D1 Coaches, Jeffrey Puckett’s basketball ability warrants your attention, now!
Tucked away in Newland, North Carolina hides a basketball gem. Avery County High School is a 1A school, so far west it almost borders Tennessee. Avery County is the newest county in the state of North Carolina holding a population of just 17,500 people.
As a sophomore, Jeffrey Puckett averaged 9 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists per game. As the smallest school (only 255 total students) playing in a mixed 1A/2A conference, Avery County went 12-0. The team went to the fourth round of the state playoffs, dropping to three (3) time defending state champions Winston Salem Prep.
As with most small schools, the better athletes play multiple sports. Traditionally, Puckett has also played basketball and football. However, this summer he decided to focus on basketball. He trained his body and he trained his game.
Puckett has always had great feel, he handles well in the open court and his jump shot is silky smooth with deep range. However, now with this new focus on just basketball, his game is taking off. He is stronger, enabling himself to be considered a very good wing defender. His athleticism has “jumped” off the charts, consistently putting down finishes in traffic.
While the team returns two (2) seniors who averaged over 10 points per game, make no mistake, Puckett is now the man on his team. College coaches, it is now your time to head over to Grandfather Mountain and watch this kid play. He is deserved of early offers, as early as before Christmas, and will garner multiple D1 offers.
Trust me, this kid is motivated!
Puckett has come to multiple Phenom Hoops events, let’s see what we have said:
2014 Spring NC Phenom 150
#178 6’4 ’17 Jeffrey Puckett of Avery HS (NC)
We first watched Jeffrey at the NC Phenom Skills Clinic back in September. He immediately grabbed our attention with his size, PG skills, and ability to shoot the ball. He scored 18 points in his first camp game and chipped in 8 before getting injured. That being said, he has a high skill set that will be quite appealing to collegiate coaches. Coach West stated, “Jeffrey can flat out shoot with guard skills. He is a tall PG with a very high IQ.” Look for Jeffrey to take a big leap in the Phenom Hoop NC 2017 rankings. He is one to definitely put in your SIM CARD.
2015 Fall NC Phenom 150 Session 1
No. 144 6’5 ’17 Jeffrey Puckett (Avery HS/NC)
Jeffrey has good size/length and ability to run the PG position. He has advanced ball handling/passing skills and really sees the open court with authority. He has an excellent midrange jumper and has the ability to score off the dribble. Coach Baxter stated,“Jeffrey really works hard and flat out gets it done. He can play inside and out and has the ability to be efficient at both.” Overall, a player whose stock is on the rise! Avg. 11.3 PPG