Recruiting Report: Jamal Hartwell (2018)
Photo credit: The Left Bench
At this stage–although it’s early in the process–it appears that Fairfax is the class of the Los Angeles City Section and Jamal Hartwell is their senior leader and catalyst as well.
Fairfax, led by 2nd year coach Steve Baik, is absolutely loaded with perimeter talent. Along with Hartwell the Lions also have highly valued juniors Ethan Anderson and Robert McRae. All three players were selected on the 2017 All-CIF LA City Section Boys Basketball Team.
Hartwell, who is ranked No. 44 in the prephoops.com rankings, is a true point guard who has been well schooled in the fundamentals by his father Jamal Hartwell Sr., who is an assistant coach at Fairfax. If you recall Hartwell Sr. was a member of the 1987 LA City Championship Fairfax team–a team which included NBA players Sean Higgins and Chris Mills.
Some improvements in Hartwell’s game have been impressive since the end of the regular season including the following: 3-point shooting, finishing through contact, as well as an ability to advance the ball in transition. “My father has been on me about how important it is for point guards to get their teammates involved early instead of over-handling and killing the break.”
Hartwell is one of the more improved point guards in the 2018 classDespite his noticeable improvements in his game, Hartwell noted that the San Jose State coaching staff pointed out an area of his game that needs attention. “Defense”, Hartwell said with a smile.”Coach said I need to do a better job of picking up my opponent full court.”
When it comes to his recruitment, Hartwell has a couple of options already heading into the all-important July evaluation period.
“San Jose State and Montana have offered early on and Hawaii, Texas, Santa Clara, and UC Riverside are showing interest.”
Hartwell will be suiting up for Compton Magic Select during July as well as continue to hone his skills with is father and personal trainer Olin Simplis. Considering how his game has grown exponentially in the past year, Hartwell should have plenty of options heading into his senior campaign.