Carmona must prove hes eligible to play
Alex Carmona (right), the all-state 6-5, 210 pound power forward at Troy (OH) High School still has some hurdles to conquer in order to be eligible to play prep basketball this season.
As reported yesterday, Carmona, a native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, returned to Ohio in time to begin his senior academic year. But because of a falling out with his court-appointed guardians, Deb and Curt Grant of Troy, he will not be able to stay at their home this year. That creates a problem under Ohio High School Athletic Association eligibility rules.
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The OHSAA requires under-age players to live within the school district with their parent(s) or court-appointed legal guardian(s). But since Carmona celebrated his 18th birthday this summer, he can live on his own and seek to be declared "emancipated" by the state agency.
What does this mean? Here's the wording from Troy High School's student handbook:
"To be considered an emancipated person at Troy High School, the student must provide proof that he/she is self-supporting. A rent receipt, proof of residence or a utility bill in the student's name would be considered sufficient proof."This means that monthly he must furnish Troy Principal Eric Herman information:
He has found a place to live.
He has a job that pays at least $250 per month.
He has opened and is maintaining a checking account.
He must turn in receipts for rent and groceries.
He must disclose his monthly working hours.
He must submit notarized statements from his landlord and employer proving those criteriaIn addition, Carmona must maintain passing grades. Each month, Principal Herman must forward this data to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
One option that has not be discussed to this point is whether or not a petition will be raised with the court to appoint another party to be his legal guardian since the current appointees would seem to be unable to fulfill that role.
Last season, Carmona averaged 26.9 points and 12.9 rebounds and was named to the Division I All-Ohio second team. He has been offered scholarships by Dayton and Cincinnati. Louisville, Memphis and Michigan State were reported earlier to be involved with this young man.
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