Prospect Watch: Jason Montgomery (2019)
Class of 2019 forward Jason Montgomery of Rockwood Marquette is in the process of transforming his game.
The 6’4″ Montgomery is a blue collar player who really excels around the basket as a scorer and rebounder. However, Montgomery isn’t satisfied with just being a post player. He has really worked to improve his perimeter skills to make him self a more well-rounded player.
“I have put in a lot of time on my perimeter game,” Montgomery said. “That part of my game is what I’ve been working on the most during the summer.”
The results of Montgomery’s work have been clearly visible in his overall improved play. He has become a solid ball handler and passer with a more reliable jump shot.
“I think I’ve turned into a different player from 15 feet out,” Montgomery said. “It opens up everything for me because people don’t always know what I’m going to do now. I still love rebounding and playing inside. It’s the most fun part of the game for me. I’m just able to do a lot more with the ball, now.”
Montgomery is coming off a solid sophomore season in which he averaged 10 points and nearly six rebounds a game while shooting 48 percent from the field. He also had some big games against top teams as shown by his 17 points against Class 5 state champion Webster Groves. He also had 14 points and 11 rebounds against Champaign Central.
Montgomery has spent the past two summers playing with Arsenal Hoops and he has helped the new club build a very positive profile on the grassroots circuit. In July, Arsenal Hoops was granted an invite to play in the Under Armour Association National Tournament in the 16U Division.
“There was some great competition and it opened my eyes to how much harder I have to play,” he said. “It helped me a lot to play against a lot of good players from around the country.”