Sept. 13, 2023-- Jared Brown, an eighth-grade student at Intermediate North, has been named to the 2023 Dream Basketball Classic. The three-day event invites only the top athletes from across the country to compete and showcase their skills, and Jared's selection was announced in a press release last week.

"We believe that these are the next stars of the game and we want to recognize them for their outstanding achievements and help them get to the next level,” said CEO of Dream Sports Group Shannon Riley in the release.

"Jared is very active on the court and he can do it all," Riley added.

When Jared competes at the Dream Basketball Classic next weekend in Wilmington, Delaware, it will be in front of NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO scouts and coaches. They'll be focused on his basketball skills, no doubt, but they'll be watching a multi-sport star.

Because on the track, Jared Brown is ranked no. 1 in the state in the 400-meter in his age group. His times have been so strong that there's anticipation he just might break Intermediate North's record in the event this year, which has stood since 1995.

Jared also runs cross country for his school, and plays football for the Toms River Warriors. He credits his teachers and coaches at Intermediate North with fostering his skills academically and athletically, particular physical education teacher and basketball coach Evan Lang.

"He’s a good coach, and fun," Jared said of Lang. "He's taught me a lot in a short period of time, and he gives people opportunities that most coaches won’t give you."

A multi-sport star in Toms River with deep ties to his school, friends, and the community, Jared's abilities may ultimately take him on a new journey. He is applying for high school enrollment at IMG Academy in Florida, a prestigious boarding school with alumni that include Odell Beckham, Jr., and which recently a had record three of its basketball players selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

For now though, Toms River and Intermediate North are the beneficiaries of Jared's talents, and from his perspective, these environments have helped him grow academically, athletically, and socially.

"It's been a great learning experience," Jared said of his time at Intermediate North. "The teachers are really great, and the school sports are fun with my friends and the coaches.

"I’ve had a really good two-year experience so far ... and I'm looking forward to a even better one this year."