Then-Bowling Green senior Ahmir Ruffin (15) goes in for a layup during the fourth quarter of a game against Eastwood on December 11, 2023 in Pemberville. Bowling Green defeated Eastwood, 62-52. (Scott W. Grau | Sentinel-Tribune file)
By Nicholas Huenefeld
Special to the Sentinel-Tribune
Ahmir Ruffin’s hard work has paid off as the Bowling Green High School graduate is headed to play college basketball at Defiance College.
“His work ethic from a young age has gotten him to where he’s at,” Bowling Green assistant coach Mike Furnas said.
After averaging six points per contest as a junior, Ruffin broke out this past year, elevating his scoring average by nearly 10 points per contest.
“This year was definitely one of our weirder years,” Ruffin said. “We didn’t have much height whatsoever, but we just had to outplay every team and really give it our best every single game.”
Outplaying the opponent and giving it his best was what Ruffin did en route to being named First Team All-Northern Lakes League, Second Team All-District and Division II Honorable Mention All-Ohio.
“It was unbelievable,” Furnas said. “He shot over 50% from the field. He was in the upper 70s in free throw percentage, and he played great defense. He never came out of the game, and he never asked to come out.”
Despite his team’s 10-13 finish, Ruffin was a bright spot for the Bobcats.
“I’d say it was surprising,” Ruffin said of his performance this past year. “A year ago, I definitely didn’t think I was going to get anywhere near this point. It just feels amazing.
“It’s been a massive growth. I remember freshman year I was averaging probably around four points a game. Physically, mentally and on-the-court skill-wise, I’ve just grown so much.”
Furnas, who also coached Ruffin in seventh grade, said Ruffin was a decent player in junior high, but his work in the weight room and on the practice court made him the player he was this past season.
“He was a kid who worked extremely hard to be as good as he is, and this is what happens when you do that,” he said. “He’s just improved leaps and bounds.”
After his hard work, Ruffin earned a full-ride scholarship with the Yellow Jackets, a program that transitions from NCAA Division III to NAIA play beginning this fall.
“It’s super exciting,” Ruffin said. “The coaches there really believe in me. They’re super confident in me, and as long as I continue to put in the work, I can be successful.”
