Jacob Radcliffe has found a new home.

The junior, one of the region’s top players, has transferred from Elyria Catholic to Rocky River as part of the Panthers’ coaching change. He announced the move in an Aug. 26 post on X.

I have transferred to Rocky River High School and will continue my academic and athletic career. Thank you, Elyria Catholic. @MJournalSports @rockyriverbbk

— Jacob Radcliffe (@RadcliffeJacob4) 26 August 2024

Radcliffe’s family moved to Rocky River earlier this summer and the stars aligned for him to become a Pirate. It happened within a week after the departure of former Elyria Catholic coach Jeff Huber was announced.

It was a turbulent day, but Radcliffe is excited about the new opportunity.

“It all happened so fast,” Radcliffe said. “We moved there before all this happened and from then on it was just an option. I’m really excited, it’s a new team, new coach. Coach (Mike) Murray has a lot of experience and I know a lot of the players on the team. I’m really excited to see what the season brings.”

As a sophomore, Radcliffe averaged 17.8 points per game and was named to the Northeast Lakes District third team. He was also named to the Lorain County and GLC West first teams, and he will bring that skill to Rocky River.

The Pirates finished 15-10 last season, won the GLC West crown and made it to the Division II semifinals. They will have a new team after a core group of seniors graduated, but they bring in Radcliffe and have the players to have another solid year.

“We’re excited to have him here,” Murray said. “He’s obviously a very talented player who will help make our team more explosive. He brings tremendous leadership and passion for the game. Jacob is one of the best returning players in the area and he’s going to fit really well into our group of returning players.”

Both of Radcliffe’s parents graduated from Rocky River. He’s excited to continue the family legacy, but growing up in Bay Village, he was used to being on the other side of the rivalry.

“Ever since I was a little boy, I always watched Bay versus Rocky River,” Radcliffe said. “It was always a great game and I loved going to see them. I always cheered for Bay back then, and now that I’m on the Rocky River team, I see it from a different perspective. … I think it’s a really cool experience to follow in my parents’ footsteps. Not only my parents, but a lot of relatives went to Rocky River, so I think I’m carrying on a tradition.”

Radcliffe is enjoying his time in Rocky River so far. The first day of school was August 27, so he has settled into what will now be his territory for the next two years.

He’s put in a lot of time this summer and improved his game in many ways. The left-hander has developed his opposite hand and improved his shooting, he said. That’s a scary thought considering he made over 44% of his shots from behind the three-point line last season.

Radcliffe is looking forward to this new experience, but it is also a new challenge.

“I’m excited,” Radcliffe said. “The first few days have been really good. The people are really nice. Of course it was hard losing my friends at EC, but I’m just looking forward to it.”

Originally published: August 28, 2024 at 18:57