Recruiting Report: Jamal Washington (2017)

<h2>Jamal Washington is poised to break out</h2><p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Potomac Head Coach Keith Honore is losing his entire starting lineup from last year&#39;s 5A North Region Championship Team. <u>Jamal Washington</u>, who as a sophomore on that team, provided an offensive punch off the bench during their impressive run. He managed to finish with 6 games in double figures. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Given the departure of those seniors, and a new-look roster, the junior appears to be in line for a break out campaign. We solicited the opinion of his head coach, Keith Honore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">"He&#39;s an extremely aggressive kid," stated Honore.  "He&#39;s a very strong guard; a big guard. He does a very good job of attacking the rim; finishing with contact. He also does a very good job of making shots.  I would describe him as very, very versatile. He&#39;s a very good rebounder as well. "</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Given the major role he is set to take on, Honore is stressing good decision making and playmaking skills as areas of focus for the 6&#39; Washington this pre-season.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">"Two things we&#39;re going to focus on this pre-season:" Honore began, "Decision making, and ball handling."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">During the summer, Washington played up with the higher level 17&#39;s, where he thrived as an aggressive primary scoring option.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">"I&#39;m an all-around player. I can get to the basket <em>easily</em>." Washington said. "My ball handling has improved a lot since last year. My shot&#39;s not completely there, but I&#39;m working on it."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">As they&#39;ve shown thus far this pre-season, the identity and foundation of Potomac will be a strong defense. Washington believes that&#39;s one of the most underrated aspects of his game.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">"Right now my defense is underrated," he said. "I&#39;m always continuing to improve my defense though."</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Right now, despite not having received any scholarship offers, schools such as James Madison have inquired about Washington. Given his improvements, and based on his upcoming performances, we would not be surprised to see more schools get in the mix.</span></p>