Recruiting Report: Jack Hutchison (2017)
Playing on the 16 and Under Adidas Uprising circuit last spring and summer, Maple Grove shooting guard Jack Hutchison averaged 10.3 points per game which was third on the team (behind Matthew Hurt and Goanar Mar). Along with that performance…
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Continue ReadingPlaying on the 16 and Under Adidas Uprising circuit last spring and summer, Maple Grove shooting guard Jack Hutchison averaged 10.3 points per game which was third on the team (behind Matthew Hurt and Goanar Mar). Along with that performance Jack has received offers from Montana State and Sam Houston State at the division one level.
“This was a great summer for me in terms of developing my game,” Jack told NHR. “Going into this summer, I was focused on improving my ball handling by playing more time at point guard, strengthening my on the ball defense, continuing to develop my pull up jumper and adding significant strength and quickness.
“I had a really successful summer and all four of these areas really developed and improved. This summer I was pleased to pick up my second division one offer from Sam Houston State (along with Montana State).
“Currently, I am consistently hearing from Lehigh, Lafayette, Holy Cross, Wofford, Cal Poly, Portland, South Dakota State and Drake, along with Montana State and Sam Houston State. In college I will have to play combo guard at the division one level, so I am working on and developing the needed skills so I can be successful.”
The D1 Minnesota 16 and Under crew finished the summer as the top ranked team in Minnesota earning a 31-7 record overall.
“This summer was a great experience,” said Hutchison. “As a team, we had a very successful season on the Adidas circuit, against some tough competition. We had four significant players return from last year’s 16U team, so the continuity and familiarity was great.
“As a (Grassroots) team we were very unselfish, and really played well off each other’s success, which helped us win a lot of games and compete. Based on our team’s success, were able to generate a good amount of exposure, which will help each of us at the 17U level next year.
“I am excited for next year’s (Grassroots) season, but in the near time I am really focused on strengthening my game for the upcoming high school season.”
Maple Grove finished last winter 23-4 before Wayzata knocked them out of sections in the semi-final round. All of last year’s starters return although the Crimson did loose bench production from Mitch Rekstad, Tim Bishop, and Austin Mathison.
That said, all the starters are a year more experienced and improved plus the team added a quality transfer in Cooper leading scorer Taron Pickford.
“At Maple Grove we have all five starters returning, along with some good additions,” Jack said. “Last year left sort of a bitter taste in our mouths as we felt we were better than our finish, but this year we will have a great opportunity to really show how good we are as a team.”
Jack Hutchison averaged 8.3 points per game as a sophomore which was the fourth best mark on the team behind fellow returning starters Brad Davison, Tywhon Pickford, and Reed Nikko.
“Individually, I have worked harder than ever in really strengthening all areas of my game in trying to consistently be an impact player. There are high expectations on us a team, as well as on me an individual. I feel confident that both will happen this season.”
Maple Grove has moved to section 8AAAA which is not quite as competitive as the section they were previously in but nothing will be easy. Teams will be gunning for the Crimson all year long.
“Team wise, we need to play to our strengths and also utilize all the talent that our team has to offer,” Jack said. “With all five starters returning we feel very confident and comfortable with each other. We expect to be one of the top teams in the state, now just have to go out and execute in proving it.
“Individually, this is a big year for me, a breakout year. With two years of varsity play under my belt I feel ready to take on more of a leadership role within this team, and move my game to the next level. I need to be more aggressive both offensively, primarily on the ball offensively, and defensively.
“In addition, I need to develop more strength and quickness. I have put in the work necessary to move my game to the next level in all of these areas, and now the fun part will be going out and showing it.”
Jack mentioned earlier that he had picked up a couple offers already and a long list of D1 programs were following him with interest. So far recruiting has been fun for Hutchison.
“It is an exciting process and I really enjoy the conversations with the different coaches. This summer I was able to take unofficial visits to Lehigh, Lafayette, Portland and Cal Poly, all great programs and schools in different parts of the country.
“It was a great experience and will really help me as I start to narrow down what schools present the best fit for me basketball wise and academically. I hope to get in one more visit prior to the high school season starting.”