Prospect Spotlight: Aaron Butler Jr. (2017)
There are countless factors that go into building a powerhouse in the Maryland High School basketball ranks, and the Perry Hall Gators’ 17-2 record can attest for why they are one of the favorites to advance to the 4A State…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere are countless factors that go into building a powerhouse in the Maryland High School basketball ranks, and the Perry Hall Gators’ 17-2 record can attest for why they are one of the favorites to advance to the 4A State Finals.
Point guard Aaron Butler Jr. is a big piece to the puzzle for the Gators. Although he stands just 5’8” his impact on each game is essential to the team’s success. Perry Hall is loaded with talent headlined by two Division 1 prospects in Laquill Hardnett and Anthony Higgs. Both players are 6’7” versatile bigs, but Butler Jr. has the responsibility of setting up the offense, setting the tone defensively, and being an all-around vocal leader.
“Aaron is extremely important to our team,” head coach George Panageotou told PrepHoops. “He’s our starting point guard, a captain, and he is a very good leader on the court. I started calling him General Butler this season because of his leadership role. He embraces the role as a leader very well.”
Because of Butler Jr.’s duties as a distributor, his scoring numbers won’t necessarily jump off the page, but he can still pierce the defense on kick-out three-pointers. This season, Butler Jr. is averaging eight points, five assists, and 2.7 steals per game.
Butler Jr. told PrepHoops that he is still searching for a school to show consistent interest. Coach Panageotou is certain that his skill and characteristics would translate extremely well at the next level.
“He could bring that leadership quality to a college program and bring an intensity to the court at all times,” Panageotou said. “He has grown a ton in the four years. From being a point guard on JV, to helping lead the school in its first regional championship last year, to a 17-2 start to the season this year.”
If the rest of the season plays out as expected, Perry Hall will find its way back to the Comcast Center to battle for a spot in the state championship game, a feat they failed to accomplish last season after losing in the state semifinals.
Butler Jr. knows what it takes to lead his team to the biggest stage. With last season under his belt, he’ll look to carry that experience over into this year’s playoff run. All while displaying his skills as a floor general.