Buckeyes making Francis a priority

The Pickerington (Ohio) Central basketball program continues to add hardware to its trophy case as the Tigers won yet another Central District title on Saturday afternoon. For sophomore point guard Jeremiah Francis, getting back to the regional tournament has been a major goal since the start of the season, despite a lineup that looks largely different from last year's group.

"It's really exciting to get back (to the regional tournament)," said Francis. "Especially with all that we've been through and all of the guys that we lost from last year."

But Francis and the Tigers don't feel they are finished just yet. The district championship was just one goal along the way for this team.

"It's been a great season but we're not going to be satisfied until we get all the way to the finals," he continued. "(Dublin Coffman) is a tough team and we pulled it off, but we're not done yet."

As a freshman starter, Francis was a stabilizing influence for the Tigers, but was not counted on for much leadership. That has changed this year as despite his youth, he is one of the more experienced players on the roster.

"I just wanted to step up as a leader and fill that leadership role that the guys before me left for me," he said.

On the recruiting front, Francis is still excited about the offer he received from Ohio State this winter. The Buckeye legacy prospect has continued to build a very strong relationship with the Ohio State coaching staff and one assistant in particular.

"I always talk to coach Jent, that's my guy," he said. "Him and my dad go way back and we have a great relationship."

Ohio State has made Francis an early priority.

"They really want to keep the in-state guys," he said. "When they had (Greg) Oden and (Mike) Conley they were surrounded by in-state guys and they all worked together."

Francis added that he is looking at making a decision in the fall before his junior season starts.