Prospect Watch: Austin Parker (2018)
Class of 2018 forward Austin Parker of Cape Girardeau Central is a versatile athlete who made a big impact as a sophomore with the Tigers. The 6’4″ Parker was a force in the paint for the Tigers as he helped…
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Continue ReadingClass of 2018 forward Austin Parker of Cape Girardeau Central is a versatile athlete who made a big impact as a sophomore with the Tigers.
The 6’4″ Parker was a force in the paint for the Tigers as he helped them to a 21-victory season and a berth in the Class 4, District 2 championship game. Parker can really play above the rim with his quickness and athleticism.
As a sophomore, Parker averaged close to a double-double as he played a supporting role to graduated standout guard Al Young, who is now playing football at Southeast Missouri State. With Young moving on to the collegiate level, Parker becomes the showcase player at Cape Central. It means that his role will expand, thus his game will have to expand as well.
“They are going to play me everywhere on the court,” Parker said. “I will play wherever I’m needed to help my team win. I’ve been preparing for the new role. I’ve been in the gym every day, shooting and handling the ball.”
Parker played with the SEMO Bulls 16U during the summer. He did an excellent job as an athletic Stretch 4 for the Bulls with his size and versatility. He often played at the top of the Bulls’ full court press where he could bother teams with his length and athleticism. He is a capable scorer in the post where he is most comfortable and he is starting to display the ability to score off the bounce against bigger defenders.
“His versatility to play the three to the five and defend four positions caused matchup problems for opponents,” said Bulls coach Trey Porter. “He was the most athletic kid on the floor in just about every game we played.”