Words. High School Hoop

A few weeks ago, Pitt freshman and former McDonald’s All-American Khem Birch asked Jamie Dixon for a release from his scholarship. The rumors of the reasons for Birch’s desire to leave campus and enroll at another school are varied, from his desire to play more PF to issues off the court.

Whatever the reason, Birch’s sudden availability has set off a whole new recruiting race for the 6-9 shot-blocker, and with it, more drama. A whole slew of wide-ranging programs are in the hunt for Birch, from Florida and Xavier, to UNLV and Gonzaga.

So why the nation-wide interest in Birch? Watch this high school mix form his time at Notre Dame Prep: MORE >

Words. Patrick Cassidy

So is Syracuse still in the running for Brooklyn sophomore Isaiah Whitehead (Lincoln HS) or not? Reports hit yesterday that the 6-4 star guard had crossed the ‘Cuse off of his list of schools because of the allegations of molestation against Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine, but now the reports of Whitehead’s decision are being refuted by his Lincoln coach, Dwayne Morton.

So what’s the real story? MORE >

Words. Lucas Shapiro

From showing out at the LeBron James Skills Academy to dominating for Team Canada at the Nike Global Challenge, Khem Birch established himself as one of the top high school players in North America this summer.

The Class of 2012 forward/center — who has often been compared to a young Kenyon Martin — is ranked 37th overall in the HSH National Top 50. He played last year at Winchendon Academy (MA) before transferring to Notre Dame Prep (Fitchburg, MA) for his upcoming junior season. MORE >

Words. Casey Mack

New York City high school stars traditionally have a large amount of hype behind them. Looking back over the past 15 years, there are so many names who were once praised as the Next Great One who are now lost in the wind: Lenny Cooke, Omar Cook, Erick Barkley, Sebastian Telfair … the list is long enough to support the theory held in other regions of America that NYC prep stars are too often overrated.

Lately, the New York City hype machine has lost some of its steam — Lance Stephenson notwithstanding — and now it seems players have to truly earn their keep from national recruiting services. MORE >

Words. Jason Jordan

Killer Shooting Guard Looks to Dominate in France With His AAU Teammates

Photo. ESPN.com

After a rushed commitment to Ohio State prior to his sophomore season, Trae Golden, a rising senior, is looking to find the right fit.

Virginia Tech, Marquette, Pittsburgh, Kentucky and Connecticut are showing the most interest Golden, a 6-2 shooting guard from McEachern High in Powder Springs, Ga. MORE >