Jack Berg '19 Recruiting Profile

    Basketball has been the love of my life for as long as I can remember! In fact, my mom says my first word was ball. It has been and continues to be my passion for many reasons. It is a game that challenges you and makes you a better person on and off the court.  My collegiate goal is to find a school with classes that meet my desire to pursue a career in aviation or business.  My strengths as a player is being able to hit the 3 point shot, mid range, and close at the rim.  I love attacking the rim and if the shot isn't there,  there is nothing that makes me happier than finding an open team mate. Another strength, I have is composure during challenging moments  during game time which allows me to hit last minute shots.  As a sophomore, I had to work really hard to earn my starting varsity position.  This had to be done by making my defense more tenancious .  This became my mission to be become the best defensive player I could be and protect the basket to better help my team.  It was hard work but it paid off by making me a more well rounded player.  My varsity experiences, starting my freshman year to now, has given me lots of game situations and opportunities to expand my basketball IQ, court vision, and become a leader for my team. As a team captain this year, I have learned how to encourage, lead, and push my teammates as well as myself.  I want to be the type of leader that builds my teams mates up and ignites them! Our team fought against a lot of adversity this season (injuries and illness) and but we still made it to the elite 8 at the state tourney.  But that gave me a taste of what I really want now, which is to make it to the championship game my senior year!  When I am not studying hard for my school classes, or working on my game I love to help others.  Last year I was a referee for elementary basketball players for our recreational league.  One of my most rewarding experiences is volunteering for Project Portland which I have done during my last 3 spring breaks.  This is an awesome opportunity to help the homeless in the inner city Portland area. 

    What sets me apart of from other recruits is my effectiveness as a shooter at several ranges, my ability to find the open man, my competivive drive to win games, my calm composure, and my leadership qualities to make my team mates better. I am motivated to work hard, set a good example and do everything I can to win games.

    In the class room I also work hard and apply myself by taking challenging classes including an AP class and AVID classes that set me up to excel in high school and in college. I am a three sport athlete,  volunteer in the community, and work as a basketball referee for elementary and middle schoolers in the winter while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.  I have a personal goal of achieving a 3.8 this semester while continuing a rigorous schedule. It is important to note that I am not the type of kid you will find causing trouble at school or drinking at a party.  My idea of having a good time is playing hoops in our barn with a group of solid guys. I have uncommon goals for my future (being collegiate athlete!) and know this takes an uncommon work ethic and focus to achieve this dream.  With the help of my parents, coaches, and teachers I want to find the best school that matches my dreams of being a college student athlete.  I am humble, friendly, motivated, and eager to be the best team mate and player I can be.