Prospect Spotlight: Jahme Ested (2020)

It's been a few years since the Henrico program was on top of the Virginia basketball world. The Warriors won state championships in 2013 and 2015, but with the like of DeMonte Buckingham, Ryan Pearson, Gus Rowland and Walt Williams making impacts in college they have been on somewhat of a rebuilding mode since then.

Still, the Warriors are never an easy out with their well coached ways and intensity on both ends of the floor. One of the guys who have really stepped up the last couple of seasons is junior combo guard Jahme Ested. A 6'0" intense lead guard, Ested's attention to detail and high motor on both ends of the floor, especially on the defensive end, has helped Henrico get back to a competitive level. 

"We just like to play defense first, our motto here is three stops in a row, and the offense will come with it," Ested said.

Ested embodies that motto with his toughness and playmaking ability both on and off the basketball defensively. In the press he has good feel and reads rotations well, he sits down and guards the basketball and he's strong and athletic enough to switch and guard bigger guys in the post. Offensively he's a dual threat guy who good wiggle off the bounce, good finishing ability in traffic and good vision and playmaking ability.

His rise to a breakout kind of year isn't without work, as he's been in the gym all summer to prepare for this season.

"I've improved on my strength, my quickness and my one dribble pull-up," he said. "I still need to work on my leadership skills and knocking down shots with consistency."

Whether or not he's making shots is far from the only way that he impacts the game. Even when he isn't shooting it well, Ested brings it every time he steps on the floor and is quickly becoming a guy that leads by example. Whether it's a cupcake game or a game against the best team in the state, he will not back down and will bring intensity and toughness to whatever team he's on.

While he's a ways from college, he believes this is the main reason coaches should keep an eye on him moving forward.

"My go-to thing is just to play hard every minute I'm on the floor. I believe with time I could be a good piece and help take a college to another level."

With a talented and tough group of underrated kids, expect Henrico to surprise some teams this season. They played defending state champs Varina very close last week, and will be a team no one takes for granted with a guy like Ested leading them.