Prospect Profile: Jace Norton (2019 La Salle HS/Nike Team Northwest 17U Team Knight)
When it comes to talking about the top shooters in state, Jace Norton needs to be in the conversation. The solid 6-foot-1, 170-pound guard from La Salle High School has built his hoops reputation on his ability to knock ’em down from long range, but that’s not what his game is completely about. Norton is playing with Nike Team Northwest Team Knight, showing off his shooting ability but also hoping to impress with other parts of his developing skill set as well.
“This is my second year playing with them and it’s a new group but we’ve played well as a team,” North said. “I’ve played OK for the most part. I’ve been a shooter but I’ve also been working on my driving to the basket and also on the defensive end.”
While there’s no doubt that Norton can bring other things to the table, it’s his ability to shoot that has drawn the most attention on the circuit. He notes that a wide range of schools from Willamette to Barry University in Florida have shown early interest and he’s hoping for more.
“I would like to go anywhere I can contribute,” Norton said. “I’m pretty open to anything. Playing closer to home would be good but I could definitely see myself going (elsewhere). Wherever I can play and wherever I can play the cheapest.”
After spending June with his high school team, Norton will suit back up for Nike Team Northwest and give AAU ball one more go in July. “I want to keep improving in general,” Norton said. “Hopefully my shot will be strong but I want to keep improving my driving and dribbling.”
Norton currently ranks as the #18 ranked player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2019 rankings.