David Rose Memorial Day Classic Previews
6'5' 2019 Jace McKenney
Carolina Wolves NC 2019
By Jamie Shaw
The second the ball is tipped you notice 6'5' sophomore Jace McKenney. His strength and explosion are immediately apparent as he plays a very loud and very powerful game. McKenny, blessed with long arms and an explosive vertical leap plays in non-stop attack mode and above the rim both finishing and rebounding.
McKenney is just now coming into his own as a player. This past year, he moved back to Southport, North Carolina and found some stability. A gym rat by all accounts, the game is slowing down for McKenney. On the court he is able to play the 2-4 positions, on both ends of the floor.
McKenney was the youngest player on his high school team this season. He plays at South Brunswick High School, which is coached by Scott Wainwright. Wainwright spent 12 years as a coach on a college bench and is the son of well-known college coach Jerry Wainwright. McKenney was the team's second leading scorer and rebounder this season.
McKenney showed up at our Fall NC Phenom 150 exposure camp where he really made a name for himself. His thunderous play above the rim turned heads as did his non stop effort on both ends of the floor, 'McKenney turned a lot of heads throughout camp. He is a maximum effort wing who rebounded and defended with a purpose. He also has great length and is extremely athletic as he hung out on the rims all day long. McKenney's camp coach stated, 'Jace played the 1 through 3 today for us. He has a great presence in the paint and at the rim. A natural team leader and Jace is extremely athletic.'
Two weeks later, McKenney made his way to the prestigious North Carolina Top 80 event. This is an event that puts the best players in the state of North Carolina, regardless of class or classification, under one roof to compete against one another. Even in this setting McKenney stood out as we wrote, 'McKenny came out the gates with a 26 point game. He is a very physical, high motor wing. McKenny chases every rebound and blocked shot and is very competitive. McKenny uses his high level explosion and length to play well above the rim. A very productive player with clear upside.'
This will be a big July for him as he plays with the Carolina Wolves 16u team. We are eager to watch how he competes in this event. There is no question he is a Division 1 prospect and that type of recruitment should become the regular sooner rather than later.
