Prospect Watch: Colby Hale (2020)

<p>Class of 2020 guard Colby Hale of Northeast Cairo was one of the most active basketball players on the Elite Camp circuit during the late summer and early fall.</p> <p>The 6'0" point guard attended close to 15 elite camps in Missouri and in the region to show off his skills and let many coaches get a look at what he can do. </p> <p>"Going to almost 15 college camps was a blessing," he said. "I appreciate my parents and family members who drove me to all of them. This was such a great experience because he helped me learn the value of communication on the court. This was also a lot of fun because I met a lot of great people that I keep in touch with still and gained some exposure."</p> <p>Hale's travels paid off as he gain interest from several schools such as Graceland, Midland University and William Woods University. He also picked up his first offer from Holy Family College in Wisconsin.</p> <p>Keeping such a busy schedule should also helped Hale sharpen his skills for his senior season, which is shaping up to be a good one for he and his NE Cairo teammates. Hale leads a strong cast of returning players from a team that finished with a 20-8 record, won a district championship and advanced to the Class 2 state quarterfinals last season.</p> <p>"My number one goal for my senior season is pretty obvious. I want to win a state championship," he said. "Not everyone gets to win a district championship in their career, so it was a special feeling for sure. It's something I definitely want to experience again and I can't wait for the opportunity to do so."</p> <p>As a junior, Hale averaged 10 points and six assists a game for the Bearcats. He is an athletic point guard who has the ability to get into the lane and operate in tight spaces with his strength and ball handling ability. His passing skills are also very good. He enjoyed a productive summer playing with the Missouri Mavericks 17U team, especially when it came to shooting the ball.</p> <p>"I have greatly improved my 3-point shot over the summer," he said. "Last year, I was an inconsistent shooter and I believe that was a question mark in my recruiting. But after this summer, I feel comfortable pulling up from anywhere within half court.</p>