The North Suncoast’s top basketball player is sticking close to home.
River Ridge center John Childs announced Monday night that he orally committed to Saint Leo.
The 6-foot-9 senior blossomed into one of Tampa Bay’s best players in a strong career with the Royal Knights. He’s averaging 16 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.3 blocks per game this winter.
Childs has recorded 14 double-doubles and one triple-double in 19 games. He’s also helped boost the Royal Knights from a 3-22 record during his sophomore season to 13 wins heading into this week’s district tournament. He earned first-team all-North Suncoast honors as a junior after averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Childs was also recruited by Stetson, American and UTEP, among others.
Oral commitments are non-binding until recruits sign letters of intent during their senior years.