Recruiting Report: Josiah Strong (2018)
Champlin Park guard Josiah Strong has been handed the keys. He’s now the go to guy for the Rebel program going forward.
“This high school season I feel like I grew a lot,” Josiah said. “I became much better at scoring in more ways than just the three, and a much better defender.”
Strong averaged 9.5 points per game for the 31-1 Champlin Park Rebels competing with Mr. Basketball winner McKinley Wright and a full cast of talent. It was a year which Strong will never forget, and a year in which he grew as a player in many ways.
“I improved my ball handling and I’m starting to be more vocal on the court,” Strong said. “It was a great experience playing with some of the best players in the state with such a talented team.
“Even though we came up short in the state championship, the game against Chaska and the shot Sam Dubois hit is something I will never forget.”
Strong has hit the off-season ready to take the program forward along with Bennett Otto, Alex John, Carlston McKenzie, Kato Seley, and others. Josiah will be the leader so his off-season is all about improvements for his final year.
“Some things I am really focusing on are finishing at the rim, working off ball screens and continuing to improve my mid range game,” Strong explained. “I’m also working on creating for teammates and guarding the best player on an opposing team.”
Strong is one of the several playmakers for the Powerhouse Minnesota team that is 19-6 after six spring events.
“The competition in the first live period was great. I have had to be more of a leader and been playing more on the ball.
“Playing against other good guards across the nation has been very beneficial, especially in preparing me for my senior year and after. We have beaten some very good teams and we play an up tempo style so those events fit our style of play well.”
While playing those 25 games (two events out of state and four events within the Minnesota borders) Strong has had several college programs watch him compete.
“Right now I’m hearing from North Dakota State, Nebraska-Omaha, Princeton, Army, and U of Mary the most,” Josiah said. “I will be visiting NDSU and Omaha at their elite camps, but haven’t planned any other visits yet.”
This month Strong will be playing with his high school squad in various events. There are also three more events for Strong to impress coaches at during the open period.
“I want to continue to build team chemistry with high school teammates in these events in June, and perform well in the next live period with Powerhouse Minnesota.”