Prospect Spotlight: Qualen Pettus (2020)
Qualen Pettus – 6’5” | G | Indy Heat Red 2020 | Fort Wayne Northrop High School Qualen Pettus is my selection for breakout performer of the year in the Summit Athletic Conference in Fort Wayne this season. The 6’5”…
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Continue ReadingQualen Pettus – 6’5” | G | Indy Heat Red 2020 | Fort Wayne Northrop High School
Qualen Pettus is my selection for breakout performer of the year in the Summit Athletic Conference in Fort Wayne this season. The 6’5” guard is more effective as a slasher but has added some consistency to his jump shot over the summer. Pettus played with the Indy Heat program and will be the key returning starter for the Northrop Bruins for the 2018-2019 season. Northrop added a few pieces over the summer and Qualen has more support this season than he has in the past two years.
Pettus’ growth over the past few months has him poised for a breakout junior season with the Bruins. Northrop has their eyes set on the SAC title after adding Sydney Curry to the roster in the off season.
“This summer was great. I had a great coaching staff that really let me play the way I play and we had a good winning record. I’m focusing on shooting the ball more consistently and my lateral movement on defense.” With the season opening up a week ago, Qualen has shown an improvement in his lateral quickness on the perimeter.
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He is an aggressive guard with great length. With his focus turned to keeping opposing guards in front of him on defense, he has the potential to become an elite defender. Pettus reads passing lanes extremely well and can force the opposition into uncomfortable positions because of his strength and quick hands on the wing.
Photo via the News Sentinel“My keys to success come with leading and being a floor general, going as hard as I can. For the team, the keys to success is getting everybody going 110% when they step on the floor.” Qualen is a vocal leader by nature but has taken to leading by example with this Northrop Bruins squad. They return a good percent of their contributors from last year but they have a lot to prove.
Qualen is primed to make a big splash on the recruiting scene over the next two years. He has prepared himself to take over as the leader, both vocal and contribution wise, and is looking for his time to turn heads. The Northrop Bruins need to be on everyone’s schedule this year.
“I’m looking for a great environment. I want the players and coaches to push me to my limits and know that we don’t step down to anyone.” Pettus is finishing well above the rim with great consistency and continues to shine as one of the best slashers in Northern Indiana. As his playmaking ability continues to grow, he will be the guy that coaches turn to late in games to make the big plays down the stretch. Keep an eye on the quickly improving guard out of Fort Wayne as he takes the 6-16 team from 2017-2018 to new heights. They are off and running this season at 3-0.