TOLEDO, Ohio — Since returning home from a trip to Los Angeles over MLK Weekend, Emmanuel Christian sophomore Jerry Easter has done pretty much everything to bolster his team.
"I've been having a lot of fun. Whatever I can do for my team, that's what I want to do," Easter said. "I think my game has been improving since the very beginning. Plus, our team as well with adding more plays and getting better at defense and rebounds. If we keep working hard in practice, we can go far."
With three weeks to go in the regular season, the AP No. 3-ranked Warriors in Division III sit at 15-2 and possess a 5-game winning streak. During that span Easter is averaging nearly 33 points per game, to go along with ten rebounds.
"He's really difficult to guard in the full court," interim head coach Dave Regnier said. "When he gets a rebound, he can get from one to the other quicker than anyone I've ever seen."
At just 16 years old, Easter has already risen to the national stage compiling 22 Division One offers. His first collegiate interest came from Bowling Green while in middle school.
"I'm blessed to get those offers and I'm glad the coaches like my game," Easter said. "But I just really want to keep working hard and be the best I can be."
There's no question the talent this 6'4" shooting guard possesses. What's scary for those having to compete against him is the potential his coaches believe Easter still has.
"He's working on the other parts of the game, but again he's a 16-year-old sophomore," Regnier said. "So, where we think he's going to be and where he is now is a way different place."
Of course, balancing college scouts with an eye on a State run is not easy for any teenager. But through support from his school, Easter has remained grounded.
"Emmanuel has been really fun and they've been treating me with love," Easter said. "So, me having all the buzz I don't really pay attention to it all that much because I want to stay humble and keep working. I just want to keep getting better every day and do well in class, thank God & play with my brothers."