Prospect Spotlight: Justin Balcome (2018)
There comes a time where talk of potential fades and a player starts to shine. Averaging a double-double at Alexandria, that time is now for Justin Balcome.
At 18.6 points and ten boards a game Justin has had a strong season for the 11-6 Cardinals.
“I think our season has been going well, it took us awhile to figure out our roles and play well as a team because we had so many new faces getting varsity time this year, but we are finding our way and have been winning a lot of games recently,” Balcome said.
“I’ve gotten a lot stronger and gained a lot of weight, this has helped me with my low post moves and driving ability,” Balcome said.
After splitting their first eight games Alexandria has won seven of nine with the only losses coming to undefeated Willmar and St. Cloud Tech.
“In terms of talent I think we have a group that plays very well together, our point guard Trey Hoepner and I are the only returning varsity players from last year and we score our fair share, but at the same time anyone else on our team is capable to have a big night as well,” Balcome explained.
“It helps to be able to have that confidence in my team every time we step on the court.”
Players like Jared Schneider and Carter Stockert are among the talents that have stepped forward with supporting contributions. This group has Justin thinking big in terms of goals.
“Of course every team’s goal is to have an opportunity to play in the state tournament and to have fun well doing it. Individually I would like to finish the season averaging 20 points, ten rebounds, and five blocks per game.”
After the season it’s time to focus on Northern State. The 6-foot-10 Balcome is a part of a quality class for Northern State.
“I am crazy excited to be at Northern next year,” Justin said. “The unity that the team has created every time they step on the court is what I am most excited for, those guys are brothers, and it shows in their play, and in their record.”