Prospect Spotlight: Isaac McSorely (2019)
Defense first is the mindset for New London’s swipe specialist, Isaac McSorely.
The 5-foot-10 guard was among the state’s leaders last season in steals, and again finds himself near the top of the charts for his defensive prowess.
“I’d say, what I do best is just getting our team going on defense especially. A lot of people say I’m everywhere on the court. I just try and go all over the place and get as many steals as I can, and score in transition,” said McSorely.
He credits his quickness and also his teammates’ ability to deny ball as reasons for his high steals numbers.
“I feel like I can read people really good, and where they’re going to pass the ball. And I’m quick, so I can get around on the court,” said McSorely. “And my teammates help, too; we all pressure the ball really hard, so it’s not too hard to get steals when nobody can get open.”
As a junior, McSorely has seen his production increase dramatically, especially since standout junior Mason Porter missed the first 14 games of the season due to a hand injury.
McSorely is averaging 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.9 steals per game.
“I don’t think we’d ever played a game of basketball without Mason, so it’s been different. But, my coach pulled me aside at practice and told me I’ve got to step up. Now, Mason’s back and it takes a lot of pressure of me and Keontae (Luckett).”
Although McSorely is among the best small-school junior guards in the state. He’s an even better shortstop. And is seeing some local small-college baseball interest come his way.
He says it’s likely that he’ll play baseball in college, but he’s not ruling out basketball. And as for grassroots ball, he’ll have to forego his 17U season; he says baseball takes up too much time.
“Mason and Keontae have always tried to get me to play Pump ‘N Run, but I’ve always played traveling baseball, so I just haven’t,” said McSorely.
“I haven’t played (grassroots) in the past, because it interferes with baseball, and I’ve been more into baseball. I’ve been wanting to play baseball more in college, but I haven’t totally ruled out basketball yet.”