Prospect Watch: Jake Mertens (2017)
Six-foot-3 guard Jake Mertens helped the Firebirds to a key win over GFRR 63-55 last week. Jake is once again putting up numbers. The Valley City team is 3-4 which is behind pace from where they want to be. Mertens…
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Continue ReadingSix-foot-3 guard Jake Mertens helped the Firebirds to a key win over GFRR 63-55 last week. Jake is once again putting up numbers.
The Valley City team is 3-4 which is behind pace from where they want to be. Mertens is giving 22.4 points, six boards, and four assists a game. Even better is his shooting percentage making 53 percent of his field goals, 48 percent from the arc, and 68 percent at the foul line.
“So far the season has gone all right I would say,” Mertens explained. “Record wise we are 3-4 which isn’t where we would like to be.
“On the other hand, we have competed well with the best teams in the state so that’s been good to see. Just got to figure out a way to get over the hump and to the next level.”
Mertens numbers look good but he wants to play better in upcoming games.
“As an individual my season has kind of been up and down,” Jake said. “I was pretty efficient and playing well to start the year off and then got hurt against Fargo South so I had to miss the games against Shanley and Minot.
“I returned after Christmas break against Red River and that went well. So now I’m looking to get back into my groove again.”
Mertens feels his game has grown in all ways as a basketball player.
“I’d say I’ve grown in my basketball knowledge as a senior. Realizing how important the little things are if we want to complete for a state title this year.
“The team always needs to be communicating on the same page and cleaning up rebounds. I’ve been focusing on being more vocal this year. It all comes down to being efficient.”
Four schools are calling Jake the most at right now.
“I’m hearing from Minot State, U of Mary, South Dakota School of Mines, and Lake Region State,” said Mertens. “I don’t have any plans for next year as of now.”