Preview: Defensive improvements a must for Patriot HS
by Jamaar Hawkins, recruit757
Former Bruton player Jalen Carr entered his senior season without a college destination, which can always be a sticky subject for athletes during the final year of high school competition. Late in the spring Carr decided to visit Pfeiffer University, a Division II program in North Carolina. Following the visit, Carr knew Pfeiffer was the right choice and decided to make the call.
“It was a big relief. It’s definitely a stressful time. I chose Pfeiffer because I loved the feel of the school. It’s a small school, so coming from Bruton it wasn’t much of a change,” Carr said of his decision. “The decision was nerve racking. At some points during the season I said to myself, ‘Maybe basketball isn’t in my future’. But with the help of my mom and dad, they really pushed the envelope and told me that God has a plan and just be patient,” he added.
The second-team all-state selection was also receiving interest from Catawba, Christopher Newport, Mount Olive and Virginia State at the time of his commitment. Prior to Carr’s senior season, only CNU showed interest in the Bruton standout, but following the April 27th visit to Pfieffer , the decision was made up for the 6-foot-1 guard.
“The coaching staff did an amazing job recruiting me and made me feel welcome from the time I walked on the campus,” Carr added.
Carr, actually began his Bruton career on the junior varsity. As a sophomore, he slid into the sixth man role before manning both guard positions for his final two years at the school, leading Bruton to its third trip to the state tournament in four years. Carr was also a part of the first boys’ soccer team to advance to the state finals in school history.
“it was amazing being the sixth man on a team that made it all the way to the state championship. Junior year was really the reality check for me. Everyone looked at me to score the ball a lot more and I was able to take a leadership role and become a captain as well. Senior year, I had to take over the point guard role, so that was different for me. But with the support of my team I got more comfortable as the season went on,” Carr noted.
Carr, will likely serve in a reserve role for Pfeiffer this upcoming season. The Falcons also signed a pair of Norfolk guards in Gabe Miller (Lake Taylor) and Mike Basnight (Maury/Bryant & Stratton) to its 2016 recruiting class. With three point guards coming in at the same, you wonder how team chemistry would be affected. Not much, according to Carr as the trio has already worked out during the offseason despite the position battles that await.
“I’ve talked to them at a couple workouts at Maury High School,” said Carr.
Carr will leave for Pfeiffer on August 9th. Until then, the Williamsburg native is preparing for a new role as an incoming freshman: coming off the bench.
“Being a backup pg, they run a very up-tempo style, pressing full-court, so I should be in the rotation,” added Carr.
-Jamaar Hawkins
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