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Forget college -- which high school will get Boynton?

Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 9:30PM; Updated: Wednesday July 11, 2007 9:30PM
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Coach Mike Krzyzewski wouldn't mind seeing Kenny Boynton Jr. wearing Duke's blue and white in 2009.
Coach Mike Krzyzewski wouldn't mind seeing Kenny Boynton Jr. wearing Duke's blue and white in 2009.
Damian Strohmeyer/SI
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PHILADELPHIA -- Kenny Boynton Jr. has yet to decide which high school he will attend next fall, but that has not stopped top Division I college coaches from offering the rising junior scholarships to play for them in the future.

Boynton, who led Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach, Fla.) to the Class 6A Florida state title last season while averaging 29.1 points per game as a sophomore, has already made public his plans to transfer out of Ely. After playing a game Tuesday at the Reebok U camp, Boynton said the transfer was not because of grades or discipline issues, but to put him in a better learning environment surrounded by more focused students.

"My parents just think I can benefit from being around different kids in the classroom," said Boynton.

Where he will attend next, though, has been a hot topic of conversation in Florida and the summer sneaker circuit. "I'm deciding between Oak Hill and American Heritage in Plantation, Fla.," said Boynton, one of seven members of the class of 2009 to play in Tuesday night's All-Star game. "I think both are good schools to attend and play basketball while getting a better education."

Boynton has been a known commodity since playing varsity as an eighth grader for North Broward (Fla.). But it was his stellar play last season that has made him a hot prospect, receiving offers from Louisville, Texas, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Duke and Villanova. The latest offer came from Duke on Monday after coach Mike Krzyzewski sat in the stands for all three of Boynton's games.

"I got the message from my father after my morning games that a Duke assistant had called and offered a scholarship," said Boynton, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard who one Division I assistant says could make a good off-ball combination guard. "Seeing Coach K in the stands means a lot to me. That's an honor to like my game, and when I saw him I thought he looked a little different in person. More muscular."

After comparing favorably against class of 2009 counterpart Lance Stephenson of Lincoln (Brooklyn, N.Y.) in last December's City of Palms Classic, Boynton said he was comfortable fielding challenges at camp from national stars like Oak Hill (Mouth of Wilson, Va.) point guard Brandon Jennings. "Getting to go up against guys who are older and better only helps me develop," said Boynton. "He didn't talk to me about transferring or anything, though."

On July 20, Boynton will be in Las Vegas with Team Breakdown to play in the Reebok Summer Championships, and he plans to choose his high school by then. "I like playing against the top players, and by going to American Heritage or Oak Hill, I will have that opportunity on a regular basis," said Boynton.

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