Raider of the Week: Esa Ahmad
This week’s Raider of the Week selection contributed 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the Nov. 30 men’s basketball home opener against Toledo St. Johns. He then scored 31 the following week against the Strongsville Mustangs before scoring 29 against Benedictine Dec. 14. He’s a Division I recruit with offers from eight schools including Miami (FL), Clemson and Dayton. He’s also only a junior. Your Raider of the Week is Esa Ahmad.
Ahmad, a varsity starter for the past three seasons, is a 6’7” power forward who was named last season’s NOC Player of the Year. He averaged 21 points in 2012-2013 and is on his way to improving his numbers in each statistical area. Ahmad and fellow senior Rosel Hurley will look to lead the Raiders, who are currently ranked #3 in the Plain Dealer high school men’s basketball rankings, back to the playoffs.
Men’s basketball head coach Danny Young praised Ahmad for his strengths as both a player and a teammate. “Esa Ahmad is a special player. His size and versatility make him a match up nightmare,” Young said. “He is a great kid to coach. He puts his teammates before himself. He is an unselfish player. The sky is the limit where Esa’s talent can lead him.”
Ahmad contributed during his freshman year on the Terry Rozier-led squad that made it to the district final but fell short against St. Edward. Ahmad then helped lead the team to the Division I Regional Final last season where they were defeated handily by the Mentor Cardinals. Expectations are high for this year and many expect Ahmad to lead Shaker to Columbus and possibly to a state championship.
When he’s not playing for Shaker, Ahmad is a member of the AAU All-Ohio Red team along with Hurley. Rozier, now a freshman at Louisville, was also a member in past seasons.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to coach players like Esa and Terry Rozier, who is now at the University of Louisville. Kent State recruit Rosel Hurley also deserves recognition. Some programs never get an opportunity to coach talent that earns a Division I scholarship,” Young said.
