Jackson missed his entire sophomore season bouncing between schools, but this is without a doubt one of the most talented players in the state, regardless of class. He’s a dynamic three-level scorer, a plus-athlete, and he can be a high-level defender when he’s engaged. When he’s locked in and playing hard, there’s a strong argument to be made that he’s the best player in the state’s 2028 class. Finding that consistency, and keeping him on the floor, will be the biggest thing for him moving forward.

One of the more supremely talented players in the state, Halbert Jackson Halbert Jackson 6'5" | SF Cedar Rapids Washington | 2028 State IA can do it all. A top-tier athlete that can throw down with ease (as pictured in the photo gallery from the weekend), Jackson could score basically anytime he got his hands on the rock if he wanted to. If it’s putting the ball on the floor and beating everyone to the rim, he could do that, or if it’s backing down a defender, of whom he has the physical size advantage over, he could do that, too.

Throw in his ability to shoot the rock from the outside and the way he sees the floor, and that makes him an even more difficult cover. Jackson’s ceiling is among the highest in the state of Iowa, should he continue to work in the intricacies of his game.

The best athlete in the gym in Cedar Rapids, Halbert Jackson Halbert Jackson 6'5" | SF Cedar Rapids Washington | 2028 State IA is a tall, long wing that can jump out of the gym. With the ability to two-step, leap and throw down a dunk, Jackson is a lob threat with explosion that few others can match at his size. Though he didn’t have the best day shooting, Jackson has the mechanics and high release to make for a jumper that’s nearly unblockable.

A wing with natural burst, Jackson has the potential to be an elite defender with his length and quickness, able to keep ball-handlers in front of him and get into passing lanes with speed that’s difficult for offensive players to forecast. He’s a sneaky defender.

No question Jackson was one of the top overall athletes in attendance. On both ends of the floor, he made his presence felt with his athleticism and explosiveness. A strong, well-built player, Halbert was a volume scorer and an impactful rebounder throughout the weekend. He continued to improve as it progressed, with Sunday standing out as his best overall performance. His ability to generate scoring opportunities in the open floor and get downhill was impressive, and he also showed he could get hot, finding a rhythm from the perimeter. Altogether, he put together a layered offensive game that appears to be coming into its own as he continues to grow and develop.

When he was on the floor for Washington as a freshman, Jackson was every bit as good as advertised. He averaged 14.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor as a scorer, facilitator, and defender. He has a great feel for the game, is a plus-athlete with size and length on the wing, and is one of the most gifted players I’ve seen as a freshman. If he’s able to stay on the floor, the sky is the limit for this young man.

Jackson has reportedly transferred to play his sophomore year at Kennedy, where he’ll give the Cougars a superb athlete on the wing who can do everything on the floor at a high level. He averaged 14.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game as a freshman at Washington.