LaMelo Ball enrolling at SPIRE in Geneva

CLEVELAND, Ohio — LaMelo Ball is coming to Northeast Ohio.

The third and youngest member of the famous trio of basketball brothers is enrolling at SPIRE Institute in Geneva.

The decision was reported Tuesday afternoon by SlamOnline.com, which added that Ball will begin playing next week. SPIRE is a multisport academy, which has high school and postgraduate basketball teams.

Ball will play for the high school team, SPIRE director of basketball operations Justin Brantley confirmed.

EXCLUSIVE: LaMelo Ball is RETURNING to high school.
He'll enroll at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio and is expected to start playing next week: https://t.co/Ms3SSNQIbN pic.twitter.com/SUqvJ9mnmB
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) November 6, 2018

The Ball family has become a national story, beginning with Lonzo Ball — now in his second year as a point guard with the Los Angeles Lakers — and boisterous father LaVar Ball.

Lonzo’s two younger brothers, LaMelo and LiAngelo, withdrew last year from their schools in the United States to play professionally in Lithuania.LiAngelo withdrew from UCLA, and LaMelo left his high school in Chino Hills, Calif. Both returned this summer to the U.S. and played in the Junior Basketball Association, which is run by their father.

LaMelo was originally a member of the 2019 recruiting class and is 17 years old. He is a 6-foot-3 guard and was considered a five-star prospect before leaving Chino Hills.

With the announcement Tuesday, Ball tweeted that he plans to earn his high school diploma while at SPIRE.

I’ve decided to return to highschool and complete my senior year. I thank my dad for the JBA Experience and playing overseas. I’ve been accepted to attend Spire Prep Academy in Geneva, Ohio where i look forward to earning my highschool diploma and winning with my new team! pic.twitter.com/FQzta0PiNE
— Melo (@MELOD1P) November 6, 2018

Ball is the latest and biggest splash for SPIRE, which is under new leadership this year.

The basketball program is being led by former NBA player Jermaine Jackson, and attracted the top-ranked players from Michigan in the 2019 and 2020 classes with combo guard Rocket Watts and forward Isaiah Jackson.

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SPIRE is not a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, so it can bring in any high school or postgraduate player it wants.

However, SPIRE's high school team is scheduled to play a handful of OHSAA teams and at events including member schools.

Those events include Vermilion's tip-off tournament Nov. 30-Dec. 1, the Flyin' to the Hoop showcase Jan. 20, 2019 in Dayton and a showcase Jan. 27 at Brush. Additionally, SPIRE is scheduled to play area high schools Brush, St. Edward and Lutheran East.

Both SPIRE teams began their seasons in October.

Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

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