Recruiting Report: Blake Williams (2017)
One of the reasons Toledo St. John’s is 15-2 is their shooter off the bench: Blake Williams (2017). The 6’0” guard has especially stepped up against two of their toughest opponents (Whitmer and Toledo St. Francis). Most recently, Williams accounted…
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Continue ReadingOne of the reasons Toledo St. John’s is 15-2 is their shooter off the bench: Blake Williams (2017). The 6’0” guard has especially stepped up against two of their toughest opponents (Whitmer and Toledo St. Francis).
Most recently, Williams accounted for 15 points in the fourth quarter against Whitmer this past Friday.
“My role is to come into the game and knock down shots. My team looks for me in the fast break and in the half-court too. They really target me so I’ll get shots, and hopefully knock them down,” Williams said.
POSTGAME: @SJJTitanSports' Blake Williams just love playing the role of hero! He comes up big again tonight with 15 points! 🔥 #BCSNnation pic.twitter.com/ck01AQQLX5
— BCSN (@BCSNsports) February 4, 2017
Though Williams doesn’t start games for this loaded Titans team, he has a knack for finishing them. In that game against Whitmer, St. John’s was trailing by one point going into the fourth. Then, Williams had 15 of their 26 in the final period as they won by 16 points.
Safe to say Williams has embraced being the sixth man.
“I’ve adapted to the role because I’ve been in this position before … I have the green light whenever basically. So I’m pretty comfortable with it,” Williams said.
Furthermore, when he starts draining threes, it opens the floor up for everyone.
“A lot of teams try to guard me tight which opens the floor for our team a lot. When the floor is spread out, we get better shots down low. And if they sink in and help down low on our big, Vincent Williams, he looks usually to kick it out to me for shots,” Blake Williams explained.
Williams is one of the best catch-and-shoot players we saw during this past grassroots season. He can even shoot it a few steps beyond the arch. Williams’ range makes for a good pairing alongside low-post scorers or guards who penetrate and kick.
The 3.65 GPA student has drawn attention from Lourdes, Trine (IN), and Adrian College (MI).
If he remains without an offer, Williams will be forced to decide between trying to walk-on or going to school for academics solely. PHO asked Williams where he stands on those options.
“I’ve been having little confusions. I know [the University of Toledo] is a big thing. I might go to UT and go into medical or something. I was thinking about emailing the coaches and seeing if it could be a possibility to walk-on there,” Williams said.
Williams clarified that, “He would love to play basketball at the next level,” and is willing to play in any division if a scholarship is offered.
What’s clear is that he has mastered one skill that will translate to any court. Shooting is just one part of the game, but his gravity permeates to the entire team.
For those interested in watching Williams, St. John’s takes the court Friday at Oregon Clay High School.