Recruiting Update: Tahj Harding (2019)
Tahj Harding- 6’4 Forward
Princeton High School- Class of 2018
AAU Team- Shining Star s Mitchell
Prep Hoops Kentucky Ranking: Unranked
Floor/Ceiling: D-II
For the newest addition to the Princeton Viking roster Tahj Harding, the move from Newport, Ky to Cincinnati is more of a homecoming than anything else. “I grew up in Woodlawn (suburb of Cincinnati), that’s where my father is from,” Harding stated. “I grew up with some of the players on the team, but I have never played with them.” But with his versatile skill set and toughness, the Newport High School transfer should blend right in.
At 6’4, Tahj has the size of a guard/wing but plays with the strength of a potential four-man. “I play a 3/4 in high school but at the next level I feel I will be a two/wing,” he stated. Which is why he has put in a lot of work on his perimeter game, and he states the results are showing. “I have been working hard on my shooting, especially off the dribble. Also, I have been putting in work on my ball-handling as well. I can already see the progression in those areas.”
And some of that progression was on display when I watched Tahj play in scrimmages at Withrow in June. He showed a much-improved ability to get to the rim off the bounce and as always, he showed strength in finishing around the rim, particularly in traffic. If Harding can continue to develop his perimeter game, then he will be as hard a match-up as anyone in the Cincinnati area.
Ohio Dominican, Findlay, Mount Vernon Nazarene, Malone, Lee University and Kentucky State all have shown interest in Tahj, which is part of the reason for his transfer across the Ohio River. “I am transferring to Princeton for more exposure and to also get my grades up,” he stated. “I have a 2.3GPA and I scored a 19 on my ACT.” If Tahj can accomplish his goals in the classroom while providing a major punch on the court, he averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assist per game last season, look for that interest from programs turn into offers.