Getting to know 2018 guard Jake Hershkowtiz
2018 guard Jake Hershkowitz is a player that is flying under the radar in Class 9A down for Coral Glades.
The rising senior averaged 17.3 points, 6.1 assists and 3.1 steals per game last season for the Jaguars (11-9). The 6’0″, 168-pounder dropped a season-best 34 points in a win over Hollywood Hills.
He said this past season meant a lot to him in terms of what Hershkowitz and his team accomplished.
“Going into the season many people echoed that I should attend a school with a richer history in athletics and a history of winning records,” Hershkowitz told Prep Hoops Florida. “Staying at Glades meant I had to take on the challenge of leading a team with not the most talent, but a ton of hard workers. We ended up finishing 11-9 which was the second winning season in school history, first since 2008. I learned a lot about how to facilitate and run an offense.”
Hershkowitz pointed to his passing and shot selection as two aspects of his game that he focused on improving.
“As I’ve played more varsity basketball I’ve learned that patience is key, therefore I try my best to focus on creating shots for my teammates first and when a shot presents itself or we are in a situation where I need to go and get the bucket I’ll do so,” he said. “I grew most as a leader because I had to be in the situation I was in and I’m grateful for it.”
He wants to get his name out there this summer. Competing with top ranked players in his area, Hershkowitz says he has given them problems, but people have yet to figure out who he is. He’ll be running with SF Spartans.
“We are playing in a bunch of tournaments during the April and June live period,” he said. “I thought this situation would be best for me because I will have a better chance to prove myself to coaches watching, rather than me running with a sneaker team and being in the shadows of a highly sought after player.”
Hershkowitz started playing basketball at age 3 and recreation basketball two years later. He began his AAU career in 6th grade.
As for his biggest strengths, Hershkowitz pointed to his ability to lead, his shooting ability and range, ball handling, IQ and court vision. He wants to continue to get better and be less of a gambler on defense, get above the more consistently and to get stronger.
No offers have come yet for the 2018 point guard, but Rider, Boston College, Emory, Colby Sawyer and Marymount have all shown interest in Hershkowitz.
He says he wants to prove himself this summer. Hershkowitz is off to a quick start after a fine showing at Top Rank Showcase Orlando earlier this month. Look for him to find his path with SF Spartans and bring that energy into his final high school season. Hershkowitz is a crafty player, who can be an impactful Division I/Division II piece.