Prospect Watch: Tahj Patterson (2020)

Earl Austin February 7, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

Class of 2020 point guard <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-patterson/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/tahj-patterson/">Tahj Patterson</a></a> of Lutheran North has experienced a lot of growth during his four years as a starter in the Crusaders' backcourt. The 6'2" Patterson had two solid seasons at the beginning of his career as he played a complimentary role behind top scorers <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-nesbitt/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-nesbitt/">Jordan Nesbitt</a></a> and Jordan White. Last season was supposed to be a big breakthrough season for the Crusaders, but Nesbitt transferred to St. Louis Christian Academy and White transferred to Marquette. With new coach Gerald Jones coming on board, he looked at Patterson has his best and most experienced player on the team. "What I've learned over my four years at North is patience," he said. "I say that because I had to wait my turn and I wasn't the best player until my junior year. I had to step up a lot when we got a new coach. But, it wasn't a struggle because I've always had to be a leader." In what could have been a rebuilding season, Patterson stepped up and led the Crusaders to a share of the Metro League championship. As a junior, he averaged 12.1 points, six rebounds and two assists a game while shooting 48 percent from the field. "It meant a lot to win the conference championship last year," he said. "I hadn't won it my first two years, so it was nice to win it." As a senior, Patterson is a well-established veteran floor leader who can organize the team and get buckets while also setting the Crusaders' pressure defense. He is an improved jump shooter from 3- point range as he leads a balanced scoring attack at 13.5 points a game for a 15-6 team that is a threat to win a district championship. Patterson's body has filled out physically where he can muscle smaller guards and get into the lane and create offense. The overall improvement in his game has helped him garner collegiate interest from schools such as Rockhurst, Olney Central (IL) and St. Louis Community College. "I improved my jump shot a lot this summer," he said. "I was in the gym every day working on it and it's paying off a lot during my senior season. My goal for us is to win a district championship and get to the state tournament."