Recruiting Report: James Rider (2017)
If you’ve been able to make a stop in the city of Baltimore to check out a high school game or get the scoop on the high school basketball scene, chances are Perry Hall High School came up in conversation. They’ve been a top three team in Baltimore for the entire season and have owned the top spot for the past few weeks now. In a challenging 4A bracket, the Gators have advanced to the State Semifinals to face Annapolis High School Thursday as they chase history to capture the first state title in school history.
For senior shooting guard James Rider, this is the last chance to get his state championship ring. Last year, Perry Hall lost in the semifinals to the eventual champions, Eleanore Roosevelt High School. Now, they have the proper experience to finish the deal this time around. Rider has been a key contributor this season in helping the Gators to a 24-2 record.
It doesn’t take long when watching Rider to realize he is a natural scorer. With his 6’4″ frame and good lift on his jumper, he doesn’t struggle to get off many of his jumpers even against taller defenders. With that being said, he also knows when to pick and choose his spots throughout a game to make his presence known. Rider shares the floor with two Division 1 prospects and his other two teammates will likely play at the Division 2 or 3 level. Having so much talent on the floor is tough especially when it comes to boosting raw statistics, but Perry Hall has a nice balance in the scoring column and Rider is one of the four players who are currently averaging double-digit points per game.
The biggest strength in Rider’s game is shooting off one or two dribbles. Whether it’s to get into the mid-range for a 15-footer or simply to create space from his defender, he is above average getting into his shot immediately after a move.
Rider’s Hudl highlights can be seen here.
Rider told PrepHoops he is receiving interest from Davis & Elkins, Slippery Rock, and Wheeling Jesuit thus far. He plans to play for Team Melo (Red) this spring in a few showcase tournaments as well.
He realizes to make himself more valuable to a college program, becoming more of an all-around guard could increase his chances of opportunity right out of the gates. That will be the focus this summer.
“This summer I want to expand my handle and speed so I can be able to be more of a combo guard instead of strictly scoring,” Rider told PrepHoops.
Rider’s recruitment remains very open as he looks to add to his list of schools of interest as he prepares for the two biggest games of his basketball career. His team has proved all of the critics wrong in the city of Baltimore thus far. Now he will look to be and integral part of Perry Hall winning their first state title.