Recruiting Report: Jarius Ward (2017)
Upon graduating seven players from last season’s team, Jarius Ward (2017) is the only returning starter for Lima Senior. “We lost seven seniors, and they all played a big part, four starters. So I definitely will have to play a…
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Continue ReadingUpon graduating seven players from last season’s team, Jarius Ward (2017) is the only returning starter for Lima Senior.
“We lost seven seniors, and they all played a big part, four starters. So I definitely will have to play a bigger leader role … I’ve always tried to be a leader on the floor … I’m definitely excited to take this role,” Ward said.
The 6’2” guard’s interview had the vibe of a veteran, which is strange to say about a 17-year old high schooler. But considering the top level competition he’s faced at Lima Senior and with King James Shooting Stars AAU, Ward does have more top-level experience than most peers.
Always welcoming these challenges has garnered interest from a number of colleges: Kent State, Miami (OH), Eastern Michigan, Northern Kentucky, Western Carolina, Elon (NC), Radford (VA), Indiana State, and Oakland (MI).
Ward is yet to receive an offer.
“My plans are to be a combo like right now. But we’ve kind of been working out as a point guard … Some schools are recruiting me as a point guard. And some schools are recruiting me as a combo guard. It just depends on what school I go to,” Ward said.
Outside of basketball, what traits is Ward looking for in a collegiate program?
“I’m looking for a coach that is down to earth … A guy that I really can trust, that’s first and foremost. I’m really big on academics, so me and parents are sitting down and really looking at the academic side. I’m looking for a coach that lets a player earn their position and earn their stripes,” Ward said.
Ward carries a 3.5 GPA, and is currently leaning towards majoring in business.
Defensive ability is what separates the returning 2nd Team All Conference (Three Rivers Athletic Conference) player.
“As I was growing up, I wasn’t the best scorer. I played on a team with a lots of good guys that could score the ball and they’re really athletic. So I knew that I had to fit in somewhere. So, I had to do the little things. So growing up, I knew that defense would be the thing that people didn’t want to do. I took defense really seriously,” Ward said.
The known lock-down defender brings a high IQ to offense.
“I get everyone involved, even if that’s like screening away getting someone open … Just try to be the best teammate on the floor.”
Ward averaged 9.9 point per games as a junior. In order to expand his offensive attack, the athletic guard is improving the jump shot.
“Me and Coach Q, we’ve been focusing on shooting pretty much the whole summer … I feel like my jump shot is improving a lot,” Ward said.
He expressed disappointment that King James Shooting Stars did not win Nationals this summer. However, he once again used an experience as motivation — training twice a day the majority of this summer.
Nothing is going to break this guy’s mentality, as Ward’s passion for hoops remains through thick and thin.
photo credit: Jon Lopez/Nike
Jeremy Wadsworth/Toledo Blade