Class of 2010 stud Phillip Jackson is proving that he is one of the elite players in his class.  After a strong season playing for Coach Todd Kelly at Providence St. Mel, and a more than solid spring playing for the Mac Irvin Fire, the 6-8 post player is becoming a hot commodity for mid major colleges in the Midwest, is starting to see some high major attention, and recently added to his collection of scholarship offers.

Indiana State and Eastern Illinois are the latest to offer the athletic big man, joining Northern Illinois and Southern Illinois. “Indiana State offered last Wednesday and Coach Cornelius from Eastern Illinois called and offered today,” stated Coach Kelly. “When Coach Lowery (Southern Illinois) saw him for the first time he offered Phillip a scholarship after only watching for 20 minutes.

“Bradley has also been calling, as well as Coach (Tracey) Webster from Kentucky and Jerrance (Howard) from Illinois.”

Standing at 6 foot 8 with great athleticism and mobility, Jackson will only get better. He is a good rebounder and shot blocker, but is most affective on the offensive end. He has a great touch around the basket and has a very good mid range jump shot. “Phil has made huge strides in his game lately,” stated Coach Kelly. “He is really, really coming along in terms of maturity and experience. He was raw in the fall and he is really learning the game fast. He is at the point where he has a good idea of what he wants to do when he steps on the court. He is also playing harder than ever and has even developed a good jump hook.”

Next season Jackson will be the core of a St. Mel team that returns a number of good players and possibly may feature a few transfers. 5-11 class of 2009 shooting guard Arthur Jefferson is a top 100 prospect in his class, and will provide scoring power out of the backcourt. 5-7 class of 2011 point guard Lazerous Gray will be running the point. Last season Jefferson averaged 18 points per game and made 89 three pointers, while Gray averaged 10 points and 5 assists a game. Gray is a big time sleeper guard in the class of 2011. Coach Kelly also said that three big time transfers may be in store…

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