Tennessee’s Late Season Riser’s, Part 2
Recap 2: Late Season Risers
Late season risers, recap: part 2. Like the riser of Bitcoin, our late season risers stocks are starting to shine. As the state district basketball games near, teams are starting to see the finish line, and its metal to the pedal. Prephoops would like to highlight several players looking to finish big…..
Jonathan Clausi (JC), 6’4 Combo Guard, Class of 2018, Father Ryan High School is the top late season riser in the class of 2018. Clausi, the 6’4 190lbs. (CG) is averaging 17.9ppg., 7Apg., 5 Rpg., 2 steals and 1 blk per game. Clausi is a true floor general and has the deep ball to go with. He is very quick off the bounce and loves to create in traffic. He plays with passion and high energy and it shows in his game. Coaches love the way the kid plays. Clausi is getting looks from high D-2 and low mid major programs. Schools showing high interests include Navy, Lipscomb, Belmont and Christian Brothers to name a few. College coaches are going to get a gem in this kid for the next 4 years.
Dearre McDonald, 6’3, Wing/Post, Class of 2020, Oakland High School, demands respect under the glass. Although, he’s an underclassman, he’s getting some great exposure to becoming the go to guy in the future. He has great hands already and if he gets any taller and fills out more muscle mass, McDonald will have coaches asking for his services. He needs to develop better footwork under the basketball and become a better finisher. McDonald plays with a lot of energy and passion. He’s a defensive specialist, who can block shots. He’s a great, young talent and needs to develop a knock down mid range jumper. The kid’s upside is huge, and he’s on my underclassmen watch list.
Jahari Reed, 6’4, SG, Class of 2018, Stratford High School is a flat out scorer. The kid can simply put the ball in the basket. Reed is currently averaging 21 ppg., 8.7 Rpg., 3 Apg., and 3 Spg.. He is the go to guy and as a senior, on this very talented Stratford High School team. The coaches that are showing interest love the fact the he is very strong, attacks in transition and rebounds well versus guys that play in the post. Reed, although a spot up shooter, has the ability to create off the bounce just as well. His current recruiting is showing interest from D! JUCO’s.
Reed Grindstaff, 6’0, PG, Class of 2018, Father Ryan High School is a pure shooter in this class. Grindstaff, who plays along side of JC Clausi, is the reason why Clausi’s assist ratio is doing vey well. Grindstaff is averaging 15.9 ppg., 3.7 Rbp., 4.2 Apg., and 2 Steals. This kid has NBA range on his jumper ands currently one of the best 3-point shooters in the State of Tennessee. Grindstaff is shooting slightly under 53.8% from 3 and 48% from the field. He’s very consistent. Coaches, this kid is turning out to be special. High interest from Sewanee Univ. Player watch…..
Gray Purkey, 6’1, SG, Class of 2018, Martin Luther King High School is a spot up shooter. Purkey, can not only shoot the ball, but he is great in transition. He’s currently averaging 9.1 ppg., 3 Rpg., 2 Apg., and 1 steal. At his position, he can be a look down defender as well as handle the ball, if called upon. Purkey will have to get more consistency on his jumper but has the ability to play well at the NAIA and D3 level. Coaches, this kid could be a steal for your program.