During the COVID-19 shutdown, much of high school sports were canceled, leaving athletes scrambling to find other options.

One Bronx Basketball star found a suitable alternative, representing his country. 

Ian Jackson, a sophomore at Cardinal Hayes, took his part in the United States Under-16 team that won gold at the FIBA Americas Tournament. 

“It was big, knowing I’d be able to represent the country doing what I love,” said Jackson.

Cardinal Hayes was also paying attention while he was competing.

“We would talk to him while he was there, and he was so excited about it...he was proud to be a part of it, and it was a big deal to him...he kept telling us before he went how important it was to make that team,” said Joe Lods, Cardinal Hayes Head Basketball Coach. 

Not only did Jackson make it, but he also thrived.

Against Chile, he broke the team’s single-game scoring record that had been held by NBA player Jabari Parker by scoring 30 points. 

Cardinal Hayes opens the new season on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Fordham Prep.