Recruiting Report: Tarik McKelphin (2017)
2017 guard Tarik McKelphin is someone who has impressed for a while now. The Plant City senior is averaging a team-best 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game for the Raiders this season. At 6’3″, 180…
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Continue Reading2017 guard Tarik McKelphin is someone who has impressed for a while now.
The Plant City senior is averaging a team-best 19.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game for the Raiders this season.
At 6’3″, 180 lbs., McKelphin is packed with athleticism.
Plant City is off to a 9-5 start. With a 4-2 record in Class 8A-District 9, the Raiders sit two games back of Tampa Bay Tech who is 6-0 in district play so far.
McKelphin had this to say about the season.
“So far this season has been okay,” he said. “I started off great, but the past few games have been a little difficult and stressful but it’s going to change. My goals are to win districts and hopefully states.”
He has bettered his points per game mark. A year ago McKelphin averaged 16.1 points per game while posting a 10.7 average as a sophomore before that. Here’s what he says he’s improved this season and is looking to improve on as well.
“Im looking forward to getting my off dribble and 3-point shot better,” he said. “The thing that has improved has been my spot up 3-pointer and my defense.”
McKelphin has reached the double-digit mark in every game this season which includes seven 20 point performances. He had a season-best 27 points against Robinson on Dec. 9 and is fresh off a 25-point game on 10-of-20 shooting against Durant on Wednesday.
Currently, he has interest from Clayton State, Lee, Albany State, Florida Southern, Penn State Lehigh Valley, VMI and Suny Canton.
McKelphin says Clayton State, Penn State Lehigh Valley, Lee and Albany State have shown him the most love as of late.
Here’s where he sees himself fitting as a college player.
“I think at the next level I can fit in at the two-spot being more of a combo guard and being able to score off the wing, create shots for my teammates, bring a hard defensive intensity and just a winning mindset,” McKelphin said.
It’s hard to disagree with his own assessment. McKelphin has serious bounce and determination to his game. When he isn’t attacking as a slasher, he’s grabbing boards, dishing out assists and knocking down big shots. McKelphin puts in a ton of work in the gym well before games and practices and it is evident. Whoever lands him will be very happy.
Film: Here’s an alley-oop slam from McKelphin in a loss to Newsome on Tuesday night.