Recruiting Report: Zach Harp (2018)
Cincinnati Elder’s 6’3” guard Zach Harp (2018) has the attention of Greater Catholic League (GCL) defenses and five college programs. The aggressive outside shooter has already attempted 43 3-pointers this season, connecting on 42 percent of them. Meanwhile, Harp, a 4.7 GPA student-athlete, is also weighing NAIA and Division III options.
“I have an offer from Christian Brothers in Memphis, Tennessee. And then Hanover and Wittenberg have been recruiting me. And then Centre College and Spring Hill in Alabama have been calling me lately,” Harp said.
Those first three that Harp mentioned — Christian Brothers, Hanover, Wittenberg — have distinguished themselves from the pack.
“My mom actually went to Wittenberg, so I’ve been down there a bunch of times. I went to Hanover also … I’ll try to go to Memphis to see a home basketball game, to see what it’s like,” Harp said.
With an impressive GPA and an ACT score of 26, Harp is clearly going to consider academics in his college choice.
“School is my first check mark, really. I want to be able to go to dental school. So the school that’s going to put me in the best situation to go on to dental school is obviously my first check mark.” Harp continued, “I want to go somewhere where winning is really important. I like to win, so I want to go somewhere where winning is expected.”
Harp clarified that all of the universities in his top three have strong enough academics in his eyes.
Harp is averaging 16.3 points per game with shooting splits of 42-42-90. He’s relied on to score the ball for a 4-5 Elder team, and he does so with impressive range. But also, Harp sets the tone as a leader.
“I take a role as more of a leader also. Getting other guys good shots and helping to build their confidence. It’s a team game, so we need everyone to contribute. My role on the team is to help get that out of people,” Harp said.
Following a Florida trip where the team went 2-1, he can feel their groove coming together.
“Starting to figure some stuff out … [The key is] everyone on the court shooting with confidence and being confident with the ball. Really snapping it and knowing what you’re going to do with the ball,” he said.
Scouts can catch Harp on Friday night, as Elder welcomes LaSalle into their place at 7:30 p.m.