Prospect Intro: Jalen Scott (2020)
Conner High School Junior Jalen Scott is looking for a big season for the Cougars. Scott played in all 31 varsity games a season ago and averaged a little over 5 points and just under 3 rebounds per game. Playing 16u AAU with M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs has shown Jalen can be an impact player next season. Over 26 games in the spring, Scott more than doubled his high school averages by averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game while making 40 three pointers over those 26 games. Scott has also recently grown an inch and is starting to look the part of a college prospect. Scott told me, “I’m a scorer whose biggest strength is my shooting. I need to improve my overall speed and defense.”
While Jalen is enjoying a solid AAU season, he is also starting to pick up his first college interest. Patriot League member Lafayette contacted him recently and UNC-Asheville has expressed some early interest. Several schools are expected to watch the Mustangs over the course of July and Jalen can certainly benefit from a big July on the circuit. Jalen said he is hoping to ultimately land at a school with good academics and athletics where he can enjoy his 4 year career and be set up for the rest of his life after college. One of the biggest takeaways for Jalen this AAU season is the self confidence needed to perform on a game to game basis and how to raise his game up against high caliber opponents like he has played as a part of M.A.T.T.S. this season. As he is a month away from starting his Junior season at Conner, Jalen set some lofty goals for himself and his team. Scott would like to average a double double this season, win the district Championship and make his way to Rupp Arena in March. Jalen Scott has yet to get anywhere near his potential as a basketball player. He is still growing and developing both as a person and with his game. Once Jalen starts to get near his ceiling, he is likely to find a home as part of a good college program and set himself up for life after basketball. Look for the Conner Junior to make a push for 9th Region 1st team this season.