"The Bucket Mystro: One Decision, Thousands of Buckets, and the Fire Still Burning"

Jacob Spurlock

@JSpur2026

6’4, 200lbs, Class of 2026

Boyd County HS, KY

Committed to Youngstown State University

When I first heard about Jacob Spurlock, I was told he was talented, but I had no idea just how talented until I saw it for myself. His highlights jumped off the screen. The shot release. The composure. The fearlessness. This wasn’t just another high school shooter; this was a bucket getter with range, confidence, and that edge every coach dreams of. He was tough. Savvy. Fierce. But what impressed me most as I got to know him wasn’t just the buckets, it was the work.

Jacob is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever seen. He put in countless hours building his body, tightening his handles, and transforming himself into a 6’4, 200-pound walking problem. The first time I saw him live was against Ashland, one of Boyd County’s fiercest rivals. That night, he put on a clinic, every shot had purpose, every move fierce, and every moment fueled by a deeper fire. Since then, I’ve watched him grow year after year. He’s been breaking records, earning honors, and deserving of every ounce of attention. From day one, I said it: this kid is going D1. And yesterday, that dream became reality.

Before even stepping into his senior season, Jacob Spurlock committed to Youngstown State University. He didn’t wait around to pile up offers, though they were rolling in. He knew where home was. “The Youngstown coaching staff made him feel like a priority,” he told me. “We’ve built a great relationship, and I feel blessed and thankful to get the opportunity to play DI, especially with how hard it is now with the transfer portal.” For Jacob, it wasn’t a tough decision. It was the right one.

Jacob’s journey has been fueled by purpose and by family. “My family means a lot to me. They’ve taken me across the country to compete against the best on the 3SSB circuit with Indiana Elite. I wouldn’t be here without their support,” he said. That support, combined with his own tireless grind, helped shape one of the most complete scoring guards in the country. He’s currently ranked Top 34 in points nationally (per MaxPreps) and has already scored 2,596 career points, making him Boyd County’s all-time leading scorer. He holds the school and region record for three-pointers and sits third all-time in Kentucky state history with 481 made threes, shooting over 40% from deep.

But Jacob isn’t done. He’s chasing 1,000 rebounds. He wants to finish as the all-time region scoring leader and third in blocks by season’s end. Yet when I asked him about the records, his answer showed the heart of a true leader. “I’ve never set out to break records,” he said. “I’m about the team. I want to make my teammates better, challenge them, and hold the standard at Boyd County.”

That’s what makes him different. It’s not just the buckets but the mindset. The leadership. The way he lifts others. And now, with the weight of recruiting off his back, the fire only burns hotter. “I already play pretty free,” Jacob said, “but now it’s about focusing on the region title, a state run, and continuing to get better every day.”

His biggest challenge moving forward? “Staying healthy, continuing to grow, and being a role model for the younger guys,” he said. He shouted out Jake Carter, an 8th-grade monster at 6’8, 285, who he says is going to make noise. That’s Jacob, always thinking of the next man up.

And as for that nickname I gave him, “The Bucket Mystro”—he embraced it with humility. “I appreciate it,” he told me. “I try to do whatever it takes for us to win.”

When I asked him what advice he had for the next generation chasing the same D1 dream, he kept it real: “Play with confidence. Believe you can take the big shot. Confidence changes how you play and how you deal with adversity. Just keep working.”

I told Jacob we only had one last thing to accomplish together: a trip to Rupp Arena to play for a state chip, your last run. He said, "Yes, sir, I'm ready."

Jacob’s ability to create space, shoot at a high clip, and deliver in big moments makes him a premier scoring guard. His strength, IQ, and physical maturity give him the tools to contribute right away at Youngstown State. He’s not just a scorer, he’s a leader who sets the tone with effort and execution.

Heading into his senior season, Jacob is locked in. Expect him to elevate not just his numbers, but the entire standard at Boyd County. His commitment is secure, his game is still climbing, and his future at Youngstown State looks as bright as his release is quick. Stay tuned. This final show is one you certainly don't want to miss.