Recruiting Report: James Berry (2020)
James Berry, a class of 2020 wing from Bishop Ireton, has seen a recent uptick in his recruitment, and this is well deserved. He’s been playing at a high-level on both ends of the court for a while now, and while he’s still just scratching the surface of his potential, its refreshing to see his hard work paying off. During a recent interview with Prep Hoops, Berry discussed the schools recruiting him, his role for his high school team and much more.
PH: What’s your role going to be like at Bishop Ireton this upcoming season?
JB: “This year I’m the leader. Me and Sese (Mobutu) are leaders. Coach on the court. Scorer, rebounder. I gotta do everything. Just in my mind, I have to do everything to help us win this year.”
PH: Talk about the impact you are able to make on the defensive side.
JB: “I’m long, I’m lanky so I’m able to back off a little bit because I can recover quick. I have good feet, and I’m getting stronger. So I can put a body on my opponents and keep them one way.”
PH: Who do you model your game after?
JB: “Paul George. He’s real smooth. I like his game.”
PH: Which schools are recruiting you hardest right now?
JB: “I would say Longwood, Radford, Merrimack, Mount St. Mary’s, and Towson.”
PH: Briefly describe your thoughts on the schools you’ve visited.
JB: “Mount St. Mary’s — Beautiful campus. Love the coaching staff. Hard working environment over there. Same with Longwood — Really beautiful. It’s a sleeping giant. They’re renovating everything so it’s indicating that their school is on the rise right now. They’re bringing in new recruits. They work hard, they play fast, they shoot a lot of threes. Towson — I loved the campus, and the coaches were great! They are headed in the right direction and that is a plus for me!”
PH: What are you looking for in a school?
“The camaraderie between the coaching staff and the players themselves. The style of play if I fit in, and If I just feel like I’m a good fit there outside of basketball. If the academics are good and if they have my major.”
PH: When do you plan on committing?
JB: “Probably during the season. I’m going to see who else offers me.”
PH: What can you bring to a college program?
JB: “Leadership, shooting, intensity, and a cool guy to be around. I can talk you out of your slump, but I can also fire you up.”