Prospect Spotlight: MeKell Burries (2018)
(Photo Courtesy of NKY Tribune)
MeKell Burries is a 6’0 guard from Newport High School in Newport, KY. Last season, Burries helped lead Newport to a 16-17 overall record. The Wildcats fell just short of a 36th District championship, losing to rival Newport Central Catholic 62-68. “Last season we weren’t able to accomplish the main goals we set out for our team at the beginning of the year. I wanted us to win the region and get down to state. As an individual, I wanted to lead us down to Lexington and have an opportunity to play in Rupp during the state tournament. So I feel like I failed us in that aspect,” said Burries in regard to last season’s end outcome.
Burries averaged 18.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year as a junior. He also shot 43% from the field (40% from 3-point range on nearly 250 attempts). In describing his game, MeKell says he is “a play-maker who makes big and tough shots and can score the ball from multiple spots on the floor.” Proof of that is in the stats. Burries shot the ball 519 times last season. 247 of those shots were 3-point field goals.
This summer MeKell played for the Shining Stars AAU program. “Summer ball went really well. We competed in every tournament we played in and won a few as well.” He spent the summer trying to improve on his basketball IQ, ball handling, and becoming a better defender.
In looking for a school to play for at the next level, Burries is hoping to land at a school with great academics and the right fit. “Finding a great academic program as well as a good fit with the coaching staff and team is important to me.”
Burries currently holds offers from Christian Brothers University and the University of Pikeville. Georgetown College, Lincoln Memorial, Navy, Northwest Ohio, Findlay, Spring Hill, and Wheeling Jesuit have all shown interest.
For his senior season, MeKell hopes to become a 1,000 point club member and to lead his team to the state tournament.