James Reese came to the Phenom Summer Havoc as a very good complimentary player. The 6’3” wing started for AC Flora High School last season, an AC Flora team that made it to the South Carolina state 3A Finals.
Last season AC Flora was led by 6’8” Karl Gamble (now at Middle Tennessee St) and 6’5” James Murray Boyles (now at UNC Pembroke). Reese was a very good secondary player. During AAU, Reese played with the South Carolina Kings, who were led by 6’4” Jordan Davis. Davis averaged over 20 points per game and picked up 5 offers in July, leading the way.
Back to AC Flora for his junior year, and now it is Reese’s team. While only a junior it is Reese that will be looked on to be the steading leader of the group. Reese has earned his stripes playing on varsity as a freshman when his team won the state title, and then last season as a starter in the state finals game.
Reese is a big time athlete, always has been. He has a vertical over 40” and he uses that in transition, as he routinely finishes well above the rim. Reese has a very long reach to go along with his quick feet. When locked in, Reese is able to defend multiple positions along the perimeter. In watching Reese play it is obvious that he realizes this is his turn. His game has developed into being much more of a basketball player than an athlete. He is comfortable with his pull-up game showing ability both off the catch and off the bounce.
After the Phenom Summer Havoc Reese picked up his first offer from North Carolina A&T. He also earned an invite to the prestigious South Carolina Top 80 this year where he will be able to go head to head against the best the state has to offer.
On paper, AC Flora should be favored to get back to the 3A South Carolina State Finals. However, if they are to live up to expectations, they will need for Reese to step up. Early returns are that he has.