2020 Blanche Ely G Aderes Staton-McCray talks state title and junior season
Instrumental in helping Blanche Ely take home its sixth state title in the last eight years including two straight, 2020 guard Aderes Staton-McCray is a threat on both ends of the floor. Staton-McCray had a nine-point outing in the comeback…
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Continue ReadingInstrumental in helping Blanche Ely take home its sixth state title in the last eight years including two straight, 2020 guard Aderes Staton-McCray is a threat on both ends of the floor.
Staton-McCray had a nine-point outing in the comeback semifinal win over a tough and long Windermere group before adding 19 points and six rebounds in the state final victory over Lakewood Ranch on March 9th. Staton-McCray was key to the defensive success late with a block that sealed the game.
The point guard play the Tigers earned from him was reliable and he was clutch in important moments when his side needed a shifty pass or bucket.
“This is a surreal feeling. It means everything to me,” Staton-McCray told Prep Hoops. “All our hard work has paid off. Being in the gym every day with my teammates and getting better really helped a lot. Even though I missed hanging out socially, it paid off in the long run. If that’s what it takes to be a champion I would do it over and over again.”
No offers have come yet for the 2020 prospect. He called himself a hidden gem ready to shine with his 3.8 GPA currently. Schools showing interest in him are FGCU, Northeastern, UCF and Barry.
Staton-McCray’s progress this season was evident as he told me that he wasn’t sure of his role on the team to open the year and that the team was up and down. That forced him to be indecisive, he says.
“I was used to having the ball in my hands more. As the season went on I started getting used to my teammates and how they played and they started to get used to me. I was a look for the open man and pass-first player,” he said. “Since last season, I have grown 1 1/2 inches. So, the coaching staff wanted me to use my height to my advantage and slash the lane more. My ball handling and shooting have improved since last season and I’ve also been able to jump higher.”
Blanche Ely had a ton of grit and strength inside with 2019 forward Joshua Scott and 2020 forward Malachi Hazelton, two big bodies at 6’5″. The 6’4″ Staton-McCray called them both great teammates.
“Playing with Josh and Malachi has been a great experience,” he said. “Malachi was new to the team but he brought amazing energy to the table. We all feed off that. Since this was Josh’s senior year, I tried to be as unselfish as possible with him and the other seniors on the team.”
Staton-McCray has played for the Delray Blazers since the 6th grade during the summer session. He’s looking to play with an elite circuit team, he says as he preps for his senior campaign.
Perper: What are some attributes in your game that separate you from others?
Staton-McCray: I am an unselfish player who does not have to be the star. My game is open man shoots and find an open space to move the ball to. I want to win and understand that my teammate’s points are my points. If they score, I score. In fact, if my shot is off, I will find someone who is hot.
Perper: What do you want to improve in your game?
Staton-McCray: I want to continue improving my ball handling and shooting.
Stock outlook
It was quite evident that Staton-McCray has another gear in his game and it came at the most essential time, the state tournament. In very good shape in both his arms and legs, he’s able to get lift on boards and get up and down the floor with ease. His mid-range jumper and floater are assets right now as his outside shot continues to improve. At 6’4″, 180 lbs., I fully expect Staton-McCray to take that next step this summer wherever he plays. He’s simply a high IQ, unselfish athlete who loves to win and can control the tempo and calm things down for the better.