By Raijon Dispensa ’24 & Tom Johnson
Elmarko Jackson, South Kent’s first-ever McDonald’s All-American, continues to impress the basketball world at every stage of his career, showcasing his athleticism at the guard position and becoming a reliable leader at such a young age. Already an impact player at Kansas, Jackson’s success on the court is another example of South Kent preparing elite players to handle the demands of the collegiate and professional levels. His ability to excel at South Kent and in his early tenure at Kansas makes him poised for a bright future, continuing to act as an ambassador for prospective South Kent Cardinals.
Get to Know Elmarko
A Marlton, NJ native, Elmarko Jackson did not always set his sights on basketball. Despite playing basketball since he was in fifth grade, Jackson originally played for fun, as his first love was lacrosse. In a family who loves sports, Jackson was inspired by his uncle Marlin Jackson, former Michigan football player and NFL draftee. It was not until COVID that he decided to shift his focus to basketball, training everyday on the court and working out to improve his physical strength. While he took initiative to improve his individual game, Jackson attributes his growth in basketball to his time with the We R1 program, an elite AAU program in the Under Armour Circuit. The 6’3” guard spent extra hours in the gym and received advanced guidance from influential basketball figures during pro runs, becoming an imposing presence on the court. As a result, Jackson took his game to new heights and dominated on both ends of the floor, averaging 17.9 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists as a junior for the Academy of the New Church in Pennsylvania.
Elmarko Jackson’s breakout season led to him transferring to the Hillside for his senior season, getting top-tier instruction from a revered coaching staff led by Raphael Chillious. Jackson believed it was the best decision for him to continue the momentum gained from his efforts at We R1, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. In a significantly more competitive league, Elmarko Jackson asserted his dominance from the onset, averaging 19 points and 6 assists per game. As a Cardinal, Jackson consistently showcased his scoring and defensive prowess while tallying multiple blocks and steals each game, disrupting opponents’ offensive strategies. His exceptional court vision and passing ability were evident in his high assist numbers, often setting up his teammates for easy baskets. Consequently, he helped the Cardinals to a 32-7 record, finishing first in the NEPSAC AAA regular season and cutting down the nets at the 2022-23 NEPSAC AAA Tournament Championship. Elmarko Jackson further cemented his legacy in the red and black by evolving into a consensus four-star prospect and a McDonald’s All-American, garnering a lot of attention from Power 5 schools. After careful consideration of all his offers, Elmarko Jackson firmly believed that Kansas was the place for him and he acredits his time at South Kent as pivotal for the rigor of the BIG-12, as playing against D1 competition every game became the stepping stone for his next destination.
Elmarko Jackson’s Legacy as a Cardinal
As a Cardinal, it is clear to see the impact that Elmarko had on the basketball court, aweing fans with his skill and leadership. However, much of his success is due to his steadfast devotion to the entire South Kent community. Peers and faculty members constantly allude to his humble nature and the way he applied himself in the classroom, seeking to strive for personal excellence but prioritizing collective accolades. Raphael Chillious praises Jackson for the way he represented the Hillside, describing him as the most “all about the team McDonald’s All-American I’ve ever seen.” He displayed that team mentality wherever he was, never putting himself on a higher pedestal than his peers. Elmarko reflects on the lessons learned on the Hillside as vital to his current success, excited to see how he continues to apply them while being with the Jayhawks.
“South Kent helped prepare me to make a proper schedule to ensure I am prepared for my daily activities. With the many games we played in a short period of time, my time management improved and helped me understand what college was going to be like. “
Elmarko is also thankful for the times spent with his peers on the daily, whether it was informally in the dining hall having great conversations or immersing himself in the community on service trips with Father Klots.
“The brotherhood is so strong [at South Kent], and being able to make connections with people from around the world made this journey special.”
As a member of the Cardinal family, Elmarko took full advantage of what South Kent has to offer, identifying areas to grow individually while contributing to all facets of the community.
Jackson as a Jayhawk
Once Elmarko Jackson visited Lawrence, KS, he knew it was the place for him to become the best basketball version of himself. He had many conversations with former Jayhawk players such as current Denver Nugget Christian Braun, gravitating towards the way head coach Bill Self pushes his players every day while instilling confidence. A major principle Jackson emphasizes in his basketball journey involves not being satisfied with past accolades, so Kansas became the perfect place for him to reach the next stage of his career before achieving the ultimate goal of flourishing in the NBA.
Elmarko has integrated into Kansas’s system as an immediate impact, showing an innate ability to play a physical style as a guard while scoring efficiently and electrifying fans with his athleticism. Despite his youth, Jackson has displayed incredible resolve on the defensive end, disrupting opposing teams’ game plans and causing turnovers and fast-break opportunities for Kansas. Recently, Elmarko Jackson’s tenacity on defense was on full display, compiling 6 steals in 2 games against Baylor and Texas Tech. Moreover, his versatility has been on full display, supporting the likes of seven footer Hunter Dickinson and All-American caliber point guard Dajaun Harris. In an ultra-competitive BIG-12, Jackson has helped the #9 Jayhawks boast a 21-8 record, racking up quality wins against #1 UConn, #2 Houston, #5 Tennessee, then #9 Oklahoma, and #11 Baylor. Because of their many ranked wins and overall challenging schedule, ESPN Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has Kansas projected as a 3 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. As we approach March Madness, Elmarko Jackson is poised for a greater role on the Jayhawks, a team who is primed for another National Championship run.
Elmarko Jackson’s greatness personifies the nurturing environment that South Kent provides for the student athlete. While every student gets the opportunity to raise their game, they more importantly learn the necessity of developing a proper routine centered around academic and athletic excellence. The tight-knit community at South Kent teaches student-athletes to work in union with their classmates to achieve desired goals.
As a young man who aspires to help future players thrive the way he has, Elmarko Jackson embodies the essence of South Kent’s Directness of Purpose, staying hungry to achieve his personal goals while creating a greater platform that educates future generations of basketball players. Elmarko Jackson’s legacy at South Kent places him on the Mount Rushmore of South Kent Basketball and Cardinal Athletics, and we look forward to all of his accomplishments in life beyond the Hillside.
