Watch out Delaware, there’s a new stud in town
DELAWARE, Ohio — Hayes High School has been the home to numerous athletes and stars throughout the years, including former NFL linebacker, Richard Middleton. Looking to add his name to the list of great athletes from Hayes High School is basketball star Jesse Burris. Although he’s only a sophomore, Burris is already leaving his mark in Ohio’s Division I basketball scene.
In the state of Ohio, Division I features the largest schools in the state which often leads to having the stiffest athletic competition. That doesn’t seem to make a difference to young Burris, as he’s playing as well as any junior or senior in the state. Burris was a huge part of Hayes High School’s team as a freshman, but he’s taken on an even larger role as a sophomore.
He’s routinely the team-leading scorer and often opens things up for other members of his team. His presence often takes on the focus of opposing defenses and allows his teammates to get open shots and play up to their potential. In short, Burris is the type of player who makes everyone else on his team better.
The Hayes Pacers are currently sitting at 6-2 and are off to one of their best starts in boys’ high school basketball in their recent history. That’s due in no small part to the play of Burris. He’s averaging 20.1 points per game on the season and is the second leading scorer in Ohio’s Capital League with 160 points on the season. Chase Ouellette is the only player still ahead of Burris and he has 165 points on the season. Don’t be surprised if Burris chases him down and becomes the league-leading scorer before the season ends.
Apart from being a threat on offense, Burris also holds his own on the defensive end of the court. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 165 pounds, Burris is a matchup nightmare on both ends of the court and has the size and speed to guard nearly any player at any time. However, that same size and speed, combined with his outstanding scoring ability, make him next to impossible to stop on offense. He’s too tall for shorter defenders and too quick for bigger defenders.
When asked if he’s surprised at the play and ability of Burris, especially in close game situations, Delaware Hayes head coach Adam Vincenzo said no.
“It’s not surprising at all,” Vincenzo said, speaking in reference to Burris’ ability to make big shots down the stretch when the Pacers need it most. “For a sophomore, he’s much more advanced than most guys. He’s got the green light.”
Zach Fleer, co-owner of 270Hoops which is a website that tracks the performances of local high school athletes, had this to say about Burris on his Twitter profile.
“Burris is averaging 20.1 PPG this season. Stud 6’4” guard who should be on the radar of all D1s in Ohio.” Fleer has seen a ton of athletes throughout the years and if he thinks that Burris can play at the Division I level in college, he knows what he’s talking about.
'24 Delaware Hayes SG Jesse Burris had another big time game today, going for 22 points to power the Pacers to a 52-47 win over St. Clairsville
Burris is averaging 20.1 PPG this season. Stud 6'4 guard who should be on the radar of all D1s in Ohio https://t.co/iLZyj54I1q
— Zach Fleer (@ZachFleer270) December 19, 2021
There’s no doubt that Burris is a great athlete and basketball player, but he’s also a sophomore in high school. As good as he is already, there’s no telling how much improvement and growing he has left to do throughout this year and in his junior and senior years as well. Keep your eyes on Burris, as he most likely has a bright future ahead of him beyond the realm of high school basketball.
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