Prospect Spotlight: 2018 Matt Simpson
Matt Simpson was a pleasant surprise to the coaching staff at Plant City when they walked into tryouts in 2014. This skinny little freshman point guard made play after play and shot after shot until they finally made him a starter heading into the year.
Growing up in Plant City, he played for the local travel team called Plant City Vipers until this past summer when he played for the Tampa Titans program.
I asked Matt why he works so hard and where did he train and his response was, “I have loved the game every since I can remember. I want to be the best so I would watch Youtube and try to emulate the moves until I got them down pact.”
Last year playing PG Simpson averaged 15 points, 3.7 assist, and 4 rebounds per game. This year he will be playing off guard and is looking to build on a strong career in his senior season. He is averaging 22.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2 steals. This year he has surpassed the 1,000-point mark to cement his great play at Plant City. Based on his versatility playing either guard position, scoring ability as a spot up shooter or slasher, and high IQ, expectations around the county is for him to lead his team towards a district title and deep playoff run.
The Raiders are sitting at number one in the district right now. Head Coach Billy Teeden and crew will be looking to forward to the next few games because they are filled with district opponents. The play of Simpson will be key to winning each contest.
Simpson stated, “Our district is tough, every team comes to play every night. We competed for the district title last year and lost but we’re a better team this year. We’re hungry, we want to be in Lakeland (referring to state championships) when its all said and done.”
In my opinion he maybe the states most underrated player, I asked him about his recruitment he said, “Its ok, I’m a just keep working hard and doing my best.”
Matt remains unsigned and uncommitted. He has a 3.7 gpa with a 1010 SAT and holds interest from Marietta College, Florida Southern, Ave Maria, Oglethorpe, Houghton, Susquehanna, and Hilbert.