Prospect Spotlight: Jarace Walker (2022)
This past season in the state of Maryland, we were fortunate enough to watch an extremely talented freshman class. Many of which were contributed steadily to their respective varsity teams. Looking ahead to next year’s class, you can expect more of the same. But for Jarace Walker, he’ll take his talents to IMG Academy in Florida to play for one of the most highly respected programs in the nation.
This past season, Walker played for the ninth grade team at Susquehannock High School (PA). Because freshman are ineligible to play at the varsity level, Walker played for the freshman team and led them to an undefeated record and an impressive 28.9 points per game.
“It was definitely different with playing the point guard position for a lot of the game,” Walker told Prep Hoops. “But it helped me get better at getting my teammates involved and becoming a leader.”
At 6-foot-5, Walker has the versatility and skill to score it from all three levels on the floor. His athleticism and length enable him to finish over the rim when the opportunity presents itself. As Walker credited to when talking about his past season, he also does a nice job of reading defenses in order to get his teammates open looks at the basket. It’s safe to say that Walker isn’t your prototypical 14-year-old. His skill and IQ for the game is advanced and it’s why he is regarded at the top player in his class.
Walker is currently leading Team Thrill’s 2022 team to the no. 1 spot in the national ranks. The team as a whole is filled with talent. Recently at Hoop Group’s Pitt Jam Fest, they played up in the 16U bracket and finished in the sweet 16.
“It forces us to play hard all the time and be stronger with the ball,” Walker explained when referring to playing up in age brackets. “Older age groups are more athletic, faster and have a better IQ. So we just have to keep playing smart and play hard all the time.”
With hopes of finishing the summer on a high note, it’s hard for Walker not to think about stepping foot on campus at IMG Academy once August rolls around.
“It means a lot to me, me being able to go to IMG,” Walker said. “I expect to spend all four years of high school there and really focus on staying in the gym and getting better each day so I can get to the next level. The coaches just want me to stay in the gym so I can contribute whatever I can as a freshman there next year.”
Walker currently holds an offer from Howard, but has received interest from Syracuse. Expect schools to start contacting him in bunches by this time next year.