Chester, PA has become a hot bed for basketball talent lately. Jameer Nelson is one of the top point guards in the NBA and former phenom Tyreke Evans should be shaking David Sterns hand soon. Last summer at the 12 and Under Nationals I laid eyes on one of Chester’s future prospects by the name of Shepard Garner. Garner was one of the top performers from the entire event playing with Youth Interlock. He proved that my assessment wasn’t a fluke during a recent Xmas tourney by scorching the Gauchos with a triple double in the finals (37pts, 15 rebounds and 11 dimes).
Garner is probably the top player in his class and continues to get better. “He’s the ultimate competitor and does everything on the floor. He plays the game with passion and makes all the basketball plays necessary to get the job done. His court awareness and feel for the game is tremendous” said Poo Evans of Fidonce Player Development. Evans is the brother of Tyreke Evans and is currently in charge of Garner’s development. In terms of comparisons to his brother Evans speaks up, “ I think Shep is like my brother in terms of being a student of the game and his passion to win. He can watch a game and complete a quiz on assessing the players that played. I’m very impressed by that.” Evans said.
Evans also knows Garner is very young and far from complete. “Right now I’m working with him on his footwork, ball handling and outside shooting. I really believe this kid has special talent and will become a serious player in a few years.” Evans finished. Garner is currently playing with Youth Interlock that has improved its roster and should make a serious run at the 13U AAU National title.
We will be watching his progress and give you updates.
