Recruiting Report: Jackson Everhart (2016)

<p><strong>Jackson Everhart</strong> isn’t one to back down from a challenge.</p><p>“I’ve always been the kid who, if a coach says, ‘Don’t let this guy score,’ then I’m not going to let him score,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”</p> <p>Everhart, a lengthy 6-foot-4 guard at Fossil Ridge, has a refreshing take on defensive responsibility. It’s an area of the game he began committing to with great pride in middle school, and his success in that area is a major reason why he has received significant interest as a Division II college basketball prospect.</p> <p>Everhart’s 6-4 frame is complemented by long arms, and he also possesses a quick lateral burst that is highly effective in limiting an opponent’s first step.</p> <p>“I either don’t let (my opponent) catch or, if he does catch, don’t let him go anywhere,” Everhart said. “I just don’t let people get past me. If they catch, they’re not going to score on me.”</p> <p>Everhart’s confidence is an important leadership component for a Fossil Ridge team that is trying to get back to the state title game it reached two short seasons ago. Last season, the Sabercats suffered a narrow loss in the Sweet 16 to an Eaglecrest team that made a run all the way to the Final Four.</p> <p>“I’m trying to show everyone what it’s going to take for us to get where we need to be,” said Everhart, who said he sees shades of the 2014 state runner-up team in Fossil Ridge’s current squad. “I’m trying to be very vocal on defense, talking to everyone and trying to help everyone as much as I can.”</p> <p>The drive to lead for Everhart has also led to the offensive end. He is the team’s second-leading returning scorer (8.4 points per game last season) behind sharpshooter Braxton Bertolette (12.7), and Everhart is confident he can bring even more to the table after working extensively to polish his all-around offensive game this summer.</p> <p>“I’ve worked a lot on ball-handling, trying to be more of a two-guard or a wing instead of just a catch-and-shoot guard,” he said. “I’m trying to be more of a transition player, create my own shot a little bit and attack.”</p> <p>Colleges have shown major interest in Everhart for his wide range of abilities. He took a visit last week to visit coach Bradd Schafer at Western State in Gunnison.</p> <p>“I thought it was fantastic,” Everhart said of his visit. “The whole atmosphere was amazing.”</p> <p>Everhart said Schafer is planning to return the visit to see him and Fossil Ridge play in their fall league in a couple weeks. In the meantime, Everhart has a recruiting trip planned next week to Morningside (Iowa) and Nebraska Wesleyan. He’s said he’s also been in contact with Fort Hays State (Kansas) and Adams State.</p> <p>“It’s definitely been exciting,” Everhart said of the recruiting process.</p> <p> </p>