JJ Moore is a seventh grade basketball player at LaMuth Middle School in Painesville Township.
As a small child, he started playing on a mini basketball hoop and later joined a YMCA league at age 6. After a brief break to play football, he returned to the court.
“I worked really hard,” JJ says. “I’ve been working hard ever since.”
He is considered one of the top players in Ohio for the Class of 2031, according to the Buckeye Prep Report.
His father, Jonathan Moore, describes JJ’s “Kobe mentality,” noting he is soft-spoken but a “different kid inside those lines.”
Balancing sports and school is a priority.
JJ says he stays on track by asking teachers for work before traveling for tournaments.
This journey has also developed a closer relationship between JJ and his parents, Jonathan and Brittany Moore.
Jonathan Moore advises parents of youth athletes, “Treat your kids how you want the world to see them. Always have their back.”
He emphasizes that despite the ups and downs, the most important thing is to have fun, and to enjoy being with your children and making new memories together.
For athletes, Jonathan Moore adds, “Take it seriously. Be consistent even when it’s hard.”
JJ concludes, “Have fun. Know the goal. Stay humble, and just keep working hard.”
