Prospect Spotlight: Jailen Nelson (2020)
Carlsbad was fresh off of a Division 3 runner-up finish, but needed a true point guard. Jailen Nelson was coming off an uneven sophomore year at Sage Creek and was looking for a change of scenery. As it turns out,…
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Continue ReadingCarlsbad was fresh off of a Division 3 runner-up finish, but needed a true point guard.
Jailen Nelson was coming off an uneven sophomore year at Sage Creek and was looking for a change of scenery.
As it turns out, Nelson and Carlsbad were a perfect fit.
After sitting out the first half of the season, the 5-10 floor general spearheaded the Lancers’ push for a Division 2 title, and reclaimed the buzz as a prospect he had as a freshman.
Nelson was dominant in the CIF championship game, notching 21 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a 72-54 win over Rancho Buena Vista.
“I think my confidence grew as a player knowing I can do more and make the right plays since I worked hard during the offseason,” Nelson said. “And I think the pressure from me going to Carlsbad, who needed a play-making guard, made me work harder.”
Often the smallest player on the floor, Nelson is a dynamic playmaker who puts pressure on defenses by getting into the paint, where he doubles as a deft passer and crafty scorer.
His growth as a spot-up shooter has taken his game to a different level, as now defenders must honor his shot, opening up more driving lanes.
“I think I became a better scorer from all three levels,” Nelson said. “As well as a better decision maker.”
During the off season, Nelson said his goals are to get stronger and improve finishing through contact.
Following a state-playoff loss to La Jolla Country Day, Nelson is preparing for travel basketball with West Coast Elite San Diego, and hopes to secure his first offer.