Recruiting Report: Jake Montgomery (2017)

<strong>Jake Montgomery</strong>, a 6’9” center from Thomas Worthington High School is in the middle of the Ohio high school hoops universe (Columbus). Every week during the high school <em>and</em> AAU seasons, he’s going against the most highly recruited prospects in the state. The 2017 prospect is hungry to prove himself amongst that competition. “I feel like a lot of people don’t really expect much from me. Whenever I play the higher, top people nobody is watching … I want to prove myself and show people that I’m better than what they see. Do more,” Montgomery said. When tapped into, this type of energy turns into double-doubles for players with his size. Then, those type of numbers turn into scholarship offers, which is the goal. Montgomery is currently in consistent contact with Air Force. Additionally, he’s receiving interest from High Point, Northern Kentucky, and Saint Leo University. “[Air Force] calls me every week, I get this big letter thing. It’s awesome … Just to know they’re interested makes me want to work that much harder.” He will be playing in Denison this week, and can be caught with Hidden Gems Northwest in July. https://twitter.com/hiddengemsbball/status/689241120316915712 The center for TWHS earned Honorable Mention in the Ohio Capital Conference (Central Division) as a junior, averaging 7.3 points on 58% shooting, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. As a senior, Montgomery will step into a leadership role for a young team, while still being asked to control the paint. “My coach is big on leadership … I’m not the most vocal guy, like I’m not really going to get in your face. But I’m going to show you the right thing, and I’m going to help you,” Montgomery said. The team also utilizes his large physical presence. Montgomery told us that the team feels comfortable going for steals and pressuring guards because he works as a rim securer when others are beat off the dribble. That philosophy translates to the other side of the court too. “Same with our offense. We do like a dribble and drive and they teach the guards to just throw it up, and you have a big guy there. We can get it and put it in,” Montgomery said. To go along with being a “true” post player, he has been focusing on adding a stretchy versatility. “I’m actually starting to play outside a little bit more. My coach wants me to learn a little bit more of the 4 position … This whole summer I’ve been working on dribbling, jabs, all this stuff from the outside.” Montgomery continued by saying that his trainer doesn’t even allow him to work on his inside game any more, strictly operating from the perimeter during those sessions. Given his enthusiasm, size, 3.4 GPA, and ongoing development, Montgomery is an intriguing prospect going into his senior year. Stay tuned on his recruitment because the offers will almost certainly be coming in over the next several months.