Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia basketball, long celebrated for its elite guard play and gritty, fast-paced style, recently shifted its focus to the paint, where a different kind of star has emerged. In late February, in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship game, all eyes were on Shareef Jackson, a Lafayette commit and arguably the city’s best high school player. Jackson, the son of former NBA star Marc Jackson, faced off against Archbishop Ryan’s Thomas Sorber—a highly touted prospect now at Georgetown. In a “Big Man” battle that lived up to the hype, Jackson posted 16 points and 10 rebounds, leading Roman Catholic to yet another Catholic League title.

This magnificent display of “Big Man” talent is exactly what the city has been waiting for, and Black Cager Sports is honored to showcase Jackson and his championship Cahillite squad in the upcoming Fall Classic on October 5th and 6th in Allentown, PA.

One could argue that the the championship game performance cemented Jackson’s claim as the ‘big dawg’ in Philadelphia. Sorber, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, played a solid game, but Jackson was better that night and he won the chip. While Jackson may not play above the rim like some of his peers, his footwork, strength, and body control make him a menace in the mid-range and low post. He has a remarkably soft touch around the basket, using either hand to finish with ease, and his mid-range jumper is lethal. And if defenders sag off him beyond the arc, Jackson has shown an ability to pull up for a three, making him a rare offensive threat from all parts of the floor.

But it’s not just his scoring that makes Jackson so special. His unselfish play and high basketball IQ are evident every time he steps on the court. Under the guidance of Coach Chris McNesby and the Roman Catholic program, Jackson has developed into an excellent passer and leader, willing to defer to teammates when necessary but always ready to step up in big moments. For long stretches, he has been the engine of Roman Catholic’s offense, drawing double teams and still finding ways to make plays.

Off the court, Jackson’s intelligence and work ethic set him apart. An exceptional student, he limited his college recruiting to high academic programs, ultimately choosing Lafayette. It’s clear that Jackson is preparing himself for success beyond basketball, making him a role model for aspiring athletes in the city.

Black Cager Sports is pleased and proud to have Coach McNesby, Shareef Jackson, and the entire Roman Catholic program participate in the Fall Classic. Jackson’s performance in this storied event could solidify his standing as the finest high school player in Philadelphia. Fans would be wise to come out and follow his journey closely as he prepares to make his mark at Lafayette and, undoubtedly, on the national stage