Unsigned Senior Spotlight: Jarvis Jennings
As the ’18-19 season rolls full steam towards postseason play, Prep Hoops took some time to catch up with a few unsigned seniors who are still looking to boost their stock for college coaches. We start with Columbia Hickman standout…
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Continue ReadingAs the ’18-19 season rolls full steam towards postseason play, Prep Hoops took some time to catch up with a few unsigned seniors who are still looking to boost their stock for college coaches. We start with Columbia Hickman standout 6’2 Jarvis Jennings. He is a strong, physical combo-guard who has a relentless motor on both ends of the floor. He takes pride in locking down defensively and is a force on the glass. Everything the Kewpies do offensively tends to start and finish with the versatile Jennings. Despite drawing a ton of attention from opposing defenses, he runs the point guard position effectively thanks to his ability to distribute or drive his way to the basket off the bounce and finish through contact. He is a high IQ player that does a nice job of taking advantage of mismatches with smaller guards, where he uses his excellent strength to bully his way to a bucket. It’s not all finesse with Jennings. He has a tight handle and a smooth pull-up jumper that round out his offensive game.
Jennings recently became a member of the 1000 point club and had perhaps his best career performance last week where he dropped 42 points on a highly ranked Webster Groves team, nearly willing his team to a monumental upset. A young man who has faced a great deal of adversity throughout his playing career, Jarvis has been a consistent leader and has set a great example for those who will follow him. Last season was a forgettable one for Kewpie fans, as they only won 3 games. While they may not be where they had hoped so far this year, there has been clear improvement in the Hickman squad and Jennings is a huge part of that. There is no doubt that he will make a coach very happy at the next level. The saying is cliche, but very true in this case. Someone is going to get an absolute steal in Jarvis Jennings.
Prep Hoops was able to catch up with Jarvis for a Q&A over the weekend and here is what he had to say:
Prep Hoops: Congrats on reaching the scoring milestone recently. What does it mean to you to be a member of the 1000 point club?
JJ: Thank you! It means a lot for me reaching a goal that I have set for myself. I’m glad I can be apart of the club!
Prep Hoops: You faced a lot of adversity with last years struggles as a team, but stayed consistent and positive and have been a leader throughout. What about your journey from the start to now do you think has helped you the most?
JJ: My journey has been very hard but silent. I put in the most work by myself just so I could have a better senior season. I had a great summer with a great team, used what I’ve learned and put it all together even being more vocal. With that, my mom has been there for me physically giving me the things I need to be successful knowing it’s all going to pay off. My coach/brother Stephon Tippon has been with me every step of the way, early mornings and late nights working me out because I wanted to be great.
Prep Hoops: What are your overall thoughts on the season so far and how the team is looking headed into postseason play?
JJ: My thoughts on the season are bittersweet, I feel like we should be doing way better but I must look at the fact that we have improved. And a lot of our fans are satisfied because we have won more than three games this year. I’m not satisfied, neither are my teammates and coaches and we will continue to get better and go far in the postseason because we have the most confidence heading into it when the time comes.
Prep Hoops: How has recruitment been going for you so far?
JJ: The recruitment has been normal for me, I currently have zero offers, but I have been in touch with a few schools. NAIA, NJCAA, and some D2 schools.
Prep Hoops: What are the most important factors for you when you choose your next stop?
JJ: Just seeing if I can come in and contribute to the program. Play defense, score, grab rebounds, score, or even if they just need me to get dirty I’m willing to do that. A school that will help me with academics and make sure that is taken care of before basketball. And last a place I am comfortable being in and I can call it home!