Vance Jackson might be high school basketball’s best-kept secret. Playing with Prolific Prep (Napa, CA), Jackson has shined. Before committing to the University of Connecticut this past fall, the 6’8” Small Forward from the Class of 2016 held offers from over 15 schools, but from the beginning, Jackson knew that UCONN was the school for him. “UCONN is a place that feels like home. I have a good relationship with the coach, I want to win, and this gives me the opportunity to have an impact right away as a freshman.” Jackson explained.

 

     Vance Jackson was born on August 20, 1997, and soon after, began to dominate the game of basketball, saying, “I was five when I started playing.  I wanted to play and it was my mom who gave me a basketball. We started shooting together when I was five.” Jackson became a forced to be reckoned with. Playing at St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA), Jackson began to receive attention from scouts all over the country. That wasn’t enough. After a stellar Sophomore season, Jackson attempted to transfer to Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, CA), but in a surprising turn of events, he announced that he would be attending Prolific Prep Academy. “I didn’t go to Mater Dei because I want to get better and at Prolific Prep [I get better] by competing against the top players nationally,” Jackson said. “I’ll be playing against someone at my position every day in practice, so that’ll help me when I’m training. We have a tough schedule and it just prepares me for college.”

 

     With Prolific Prep, Jackson has elevated his game to new levels. Joining him on Prolific Prep is Josh Jackson, the third best player in the Class of 2016 according to ESPN while Vance is ranked 49th. Together, they have formed a dynamic duo that has taken high school basketball by storm. “Josh and I go hard against each other. It’s a lot of fun.” Jackson said. Playing with tremendous talent isn’t the only way that Prolific Prep has helped Jackson. Off the court, they prepare these athletes for the future ahead of them. “It prepares you for college. Like you have to know how to manage your time because you still go to school. It’s not really just basketball, you go to school and stuff.” Jackson said.

 

     Jackson’s talent on the court is highlighted by his tremendous ability to score the ball. Last season at St. John Bosco, he nearly averaged 20 points per game, and this year, it has improved. Although he has been very successful scoring the ball, he still looks to improve other parts of his game. “My jumping ability is something that I want to work on. [I plan to improve] that by what I’m doing at Prolific Prep, working on my body, like stretches, running, and stuff.” commented the high school Senior. If he can work to improve those skills, then he will have a legitimate shot at achieving his ultimate goal for this season. “This year, I want to win a national championship.”

 

     With one year remaining in high school, a great group of teammates to help him, Vance Jackson will stop at nothing to be a national champion. One thing is for sure: Vance Jackson is a player to look out for in the Class of 2016 as he looks to become the next great UCONN Husky.