Jake JACUBEC

Jake JACUBEC

Struthers Basketball

“He makes it look easy.”

That was a statement often heard at Struthers boys basketball games this season. With a no-look, behind the back pass here and a demoralizing crossover capped off by a nothing but net 3-pointer there, Jake Jacubec dazzled on the court.

“After games people have come up, shook my hand and told me that [I make it look easy],” Jacubec said. “I just always appreciate it because I worked hard to be that kind of player.”

Being named to numerous All-Star programs, honored as a top player by a handful of media outlets and a spot on the All-Ohio first team have all come along with Jacubec over his Wildcat career. He was always a No. 1 target on opposing team’s game plans, but still racked up 1,143 points over the last four years — third best in the school records.

“At times is was tough,” Jacubec said of all the attention. “You’re going to face adversity in everything you do and it’s how you come on top of it and by still working hard at all times.”

He guided Struthers to back-to-back district titles for the first time in school history and a 19-5 record in his senior campaign. This year, Jacubec averaged 26.2 points per game with 4.5 assists. He surpassed the 1,000-point mark with a career-best 39 against Niles on February 10.

“I’ve just stayed focused and I’ve been doing what’s right for me by keeping my eye on the future and what’s next,” he said.

Jacubec has been entertaining offers from a handful of colleges to play at the next level. St. Francis (Pa.), Navy, YSU, California (Pa.) and Baldwin Wallace, among others, have shown interest. He plans to major in marketing.

“Schooling is even bigger than basketball,” he said. “I want to get a good education.”