Cowboys sign Ohio prep star

by Richard Anderson
Wyoming Sports.org

It didn't take long for the college basketball signing period to take into effect for the Cowboys to make a dent, signing Warren, Ohio, high school standout Desmar Jackson to a national letter of intent on Wednesday.

“We are very excited about adding Desmar to the Cowboy basketball family,” Wyoming had coach Heath Schroyer said said in a press release “He has unlimited potential and a chance to be a very special player. He is a versatile combination guard who can play the point or either wing position. He can also defend all three guard positions. He is a good, young player who, when added to our current guys, will help build a great core for the future.

“As a coaching staff, we have had our eye on Desmar since we arrived at Wyoming. I give coach Anthony Stewart a great deal of credit in taking the lead. He did a phenomenal job over the past two years with Desmar.”

The regular signing period for basketball began on Wednesday and runs through May 20. The Cowboys may sign one more student-athlete during this period.

Jackson, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard, began his high school career at Warren Kennedy, but transferred to Warren G. Harding prior to his junior season, following a coaching change at Warren Kennedy. In two years at Warren G. Harding, Jackson helped lead his school to a combined record of 46-5.

As a senior, Jackson was named to the Associated Press All-Ohio First Team for Division I, the highest classification in Ohio. Jackson averaged 20.5 points a game and also averaged just 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.3 steals per game.

In addition to earning All-State honors as a senior, Jackson was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Northeast Ohio. He was a finalist for the Ohio Player of the Year award and was also nominated to be a McDonald’s All-American.

This past year, Jackson helped lead Warren Harding to the final four of the Ohio Division I State Tournament for the first time in 43 years. Warren G. Harding finished with a 23-3 record.

As a junior, Jackson averaged 15 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals a game. That year, Warren G. Harding finished with an overall record of 23-2.

In just two years at Warren Harding, Jackson etched his name into the school’s career record books. He ranks fourth in school history in steals (143), fourth in assists (158) and sixth in blocked shots (60).

Jackson was also recruited by Ohio State, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Kent State.

His high school coach at Warren Harding was Steve Arnold. He played AAU basketball for the King James Shooting Stars.

Jackson also played some high school football while attending Warren Kennedy. As a wide receiver, Jackson helped his team advance to the Division V state finals as a sophomore.