Recruiting Report: Shawn Ward (2016)
Franklin shooting guard Shawn Ward has been enjoying a successful senior season, and despite being unable to play his 17U season last summer he’s seen his recruitment surge. The 6-foot 3 shooting guard was living with his mom in…
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Continue ReadingFranklin shooting guard Shawn Ward has been enjoying a successful senior season, and despite being unable to play his 17U season last summer he’s seen his recruitment surge.
The 6-foot 3 shooting guard was living with his mom in New York last summer, ergo he did not play grassroots ball.
Still, his successes during his regular season with the Indians has resulted in Division II, and JuCo offers.
Ward says Alderson-Broaddus (WV), CCBC (Community College of Baltimore County), and Howard Community college have all extended his offers, and other schools are showing interest.
“(My recruitment) has definitely picked up since the season started, from the very first game. This season I’ve picked up some interest from six or seven schools; St Mary’s (College of Maryland), University of Valley Forge (PA), and the other one is Canisius in New York. And I have Penn State York as well,” he said.
“Out of the ones that have not offered I would say Penn State York is in contact with me the most, and of the ones that have offered I’d say CCBC has been to pretty much every game, so they’ve been the most active.”
With his recruitment starting to ramp up of late, the talented senior is eager to see where it leads, and has decided – along with his parents – to wait until after the season to make a decision.
“I’ve been talking to my parents and I’m leaving everything open right now. We’re pretty much going to leave it open until the end of the season and just see how everything goes,” said Ward. “I still have college coaches talking to me and everything is definitely picking up. I’m just trying to put on a show every night, and we’ll see how it all works out in the end.”
Ward is averaging 20 points per game this season with the Indians, and mentioned what his playing style is to PHM.
“Most definitely shooting is my strength, and I feel like my confidence is key, and I feel like every time I shoot I’m going to knock it down,” said Ward.
“I need to be better at realizing when to use my teammates more, that’s the biggest thing I need to improve.”
He says he’s being recruited more as an off guard now, and though he’s played point guard in the past, he prefers to play shooting guard.
“I was given the option this year whether I wanted to play point guard or shooting guard and I chose to play shooting guard,” said Ward, who explained what his role is with Franklin.
“I’m a captain of the team so I definitely have to lead the guys. The other thing is when we need a bucket I’m expected to step-up. I’m expected to be the leader that everyone can follow the example of, and when we’re in a drought I’m expected to get us out of it – I’m the go-to guy.”