This year's Indiana Mr. Basketball debate is hardly a debate at all.
"In my opinion he's the best player in the state of Indiana," Marian coach Robb Berger says of his star, Demetrius Jackson.
The greater debate is where Jackson ranks all-time among players to come from Northern Indiana.
"Oh, right near the top," Berger said.
He's certainly biased, but Berger might be as good as any to weigh in on the topic. He grew up in the area, and his dad was a high school coach.
"I can remember the last Mr. Basketball from South Bend," Berger said. "He was kind of an idol of mine growing up, David Magley from LaSalle, who went on to Kansas and the Cavaliers. From that point on, I remember most of the players. And (Demetrius) is right there at the top, if not at the top."
Jackson has an interesting perspective on that. He's less concerned about where he ranks in history, than where he ranks with the future.
"It's a big responsibility," he said. "You've got to make sure you make good decisions, have good character and everything, because a lot of young kids look up to you. They ask me for autographs, they ask me to play basketball with them and stuff, and they tell me they look up to me, and really, that just makes me work even harder."
Which brings us to what drives Jackson more than anything. Being the best-ever from this area isn't it.
It's feeling like the opposite.
"I feel like I'm not good enough," Jackson said. "Like, when I go to the gym and lift weights, I'm too small. When I go to the gym and work on my handles, I feel like I'm not good enough. I just really feel like I've got more improving to do, and that's what keeps me going, and that's what allows me to go to the gym and work on the things I work on. Because I'm not satisfied."
You won't find many who are more satisfied with Jackson than the guy who gets to coach him next season.
"He will contribute right away for us," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. "I'm so excited to have him join our program. He's a heck of a player, and a great story here locally. He's a winner."
"Just to be able to put on a college jersey, especially with such a great team and such a great program and such a great coach," Jackson said, "it's a blessing."
So Jackson's high school career might indeed be nearing the end, but there will be plenty of time to be reflective later.
His moment in the spotlight is just beginning.
