Another GCL standout, Rakestraw helped lead a balanced Chaminade Julienne effort that included four of their five starters scoring either 14 or 15 points. Proficient with his back to the basket, Rakestraw is a force in the paint and teams without a physical presence will struggle to contain him. On the first play of the game Rakestraw finished through contact for an and-1 bucket and that was a sign of things to come. Rakestraw was efficient, only missing one of his seven field goal attempts on Saturday. A small college priority, Rakestraw has taken visits to numerous small college powerhouses in the summer and fall to set his recruitment up.

Rakestraw played an essential role for Chaminade Julienne this past Saturday in Lima. He was a big body that used it very well. He was a problem to keep off the boards. He was attacking the glass at both ends relentlessly. He has a good ability to absorb and finish through contact. He made his presence felt in the paint.

Rakestraw came off the bench but was one of the more impactful guys for CJ in their victory. I was impressed with his physicality around the paint, not afraid to use his weight to throw around smaller guys around the basket. Rakestraw also has good touch around the basket offensively, finishing most of his layup opportunities. I think Rakestraw could be a big piece for Chaminade Julienne as they look to make a state title run in a wide-open Division II field.

Rakestraw got on our radar with solid performances at the Prep Hoops Circuit Grit Memorial Classic with a Dayton Elite 16 U squad that had a solid spring and summer. Rakestraw continued that performance in June with Chaminade Julienne, further proving his ability to score around the basket and compete on both ends. I expect CJ to compete for a state title in Division II and Rakestraw is a key piece to that team.