“I GOT NEXT” Jhaydn Steplight Spotlight
Standing at 5’7, 13 year old Jhaydn Steplight has been a force since he stepped into middle school.
I remember, as a youngster growing up basketball was life. All we did was go to school, come home complete our homework and then head to the court. At an early age, I knew that basketball was going to be a part of my life for many years to come. When you look at our youth. There are so many distractions like; cell phones, tablets, reality TV shows. These distractions cause kids to shy away from being outdoors working on their game. When kids leave the gym the work stops. I cannot say the same thing about Jhaydn. This young man believes that he will etch his legacy in stone when his career is over and moves on to the next phase in his life. He speaks of being one the best in the nation. Now, I think if you ask any kid the same thing, you will most likely get the same answer. The truth is there is a small percentage of kids who are really putting in the work day in and day out. Jhaydn is one of those kids. All ready at an early age he thinks of making sure his eating habits match up to his goals. He has started to incorporate light weight lifting in to his workouts along with speed and conditioning training. He speaks about improving the little things about his game so that when high school comes around he is a complete player.
As an up and comer Jhaydn Steplight will be finishing up middle school at Komachin out of Lacey, Washington and then heading to Timberline High School where he looks to continue to develop his game. He will suit up for the Blazers in 2018. At his last pediatrician appointment, his doctor said he should be around 6’2, which is about the average height for a combo guard. With a highly developed handle far ahead of his peers and a already deadly long-range shooter. As this young man continues to mature and develop who he will be on and off the court, Jhaydn will be a player to be on the lookout for.
I asked the young man to describe his game along with what a coach would see when he is on the floor.
“I am a power guard. My size and upper body strength allow me to get to the basket when I want. I practice my ball handling all the time, which has helped me with playing against quicker guards. I would consider myself a shifty ball handler so I can create space and either drive or pull up for my shot. My 3 point shot has improved over the years so most teams know not to leave me open and they know not to guard me to close because I have a quick first step.”
When did you first fall in love with the game are you currently working with anyone right now?
“I fell in love with the game back when I was about 7 years old. I would go watch my dad play at his open gyms. I remember always thinking that I wanted to play because he played. I also used to watch my uncle’s games on DVD. He was a baller back in the day. His name was Russell Steplight and I think he still has the scoring record at River Ridge High School. He eventually went and played at Montana State University. My brother and I started out the same time. It helps when you have somebody to play with. Even though he is smaller we still have battles out front.”
“I’m currently working with my dad Qayi Steplight. We work out twice a week during the off-season and were also working on our speed and conditioning twice a week at the track. We work on the fundamentals of the game. A lot of jab step work, pivoting/footwork, ball handing and misdirection.”
“How has the game impacted your life? Where do you see yourself in the future?”
“I’ve been able to meet so many cool people and develop so many friendships. The game has already given me more than I could ask for. My family comes out to support my brother and me at all of our games and that more than a kid could ask for. I want to play for as long as I can. I know that I have good people in my corner that will help me continue to get to the next level and that is my goal. I want to play at the highest level of college basketball. Division 1 is the best of the best and I’m striving for that opportunity.”
Here goes a highlight film I was able to get a hold of showcasing this young man’s game.