Jeffers and the prospect mentioned below in this article are both long-term, high ceiling prospects that can translate at the high major level due to their combination of length and size. The DeMatha standout started catching eyes last summer in June, but has since gotten taller as well as added more ability to his skillset overall. His hands have improved on the move and finishing plays in traffic out of rolls or quick flashes. He’s more of an emphatic shot-blocker as his timing as improved.

Jeffers was impactful as a lob threat in the dunkers spot, active on the offensive glass where he tallied second-chance points and did his diligence controlling the rebounding responsibilities along with Kacerauskas (mentioned later).

Per games averages ended up being 6.0PPG, 6.0RPG and 3.4 stocks (steals + blocks) per game.

Previous Ranking: 23

-Moving up 10+ spots in our top 25 is not an easy feat to do, but Jeffers accomplished that this season with consistent double-double performances as one of the youngest players in this class. Jeffers proved to be a capable pick n pop midrange shooter, showed significant improvement as a play-finisher around the rim, and patrolled the paint to swat away shots for a DeMatha defensive unit that set the tone. His athleticism really stood out as a dynamic leaper that blocked several shots with a teammate in between him and the layup shooter in a few different games. Fully expect his recruitment to blow up this summer as college coaches get to see the rising junior in action.

Jared is an intriguing four-man, Projectable post with size, length, athleticism, and emerging skill mid-range game. Skilled big man with touch and is a shot blocking presence! Jared has really impressed with his play throughout the season. Due to his two-way activity and willingness to protect the rim with purpose. Being mobile with long arms and solid touch around the rim with both ends. Ability to face and space the floor stroking the 3…He is still far from a finished product but displayed a lot of promise as a big young man. His continued development will be important but if he continues to work, he has a chance to see his stock soar in the next 6-12 months. One to monitor very closely. Finished the game against Carroll scoring 17 points on 7-8 shooting, 1-1 from the 3pt line, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block.

7p 5r 5b 2s vs St. John’s

-The flashes from Jeffers are becoming more and more frequent as the junior forward is really putting things together for DeMatha in a strong start to the conference season. Jeffers showed improved perimeter acumen on a made 3 and made 18-footer off the catch, explosive athleticism on a 2-handed dunk in the 3Q, and some pretty dominant rim-protection ability as he blocked shots (5) both on and off the ball while affecting several more attempts. Jeffers read the passer’s eyes to steal the crosscourt pass and has made strides in his defensive rotations to affect the game with his leaping ability. Every shoe team in the area is clamoring for his services this spring and summer, and for good reason with the continued signs of improvement on Madison Street.

15p 9r 1b vs O’Connell

-One of the youngest prospects in the local 2027 class, Jeffers is really starting to put it together as a forward prospect with a great motor. Jeffers’ positioning feel for rebounds has really improved, and that improvement showed on well-timed dives to the rim for putback dunks in the 1H. He then showed the skill progression with a catch and one-dribble fader from the midpost that hit nothing but net. Then had one more great catch on the offensive rebound before stuffing it home for two points. His stamina and athleticism have really improved as well to allow him to play for longer spurts of time as a rim-runner and roll target off of high ball screens. Just received an offer from VT, expect more to follow as college coaches see his 2-way value and upside.

If the last time you saw Jeffers was in the summer, you’d be pleasantly surprised to see him now not only because he sprouted 2-to-3 inches within that timeframe, but his confidence and overall skill continue to trend in the right direction. Jeffers has been a rim protector for a DeMatha team that prides themselves on ball pressure with their guards. A lot of time they can be ultra aggressive with the peace of mind that Jeffers is standing in the paint with ability to erase mistakes or potential gambles. On the offensive side he’s finishing above the rim with power, showing progression with touch on his over the shoulder hooks and the same can be said with his face-up mid-range jumper. Jeffers is still just scratching the surface of the player he has the potential to be, but the production is becoming more consistent, which warrants a boost just as he sits just outside of the top-20.

Jeffers is a long-term bet who continues to turn potential into production early during his junior campaign. So far this season, he’s been a huge presence on the offensive glass for the Stags and that remained the narrative in last night’s win over Clinton Grace as the 6-foot-9 forward scored 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting while collecting six rebounds, three of which stemmed from the offensive variety. His confidence continues to rise and as a result, his command in the painted area is starting to be noticed by opposing teams and how they game plan.

Jeffers has the opportunity, in my opinion, to take one of the biggest leaps in the local 2027 class. In the summer he looked more 6-foot-8 where now he stands legitimately 6-foot-10 (maybe even slightly taller) and the mobility has remained smooth. The coordination, dependable hands, and instinctual timing as a shot-blocker or presence in the dunker’s spot offensively is surfacing consistently. Jeffers went up against Justin Caldwell (Georgetown commit) and you could tell there was some intent to prove himself against that level of competition. He shined brightly in the matchup and finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four stocks while disrupting Caldwell plenty around the rim with his elite length.

12p 8r 2b 1s vs Blake

-Thought that Jeffers work on the glass really clinched things for DeMatha down the stretch of a close game that almost went to overtime. The athletic forward prospect snagged 4 offensive rebounds, 3 of them coming late to extend possessions for his team or earn a trip to the FT line. His instincts as a shot-blocker coming over from the weakside really are coming along as he’s learning to contest shots without fouling and bailing his matchup out. The only downside was his 2-5 performance from the FT line, as that is an area that will need to be improved to maximize his rebounding talents and keep him on the floor during tight games. 

DMV Live

-Jeffers transferred in from nearby Wheaton into the powerhouse program this offseason and should really entice scouts with his measurables and potential. Jeffers has long arms, gets off the ground quickly, can block shots, runs the floor well, and is a dependable lob target. He should slot into a big role with the Stags off rip to provide a much-needed presence in the key. Remains to be seen if he will be a scoring threat from the perimeter, but we’ve loved what we’ve seen from his touch around the basket and he seems to be a capable stationary playmaker from both the block and low post. Finding a good big with his upside and willingness to play his role is so valuable in today’s landscape at the HS level and especially at the college level.