Recruiting Update: Amari Hale (2017 Central Catholic HS/Eastern Arizona JC)
Two years ago, Amari Hale wowed us all at Central Catholic. The super-athletic 6-foot-1, 165-pounder strapped on a football helmet for the first time in years and made an incredible impact on the gridiron. But hoops has always been Hale’s…
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Continue ReadingTwo years ago, Amari Hale wowed us all at Central Catholic. The super-athletic 6-foot-1, 165-pounder strapped on a football helmet for the first time in years and made an incredible impact on the gridiron. But hoops has always been Hale’s first love and it’s the sport he’s pursued in college since his days as a Ram. He’s now in his sophomore season at Eastern Arizona and has his eyes on moving on to a four-year school after finishing out this year strong.
“We’ve had a lot of learning opportunities but the season has gone good,” Hale said. “I’ve been a leader as one of three sophomores, so I’ve been helping the other guys. I’ve been scoring pretty well. The competition is actually a little easier here and I’ve been able to play more freely – coach last year was kind of stricter, so it’s been a lot better.”
Hale not only played for a different coach last season but at a different program – he was at Midland Junior College in Texas, where despite the stricter reins, he averaged 10.2 points and 2.8 assists as a freshman. This season at Eastern Arizona, he’s averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds so far for the Gila Monsters. Hale describes how he’s improved his game these past two years at the JC level.
“My shot selection has gotten a lot better for sure,” Hale said. “I’ve also got a better handle and jump shot and the overall confidence in my game has gotten a lot better.”
Loyola Marymount, Portland State, Western Washington, and Central Washington are some of the main schools who have been tracking Hale since he’s been in junior college. He’s staying pretty open with the process, looking to play things out before evaluating his options. “I really don’t care – I just want to go D-I,” Hale said. “I just want to show that I’m good enough and that I can make plays.”
Eastern Arizona finishes out its season in the next couple of weeks.