Prospect Spotlight: Elmarko Jackson
St. Augustine needed someone to step up after the graduations of Andrew Delaney and Charles Solomon. Junior forward Matt Delaney has taken his game to the next level, but it’s the emergence of sophomore Elmarko Jackson that makes the Hermits dangerous in 2019-20.…
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Continue ReadingSt. Augustine needed someone to step up after the graduations of Andrew Delaney and Charles Solomon. Junior forward Matt Delaney has taken his game to the next level, but it’s the emergence of sophomore Elmarko Jackson that makes the Hermits dangerous in 2019-20. The 6’3 sophomore guard is averaging 10.7 points per game this season, but has stepped up his game against tough competition.
Jackson scored 11 points against the state’s top team in the Patrick School and looked like he belonged to be on the floor with the Celtics. Star junior forward Jonathan Kuminga missed that game due to injury, but Jackson still had to go up against one of the top point guard in New Jersey in senior Noah Farrakhan. He missed a couple of shots around the basket against Pleasantville, but the sophomore still poured in 16 points in the 75-54 win.
Jackson was at his best in the third quarter as he scored 10 points in that quarter. He showcased his elite burst as the Greyhounds could not keep up with Jackson in the open floor. Jackson attacked the basket with a purpose and had several nice finishes through traffic. His performance in the second half is a glimpse of what Jackson brings to the table for legendary head coach Paul Rodio.
Jackson is a dynamic guard with the ability to get to the rim and finish. He has good handles and a very willing passer as he passed up on a couple of scoring opportunities by passing it to his open teammates. Despite missing his only three-point attempt against Pleasantville, Jackson is a capable three-point shooter who can help stretch the defense.
The Hermits have good three-point shooters as junior John Horner and Delaney can knock down shots from behind the arc. Senior guard Kevin Foreman is also a solid shooter, but he also helps Jackson bring the ball up the floor. Bench players Nick Leo and Brendan Wescott are good complimentary pieces who are willing to take a charge on the defensive end.
Even with all the depth coach Rodio has at his disposal, Jackson is the key for St. Augustine’s success in 2019-20. Good guard play is imperative to any team’s success in the postseason, especially in Non-Public A South. St. Thomas Aquinas is currently the top seeded team in Non-Public A South and has a dynamic guard duo. Wake Forest commit Quadry Adams and sophomore Jaquan Harris are both 6’4 guards who attack the basket, finish through contact and knock down shots from behind the arc.
Paul VI’s junior tandem of Wisler Sanon and Jaylen Boyd-Savage is one of the best in South Jersey. Camden Catholic may be led by star junior forward Zach Hicks,but the Irish are at their best with Lucas Dunn on the outside. Non-Public A South has a lot of quality guards and Jackson will have to match their level of play for St. Augustine to be a true contender. Jackson has shown the ability to compete with some of the top guards in New Jersey and is the key for St. Augustine’s success in 2019-20.