Unheralded recruit completely clears defender on amazing slam
James Demery has yet to fully explode on the basketball recruiting circuit. The shooting guard from North Carolina, a member of the class of 2014, has flown under the radar because of his high school affiliation -- he plays for Greenville (N.C.) Oakwood School as opposed to one of Tobacco Road's more recognized basketball factories like Word of God Academy -- and because he simply hasn't played in a load of significant events.
Now that may be about to change, in large part because of his absolutely awe-inspiring athleticism. Want proof? Just check out the clip of the 16-year-old above.
Considering the fact that Demery stands approximately 6-foot-4, the fact that he can completely clear an identically sized defender in the post -- and do so essentially by elevating straight up (you can almost cue an elevator operator: "Going up, sir?") -- is almost terrifying. Make no mistake, the player Demery cleared is at least 6-foot-4; Wiliamsburg (Va.) Christian School wingman Jake Duncan is officially listed at 6-foot-4, but might be even taller.
Demery might not be the most explosive player in the country yet, but he has to be pretty close.
The player who tossed the alley-oop for Demery to slam down is also helping add to the Oakwood star's viral legend. Fellow sophomore Sadeeq Bello, the younger brother of super prospect Deuce Bello, stood out next to Demery in a series of camps this fall. According to the likes of High School Hoop, the most significant of those break-out performances may have come at a ScoutsFocus Elite 80 camp in September, where the two sophomores faced off against the elder Bello and other top recruits like Quincy Miller.
Whether Demery continues to develop at the rapid pace he has shown in the past couple of months is anyone's question, but at least one thing is now certain: We know the kid can get up.
Want more on the best stories in high school sports? Visit RivalsHigh or connect with Prep Rally on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For more highlights from around the nation and live streaming video of top games, check out Rivals High TV.
