Tamir Jackson/Rice/Player of the Year in New Jersey

[50's PONY]

Wow! This guy must be really good. Looks like the Owls are really stepping up their program.

ERIK DAUR, April 05, 2009 10:20 p.m.

Player of the year: Tamir Jackson of St. Benedict's Prep has never been afraid to step up to a challenge. The 6-2 senior guard knew he had to be a leader this season with the departure to graduation of frontcourt standouts Samardo Samuels and Gregory Echenique -- even if it meant not always leading St. Benedict's in the scoring column. “I knew this year I had to step up my game in all areas," Jackson, who will play for Rice University in Houston next season, said. "I had to lead by doing things like rebounding and defense, not just scoring. We had a lot of young guys on the team that are really good players that can really score.â€

[The XtC]

He is really good, and it was a bit of a shocker when he committed to Rice.