De La Salle basketball standout Leonard Jackson signs with Loyola

A local high school basketball star is staying in town to play at the college level and will do so by staying in the same basic color he has played in at the prep level.

De La Salle star Leonard Jackson has signed to play college basketball locally at Loyola University, trading in the Cavalier maroon for the maroon of the Wolf Pack.

The 6-foot-4, 175 pounder was the District 11-3A Most Valuable Player and was the Clarion Herald Most Valuable Player in his class locally this past season. He earned honorable mention all-state honors.

De La Salle head coach Paul Kelly feels Loyola is getting a great player and person.

“He is an incredible young man and hard worker,” Kelly said. “He is the first to arrive and the last to leave everyday. He will provide tremendous wing athleticism for Loyola. He is an excellent offensive player who can shoot and score off the dribble, all the way to the basket. He is hard-nosed, a tough defender and not afraid of a challenge. Leonard is a special young man, so positive. He has a giant motor on the court and in life.”

Jackson, a two-year starter at De La Salle, averaged over 16 points per game this past season.