Recruiting Report: Jesse Laster (2020)
In just his second season as a high schooler, 6’3” guard/wing Jesse Laster (2020) has established himself as a Division I prospect. The Garfield Heights sixth man recently picked up another offer.
“I recently just got one from Kent State,” Laster said. He told us that he was offered directly after their opening game against Cleveland JFK.
Laster also holds an offer from Cleveland State, the only school he’s had personal contact with.
“Kent State, I didn’t get a chance to talk to them. But me and Cleveland State coach talked face to face,” Laster said.
Still in his underclassman years, he’s yet to go on any college visits.
Laster doesn’t play a featured role for Garfield. Instead, he’s been coming off the bench focused on perimeter defense and maintaining ball movement. On the Bulldogs’s loaded roster, that’s all the college coaches want to see right now.
“They’re looking for me to keep my motor up, play with a chip on my shoulder, and stay positive and play as a teammate,” Laster said.
Laster would like to improve his ball-handling and shooting, to progress into more of a lead guard role down the line. But, for now, Laster is comfortable in his complimentary role.
“I’m behind a lot of big players, big-time players. By the time I get to my junior year, my senior year, I’m going to be all the way developed. I’m going to be ready for the show,” Laster said.
Even if Laster won’t grab headlines this season, he’s been excellent in his role. He plays hard in limited minutes, makes an impact without the ball, and shows athletic flashes.
He has a ton of upside as a defensive player especially. His quick hands and lateral quickness causes turnovers, leading to highlight finishes on the other end.
“I like defending the best ball-handler, so I can get my defense better,” Laster said.
Garfield Heights plays in a highly anticipated showdown with Shaker Heights tonight. Both teams come into the game undefeated.
After playing for the now-disbanded NEO Shooting Stars last grassroots season, Laster is leaning towards Hard Work in the coming spring and summer.