Prospect spotlight: Vincent Kelby (2020)
Lee’s Summit West junior Vincent Kelby is looking forward to a breakout season in 2018-19 with the Titans after putting together a strong offseason.
A 6’2 guard, Kelby is an aggressive player at both ends of the floor. He is a terrific outside shooter and is a willing and able passer who enjoys finding the open teammate.
“I love finding open teammates when driving to the basket if the defense collapses,” Kelby said. “I also push myself to guard the quickest guard on the other team because I’m very confident that my defense will force a turnover and/or difficult shot.”
Kelby says competing for a competitive summer team this year on the grassroots circuit was an eye-opening experience for him.
“Being trusted every possession to take care of the ball and make plays helped me grow not just as a player, but as a teammate,” he says. “Every game was fast paced and even on the bench you had to be a cheerleader to keep the team engaged in the game. I can’t wait until this upcoming high school season because I want to show everybody how much I’ve grown in every aspect of the game.”
During the off season I am working on my ball handling because I believe I could be quicker with it. I’m also improving my pull up and stepback jumper especially off the screen. Although my defense is good, I continue to work on my lateral quickness because I will always go up against a quick guard and I’m making sure that I’ll be ready.
Kelby says his dad has had the biggest impact on his game, making sure that he spends time in the weight room and on the court.
“He supports every game I play and continues to make sure I’m doing everything that I need to do to get better,” Kelby said. “Before games we discuss how I’m going to contribute to team going against upcoming competition. As a father he will never let me quit, because of this, I keep playing through adversity no matter the competition.”
Kelby says he enjoys watching college basketball and loves the intensity of the game at that level.
“Everyone is trying to win the title and make it to the league,” he says. “I’ve been able to take away how much they communicate and value defense. Every player on the floor is talking to one another making sure they have help or switching on a screen.
“No player on the court will allow anyone to be silent or slack off on defense because every player has it in their mind that they want the ball more than anything.”
Kelby has already drawn some interest from college programs, including Emporia State and Nebraska Wesleyan.