Prospect Spotlight: Jaylen Dorsey (2021)
When we had our Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in August, Berea brought multiple players to showcase their skills against top competition. If their play at the Expo is any indicator, the Pirates are going to be a surprise to…
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Continue ReadingWhen we had our Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in August, Berea brought multiple players to showcase their skills against top competition. If their play at the Expo is any indicator, the Pirates are going to be a surprise to many in the 11th region this season. Junior guard Jaylen Dorsey is one of the best prospects in the Berea program. A 6’4 combo guard, Dorsey flashes a lot of potential with his size and positional versatility. I recently caught up with Dorsey to talk about the season ahead. Jaylen described his game for any people who haven’t had a chance to check him out, “I’d say my game is smooth and versatile. I’m tall for the guard spot at 6’4, I facilitate the ball very well and shoot the ball at a high level. I think my pick and roll reads have gotten a lot better. I can take defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim with good touch and able to draw contact. I’m at my best in transition. I feel at my best at the 1 or the 2 with my ability to shoot and read my defender coming off pin downs. But if needed I could slide down to the three and at sometimes the four which I did in AAU”
Leading up to the start of his Junior season, Jaylen Dorsey is working to get stronger and quicker. He told me “My biggest weakness as a player is getting stronger and quicker laterally. My footwork has come a long way but still an area for improvement.” Dorsey spent his AAU season playing with the Louisville Prospects. Jaylen reflected on his experience, “I feel like I played my role very well. Being able to hit the open shots, take charges, rebound and make the right play with the ball. I didn’t shoot the ball as great as I wanted too which I felt was a lack of confidence.” Even though his current focus is on getting ready for his Junior season, Jaylen reflected positively on his Sophomore year for Berea, “I feel last year’s high school season was a success. Our team as a whole finished 18-13 which was an improvement from last year and the first time our school has had back to back winning seasons in over 10 years. Individually, I felt like my high school season was the best I have played. I feeel like I do well in Coach Swords’ system. We play fast and run teams out the gym. Coach Swords gave me a platform to create and he’s really changed my whole game and I owe a lot of credit to him.”
Heading into the regular season, Dorsey is starting to draw some college interest as a big guard prospect. He told me a local NAIA school has gotten involved and other schools are starting to take note as well. “My college interest has picked up. Asbury has been the first school to reach out and actively recruit me. I don’t have any offers yet but I do have some visits planned for the spring.” While recruiting quiets down a little right now, Jaylen is focused on leading Berea to the best season in recent memory. He told me, “My individual goals for next season are too lead my team to a district championship and average 15 points and 10 rebounds and to win 22+ games this season”. If the 6’4 Junior can get Berea back to the regional tournament, he’ll be able to build his case for being one of the top 2021 players in the 11th region.