Prospect Spotlight: Jackson Shelstad (2023 West Linn HS)
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. Young point guard enters his freshman year at West Linn and hopes are high that he will help lead the Lions back to glory. It wouldn’t be fair to put those types…
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Continue ReadingStop us if you’ve heard this one before. Young point guard enters his freshman year at West Linn and hopes are high that he will help lead the Lions back to glory. It wouldn’t be fair to put those types of expectations on Jackson Shelstad but there’s no doubt he’ll make an impact. He starts his high school career already holding a Division I scholarship offer and more are sure to come for the 5-foot-10, 145-pound floor leader as his development continues.
This June, Shelstad has joined West Linn’s summer team and has been able to settle into playing with his new teammates and against older players. “These guys have been really welcoming and I’ve known them for awhile,” Shelstad said. “They know my game and ‘V’ (Coach Viuhkola) he’s tough but he wants the best for you. And playing against older guys – I’ve always played up but it’s a little different as guys are bigger and stronger but I’m used to it.”
“I think I’m doing pretty good,” Shelstad continued. “I think I could lead more and get to the hoop more and get my teammates open, but I think I’m doing pretty good so far.”
Earlier this spring, Shelstad ran up a level as he played with the Rose City Rebels 15U squad. “1-8 wasn’t really the best record but we learned a lot,” Shelstad said. “We played in the EYBL – those dudes are different as they’re big and really athletic. That was a good experience.”
Shelstad definitely projects as a college prospect. Obviously he’ll need to get stronger but his frame indicates that he’s still growing and can support the added strength. And his skill level is high – he is a tremendous ball-handler and passer and he has a very nice shooting stroke. Eastern Washington has been aware of Shelstad for quite some time and earlier this month they offered him a scholarship.
“It’s really exciting but I’ve still got to work – I can’t let that get to me,” Shelstad said. “I know the coaching staff and they’re really good to me. They’re D-I and they have a pretty tough schedule. It’s my first one and I’m excited about that but I want to get a lot more. “
Obviously there’s a lot of time when it comes to college recruiting for Shelstad, but he does have goals. “I would like to play in the Pac-12,” Shelstad said. “I like Oregon a lot but I’d really like to stay in the Pac-12.”
For now, Shelstad will rejoin the Rebels in the month of July and he’s hopeful it will be big for him. “Peach Jam – we’e going to play there and I want to play really well and get my name out,” Shelstad said. “It’s going to be hard but I want to win that. Also, CP3 camp will be a good experience – there are a lot of good trainers there and all the best players in the country from my grade will be there, so it’s going to be good.”