Kicking off our 270 Spotlight series, which aims to show another side of Central Ohio's top prep basketball talent, we start off with Zach Watson of Dublin Jerome. A rising point guard that can score in a variety of ways, Watson has a chance to be one of the area's top scorers this winter. Let's get to know Zach Watson.

270 Hoops: What is your recruitment like? Who is showing the most interest?

Watson: My recruitment has really taken off in the past month or so. I had a very good July and finished strong at AAU Nationals and a couple of camps. I have talked with a lot of the Ivy League schools such as Cornell, Columbia, Brown, and Princeton. Along with those, I have received a ton of interest from high academic institutions such Carnegie Mellon, NYU, Emory, University of Chicago, University of Rochester, Swarthmore, Denison, and Otterbein.

270 Hoops: Who is the best teammate you've ever played with?

Watson: The best teammate I have ever played with is senior from last year, Colton Irion. We always pushed each other to play at our highest level and we weren't afraid to get on each other when the other wasn't preforming at his best. I felt we had a very good chemistry and always knew where the other person was on the court.

270 Hoops: Toughest player you have ever had to guard?

Watson: The toughest player I have had to guard is Seth Towns out of Northland. We have played each other twice at Ohio Dominican for a showcase. The games between Jerome and Northland were very close, both going into overtime. Throughout the game, Seth and I were going at it. He is very long and very smart with the ball which enables him to get a quick shot off. Overall I have loved competing with the now Harvard University player and will continue to watch him do work in the Ivy League!

270 Hoops: Toughest place to play so far in your career?

Watson: Westerville South has easily been the toughest place to play at. The rivalry between our two schools has been really strong the past few years. Furthermore, when we have played each other, both of our records were undefeated, making a sold out crowd at their place. Their student section always goes all out when we play them which makes it very hard to hear while playing.

270 Hoops: Favorite memory up to this point in your career?

Watson: My favorite memory was beating Westerville South at home when we were both 11-0. The game was on TV which made it an even greater experience. The game went back and forth right until the end. We had a sold out crowd and our student section was the best I have ever seen it. I always wish I could go back to that game and relive it!

270 Hoops: Favorite basketball player?

Watson: Dwyane Wade by far. I have always liked how smooth his game is. He never looks like he forces a shot. Also he has a very mature and great work ethic, which I try to resemble in myself.

270 Hoops: What are your biggest strengths on the court?

Watson: My biggest strengths on the court is that I can score whether it's a three, a pull up around the paint, or by driving all the way to the basket. I am very quick which enables me to get past my defender a lot easier. I also really try to push the ball which forces the defense to stay with me and make them play transition defense the entire game. Along with scoring, I feel that I have a very high basketball IQ which allows me to find my teammates and make the right pass.

270 Hoops: What separates you from other players in your class?

Watson: I feel like my work ethic is outmatched to any other player. I will do whatever it takes to have myself be prepared for the game. Along with my work ethic, I have an intense passion for the game of basketball.

270 Hoops: Most disappointing moment of your career?

Watson: The most disappointing moment of my career was when I fractured my back in two places and my spine slipped. Luckily, it was at the end of my freshman season of school ball, but unfortunately I had to miss that year of AAU. But I believe that without that injury, I would not be the same player I am today. It forced me to make stretching an every day necessity. Overall, setbacks are always tough, but in the long run, there is always a reason.

270 Hoops: What is your favorite social media platform?

Watson: Easily Twitter, I am on it frequently.

270 Hoops: Favorite TV show growing up?

Watson: I have always just been a Sports Center kind of guy. I would always wake up in the morning and watch the Top 10 plays of the previous night before I went to school that morning.

270 Hoops: Who is your biggest role model or hero?

Watson: My dad is my biggest role model. He is the hardest worker I know. He always pushes me to work my hardest and has made me realize my full potential. He has instilled many life lessons and morals into me since I was a young kid and I have always looked up to him as a leader and a person I will always try to be replicate as I go through life.