When LeBron James took his talents to Los Angeles, the state of Ohio lost one of its top prep prospects.
But shortly after his highly anticipated high school at Sierra Canyon career begins, LeBron James Jr. will make his return to the Buckeye State.
Last month, the Scholastic Play By Play Classic announced the lineup of teams that will be featured at this year's edition of the event when it returns to Columbus in December. In doing so, it revealed that James' eldest son -- known to many as "Bronny" -- will be not only be taking the court at Nationwide Arena on Dec. 14, but will do so against a familiar foe, as Sierra Canyon will face the elder James' alma mater, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary.
One of the top-ranked players in the 2023 class, Bronny James is a 6-foot-2 combo guard who already lays claim to a scholarship offer from Kentucky, as well as interest from Duke, Kansas, North Carolina and UCLA, according to 247 Sports. Earlier this year, he announced he'd be spending his high school career at Sierra Canyon, a private school in the Los Angeles area that has seen a slew of NBA offspring -- including the sons of Scottie Pippen, Kenyon Martin and currently, Dwyane Wade -- fill its roster.
In returning to Ohio, where he was both born and spent the majority of his childhood, James Jr. is likely to draw plenty of fanfare. It also seems plausible that his famous father will be among the many in the crowd, as the Blazers' matchup with the Fighting Irish will come on off-day for James' Los Angeles Lakers.
As for St. Vincent-St. Mary, the Fighting Irish will be bringing providing of their own star power in Columbus, with combo guard Malaki Branham being Ohio's top-ranked player in the 2021 class.
