Prospect Spotlight: Emarion Ellis (2021)

Photo: @EmarionEllis23

There's been a lot of buzz surrounding, Davenport Central's Emarion Ellis this spring.

National scouts and local scouts alike have been touting his size, athleticism and potential, and he seems on the verge of becoming a breakout player in Iowa's Class of 2021.

His skill-set is becoming more diverse, and he's best when attacking the rim, once he gets there, it's his passing ability to set his teammates up that's been improving most.

“I mainly like taking it to the hoop, I really feel like no one around here can guard me while attacking the hoop. But if I'm open, I'll take the shot, and this spring, I've really just been working on passing the ball and getting my teammates open,” said Ellis. “So, I've been having more assists than I have points in some of these spring games.”

His size, both height and build, is striking for a guard at the high school level, and Ellis says he's even comfortable playing the point guard position, but he's being used a wing mostly right now.

“I'm better at the two guard, but when my teammates need help, I can bring the ball up the floor,” said Ellis. “I've played point guard a lot in the past, and was moved to wing when I got to high school.”

As a sophomore with the Blue Devils, Ellis averaged 8.6 points per game but with some pretty poor shooting (35.1%). He'll look to improve this season while playing with the Iowa Barnstormers Gold 16u on the adidas Gauntlet.

It's his first year playing big-time grassroots hoops.

“It's been good, it's very different playing against the best players and having all those coaches there watching,” said Ellis. “I like playing with the Barnstormers a lot.”

Exposure has certainly been ramping up, Iowa coach Fran McCaffery stopped by to watch him and the ‘Stormers during last weekend's live period in Dallas.

“I was really honored when I saw him there, not a lot of people get that chance,” said Ellis. “Hopefully, I can get a couple offers soon, but I'm only 15, I'm the youngest on my team... but hopefully I can pick up some offers and just keep my grades up.”