Prospect Spotlight: Jason Nelson (2021)
Some kids are born winners, some are put in the right situation to win, and for Varina sophomore guard Jason Nelson, he’s had the perfect mix of the two in his first few high school seasons. As a freshman, the…
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Continue ReadingSome kids are born winners, some are put in the right situation to win, and for Varina sophomore guard Jason Nelson, he’s had the perfect mix of the two in his first few high school seasons. As a freshman, the 5’7″ lead guard helped lead Varina to a 26-2 season, capping it off with a win in the Class 5 State Championship game. In AAU, Nelson led a star studded Team Loaded 15U team to a perfect 40-0 campaign, including an Adidas Gauntlet Championship and being ranked #1 almost unanimously in the polls.
However, this year Nelson felt like both him and his team were being a little slighted early in the season, with everyone talking about whether or not Varina could repeat this year. With almost the exact same cast back, the Blue Devils have taken the criticism and turned it into motivation, and it’s how they’ve been playing all season.
“This year, to be honest, I think we’re more hungry,” Nelson said. “Since the preseason, people have said we can’t play with a target on our back. So we were like we’re going to play hard, play together, play with chemistry and win every game and try to beat people by 20. Even if we not, in close games we have to play together and win these together.”
Varina has come very close to doing exactly that, as they sit as the #1 seed in the Class 5 state tournament after going 23-1 on the season and avenging their only loss to Regional foe LC Bird by beating them in the Regional Championship game. While the Blue Devils have one of the most talented and balance top six of anyone in the state, it’s Nelson at the point guard spot who keeps everyone together and is the straw the stirs the drink.
“My role is to be a leader, dish out to my players and pick their heads up if they aren’t making shots or things not going their way,” he said.
A true floor general, Nelson is a gifted leader who is smart, tough and knows the game extremely well. He’s always able to see the game a few plays ahead of everyone, and despite his size he never seems rattled under pressure. He’s a guy people love to play with because he’s a pass first kind of point guard, but this year he’s shown that he can score with some big outings in some big games.
“Last year I wasn’t really a scorer, but I’ve worked on that and this year I’m looking to be a scorer and dish out at the same time.”
As far as what Nelson thinks he needs to do to ensure they get another state title? Just keep doing what he’s doing, which is win.
“I’m going to keep doing me, keep being a leader on and off the court and keep the chemistry great so we can keep winning.”
Be sure to check out Nelson and the Varina Blue Devils in their quest for a second state title as they take on Green Run Friday at Glen Allen High School in the state quarterfinals. Loser goes home from here on out!