Recruiting Report: Chris Shelton (2019)
While we spend time talking about some of the young prospects with bright futures, there’s always a guy who seems to come out of nowhere going into his junior or senior year to make a splash. One of those guys that you may have heard about, and may not have, is Louisa rising senior Chris Shelton.
After leading Louisa to one of their best seasons in recent memory, the 6’4” guard spent his summer with Virginia Elite and was one of their top performers. The summer was somewhat of a proving ground for him, and not only did he live up to the expectations, he also heard from a number of college coaches.
“I learned a lot this summer and got to play against the top players in the country,” Shelton said. “I picked up an offer from NC A&T and I talk to the Citadel, Presbyterian and Coppin State consistently.”
While he’s starting to pick up interest and offers from colleges, Shelton sounded most excited about his senior season. After leading Louisa to a conference championship, he believes this group could be even better this year.
“We all have good chemistry with one another and we have been playing together since middle school,” Shelton said. “Not one guy on the team was selfish, every guy on the team put the team before the individual.”
As far as what makes them different from last year, Shelton believes his experiences this past year and this past summer will be a big help for them moving forward.
“We need to be a better second half team, I think our experience will help us improve on that,” he said. “Our goals are getting better every game and our young players to just keep gaining experience. We want to make a state title run, and I think we have the talent to do it, just have to work hard and play together.
Shelton will likely shoot up our 2019 rankings by the start of the high school season after the way he continues to impress coaches and scouts. He has good size on the wing, he’s a knock down shooter from deep and he isn’t afraid to bang in the post as well.
“My biggest strengths is the ability to knock down shots and score and being able to guard multiple positions and rebound from the guard position.”
The son of a Coach as well, Shelton understands the game well and has a tremendous work ethic as well. Despite a summer that included his first offer, he’s been in the gym all August long and is ready to show where he’s improved.
“I can always improve on defense, creating off the bounce and just all around in every aspect of the game. I’m working on being a leader verbally and by example on and off the floor. I know I bring experience to this group, and that will be important with some of the new guys that are joining us this year.”
For college coaches looking for a steal at the next level, be sure to keep an eye on Shelton. For fans of high school basketball throughout the state, be sure to keep an eye on the Louisa Lions as a sleeper in the VHSL this season as well.