimes that don't happen like that when coaches go to a new school.

 I liked his energy. He has a great track record." 

While Diebler and Ohio State made a legitimate run at Easter, it was the loyalty and commitment to Easter early in the process that fueled Jerry to head to Southern California. 

Easter is ranked Top 30 in the class, but is arguably a Top 15 player.  For some reason he dropped from 20 to 31 in the ESPN rankings  despite leading Nationally ranked prep school La Lumiere in points, rebounds, assists, and steals last season in the EYBL Scholar League. 

La Lumiere has 2 kids in the top 20 of 2025 rankings, which is baffling how Easter dropped below them after leading the team to a #6 National ranking. 

However, this summer NBA great Kyrie Irving, watched him play, took a liking to Easter and took him under his wing.  It has helped Easter II immensely throughout the process. 

Easter, and his family, is now relieved that the process is over, and has already signed. 

For Ohio State, they were able to get Dorian Jones, a top tier wing player from Northeast Ohio. 

But to lose the top 2 players from Ohio in Peterson and Easter II will sting.

 Easter II and Link Acadmey looks to knock off Dybansta and his team to stay undefeated tonight.  

Congrats to Easter II, who's a soft spoken kid with a dynamic game that translates to the next two levels. 

Look for more content on Jerry Easter II social media and on @SElive365 

Clark State Looks To Bounce Back Today vs Owens; Recap of Edison State Battle

 CLARK STATE RALLY FALLS SHORT TO EDISON STATE, LOSE 90-80; 

 LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK TODAY VS OWENS CC  

by Deon Cash 

Clark State faced a hungry and angry Edison State team this season, as they defeated Edison State twice last season in coach Alstork first season at the helm. They did it in a crazy fashion as well. 

They even did it with four players on the court.

This year the 1st game would be a different story as Edison State jumped out to a big lead 45-27 lead going into half. 

They were led by Top Scorer in the OCCAC in F Owen Bronston (17), while C  Sam Whitaker gave them the inside boost late in the game to seal the deal.

 G Tyler Myles led Edison State with 24 points and 4 assists, while F Jaylen Simmons added 16 pts and 4 dimes as well.   

Clark State would get back in the game as F Brandon Miller (22 pts, 13 reb) and C Jarmaine Tubbs  (18 pts, 9 reb) spearheaded a comeback to cut the lead to 12 with 4 minutes remaining.

However, too many turnovers, missed shots, and inconsistent play, especially in the 1st half, doomed the Eagles. 

All-American candidate Isaiah Masteller had a off night but still dropped 13-5-5 in the losing effort, as he was harassed all night by Edison State. 

With the loss Clark State is now 4-3 on the season. 

"We knew Edison State would be a tough game. There a well coached team. It was a great atmosphere. We didn't come out ready to play, and it cost us." Head Coach Quinton Alstork would say.

DOUBLEHEADER VS OWENS CC TODAY 

The Clark State Eagles host a doubleheader as Owens Community College will visit.

Owens CC comes in looking for its first OCCAC victory, as they are 0-2 in the conference and 2-6 overall. 

Clark State are looking to get back over .500 in the winning column in the tough OCCAC. 

"We have to execute, play great defense, and get it done today." Coach Alstork would say earlier. 

The men's game will start at 11, and the women will play immediately after the men's game at 1.

New Head Coach Anthony Almond is looking to change the culture at Clark Stste for the girls, as he looks to get his first W in conference play today. 

The Lady Eagles are 2-5 on the season and hope this game today will propel some upward motion as we hit the conference portion of the early season.

Follow Clark State Mens and Women Basketball &  SportsEffectLive for more content  @SELive365 

Clark State Wins League Season Opener at Terra State; Faces Huge Rivalry Game vs Edison State Tonight; Who Stays in 1st Place?

 Clark State Mens Squad Wins League Season Opener at Terra State

By Deon Cash

The Clark State Mens team did some early soul searching after a blowout loss on the road last week.

Coach Alstork decided to take it back to the old school with a physical grind-it-out type practice. 

It seemed to do the trick, at least for the season opener, as the Eagles went on the road and came back with a gutty victory over Terra State last weekend 84-78.

Led by All - American candidate Isaiah Masteller, the Eagles used a physical and vibrant defense and some timely shooting to hold off a pesky Delta State team. 

The Eagles would take a 44-35 halftime lead, and would hold off Terra State despite a couple of comeback attempts in the 2nd half.

Masteller had 25 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win, leading 4 players in double figures.

 G Tallice Landers (12), G-F Brandon Miller (12 & 10 reb) & G-F Kyson Jones (12, 2 stls) led the offensive attack, while big man C- Jarmaine Tubbs had 10 rebounds and countless defensive plays to alter the game.

"This was a big win for us. Now we have to stay focused and get another road win over a tough Edison State team. They have reloaded and look good. We have to be ready to play. We know they want revenge after last season." Coach Alstork stated. 

G Bryan Sullivan had 28 points in the loss while F Wendell Henry had a double double (20pts, 10 reb) in the loss. 

BIG SHOWDOWN VS EDISON STATE TONIGHT 

After the Clark State Eagles defeated Edison State, albeit with four guys ending the game, Edison State has begun to re-tool, and with it comes a 3-1 record so far in the early season. 

They are ready and will host Clark State tonight in a Rivalry Game nonetheless.  

 The game is slated for a 7pm tipoff and the gym should be rocking in Piqua tonight. 

Whoever wins will be sitting at 2-0 in the OCCAC, where only 3 teams will make the Regional Playoffs.

Last year Clark State just missed out, finishing in 4th place. Edison Stste didn't make the playoffs last year either, so expect both of these teams to make a run this season. 

Here's the Standings as of Monday:

Clark State Starts League Play with Road Trip to Delta State

Clark State Starts League Play with Road Trip to Delta State 

 The Clark State Mens Basketball team will start league play this weekend as they face Delta State on the road.

After a successful 1st season under the Coach Q Era, can the Eagles continue that with a solid second season?

The hopes are that they will take the roster made up of 11 freshman and some sophomores, including All American candidate Isaiah Masteller.  

After a tough loss in Cincinnati earlier this week, Coach challenged his players with a gritty week of practice. 

"We have to get better, each and every day. We got better this week in practice. Now we have to show that on game day." 

The Eagles look to be in the Top 3 of the Conference, which will guarantee a berth in the Regional JUCO Tournament. 

Follow Coach Alstork and the Clark State Mens Basketball team this season. 

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Clark State Grabs 2nd Consecutive Victory Behind Masteller 30 Ball; Defeat Cedarville While Honoring Military

Clark State Grabs 2nd Consecutive Victory Behind Masteller 30 Ball; Defeat Cedarville While Honoring Military 

 By Deon Cash 

The Clark State Mens basketball team is back and rolling, as they just won their 2nd game of the season. 

They were able to use the crowd and unleash their best output of the season in a 94-85 win against a game Cedarville team on Military Appreciation Night. 

Clark State started fast and never let up, led by Sophomore G and All-American candidate Isaiah Masteller.  

The sophomore dropped 30 points and shook off the early doldrums to get the Eagles their 2nd consecutive win of the season after a tough 1st weekend on the road. 

Transfer G-F Tallice Landers (11 pts, 6 reb) played well, along with G-F Tabias Thompson who scored 15, had 8 rebounds, and stuffed the stat sheet off the bench. 

Eagles Head Coach Quinton Alstork was pleased with the win and hopes his squad can continue to grow as the season goes. 

"We have to continue to get after it. Tonight was a good night. We won't have the tallest team in the league. But we're gonna fight and we will be prepared and ready every game." 

If this weekend is any indication of what is in store this season, then it will be a exciting one to watch. 

The Eagles play UC Clermont (0-1)  in Cincinnati tonight at 7pm ET. 

Follow Clark State Mens Athletics, Coach Quinton Alstork, and S.E.Live365 for more content.

Link Academy Drops 111 in Season Opener; Easter Leads Blowout Win

 Link Academy Drops 111 in Season Opener; Easter II Leads Squad In Blowout Win

Easter II Launches Shot in Season Opener 

By Deon Cash 

Link Academy, the #1 ranked  team in the country, showed why they will be a perennial favorite as they came out the season with a huge win over OKC Prep by a whopping score of 111-24.

Jerry Easter II was named the Player of the Game, as he went for 14 points, 10 aasists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals in the blowout win. 

With multiple players contributing, this Link Academy team has all the tools to win the Scholar League and National Tournament this season. 

They will play tomorrow at home against South Central Prep (6:30pm). 

From the start of the game Link took full control, as they jumped out to a huge lead and never looked back. 

Look at highlights below of Link Academy game

LINK HIGHLIGHTS - GAME 1

Follow S.E.Live365 as we follow Link Academy, Jerry Easter II and the team on the Journey this season. @SELive365 

 

(PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LEAGUE READY VIDEOS) 

Jerry Easter II Leads #1 HS Team in the Country; Why Easter is Top 10 in 2025 Class No Matter The Rankings;

JERRY EASTER II LEADS #1 LINK ACADEMY HS TEAM INTO 24-25 SEASON; 

IS EASTER THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYER IN THE CLASS?  

by Deon Cash

As Jerry Easter II comes into the senior season with the #1 ranked team in High School hoops, after another incredible summer, one must wonder what he has to do to elevate his ranking.

Easter, who has been a top 10 player since the 8th grade, has seemingly slipped to the 30-40 range over the last few seasons, despite having over 50 offers before the season has even started. 

And nobody understands why.

Even Easter II is a little surprised at the drop.

He has done nothing but dominate his competition over his high school career, which makes the rankings baffling, and to be honest, invalid.

Here's a short recap of Easter and his highlights over his HS career: 

As a freshman Easter II, who stands at 6'5, averaged 25ppg and 10 rebounds for Emanuel Christian HS, located in the Toledo, Ohio area.  Easter was completely dominant all season with some crazy numbers all season. 

He even had a game where be went for a quadruple double as a freshman (40-13-10-12) with Kentucky star and NBA hooper Tyler Ulis watching in the stands. 

After seeing the game in person, there was no doubt that he was a top tier hooper then and one of the best freshman in the country. 

After his freshman year, Easter was #22 in his class.

He would then ball out in the EYBL Summer League, showing that his freshman season was no joke. He got invited to Team USA Tryouts where he played well. He played with All-Ohio Red. 

He also would be featured in the LeBron James movie, and it seemed as if he was on his way to stardom. 

He would average 33 points and 11 rebounds per game in his Sophomore year, and make OHSAA All -State honors and Player of the Year in the Region.  

He also was a Mr Basketball candidate as a sophomore.

 He was neck and neck with one of the top players in the class from Ohio as well in Darryn Peterson Jr. They were both ranked in the top 10 in Ohio hoops. 

He then would play in the EYBL circuit, and was one of the top 10 undercassmen in scoring, solidaritying himself as a Top 10-20 player. He was playing up against Cooper Flagg, V.J. Edgecombe, and the top tier hoopers in the 2024 class. 

He was invited once again to the Team USA Trials, where he played well.

However, for some reason, he would only move up two spots to #20. 

Prior to Easter II junior year, after some rumblings between the coach and the star player, Easter II decided to take his talent to the EYBL Scholar circuit, playing alongside the likes of highly ranked players such as Darius Adams, Jalen Harrelson and others at highly touted La Lumiere Prep in Indiana. 

He would dominate the circuit, landing in the Top 5 in scoring in the EYBL Scholar League, en route to leading La Lumiere to a Top 6 finish nationally and a quaterfinal berth. 

Easter, a powerfully built guard, would lead La Lumiere in scoring, rebounds, steals and assists on the season, even with the likes of Harralson and Adams on the team. 

Easter scored more points than Cooper Flagg, The Boozer brothers, A.J.Dybansta, and nearly every other top 10 player that was in the Scholar League.

He then went into a frenzy this summer, averaging nearly 20ppg in the EYBL summer circuit once again against all the top talent. 

 This summer he played with Team Final Jalen Duren (Philly Based team) last summer and All-Ohio AAU the last couple summers before that.

After the EYBL summer circuit ended he would end up on the 1st team. 

Easter would be invited on a Who's Who list of "High Profile Showcases", Elite Camps, and even had the chance to work with Kyrie Irving. 

Here are the notable events and camps he went to.

• Chris Brickley Invitational  - Dominated in 1v1 battles; Brickley was impressed and already invited him back next summer  
• Pangos Camp  -Was the MVP of the camp
• NBA Top 100 - Undefeated and won the championship as the Point Guard
• Got Invited to the prestigous CP3 Camp in Las Vegas and showed out 
• Was invited to Adidas Formula Camp (Arizona)  Had a very good showing. 
• Was invited to prestigious Wooten Camp - And was mic'd up. He had arguably his best showing all summer. 
• Invited to USA Trials 

And after it all NBA Future Hall of Famer Kyrie Irving flew Jerry out to work out with him. 

Now, for some reason, Easter II is ranked in the 30s.

How?

There seems to be something brewing with the rankings. 

Easter II has over 50 D-1 schools clamoring for his services, including the likes of Ohio State, USC, SMU, Miami, Baylor, and others. 

He had over 10 schools offering a scholarship before he even got to high school. 

Although its early, Easter II recently hit a buzzer beater over Indian Hills JC. Indian Hills JC is one of the top JUCOS in the country, year in and year out.

Easters buzzer beater was so smooth, it has become the norm. He makes it look so easy. 

 Jerry Easter GW Shot Over Indian Hills

While the experts continue to miss on Easter, the top team in the country is estastic to have him. 

Link Academy Chad Meyers and his staff is thrilled to have Easter, as the season starts at home against tonight as they start the season at the top of the mountain. 

While the Easter II haters and pundits continue to throw shade, there is no doubting that Easter II full body of work is second to none. 

And for the narrative that Easter II is chasing money? 

You can dead that, as Easter was offered nearly a million dollars as a underclassman to forgo High school and play at OTE after his Emmanuel Christian days. 

However Easter II and his family declined as they wanted him to develop and make his decision later in the process.

Now Easter has a golden chance to show everyone how he will not be stopped on his journey to a championship, the next level, a McDonalds All-American nod, and a Top 10-15 ranking.

Because anybody who has watched him knows that's exactly where he should be.

Easter II will be making his decision later this month, and with the likes of Oregon, USC, Ohio State, Miami, SMU, and others vying for his talent? Look for a frenetic finish to try to get arguably the best player in HS from Ohio this season.

Will be a show this season for Easter II. Don't miss it. 

Follow Easter II, Link Academy, EYBL Scholar League, S.E.Live365  for more content.