Jaxon Hartman 6’2 185 2022 Wilson Memorial HS, Fishersville VA
What impresses me most about Jaxon is his disciplined shot mechanics beginning with his shot preparation and throughout his high release. He is one of the better shooters in the sophomore class in Virginia showing great range and three-level scoring productivity and the ability to hit contested shots at a good rate. He doesn’t appear to be overly quick but what he may lack in measurables he makes up for with sound mechanics, skill, and a great feel and gets into the lane with good regularity. He’s ball quick! Jaxon has solid footwork and makes great cuts, moving intelligently off the ball to get too soft spots in the defense and knocking down shots at a high percentage from all over the floor. Watching him shoot the basketball is like watching a clinic on shooting. He has a good base and sound footwork in his shot preparation. He gathers nicely under his body and elevates with good lift and fluidity into his shot. He gets to his shot pocket quickly and doesn’t need much time to get his shot off.
Jaxon is excellent coming off screens or simply relocating, he’s also downright lethal pulling up off the dribble. He has very good footwork and timing attacking closeouts, uses shot fakes, and pass fakes effectively. He uses jabs to freeze defenders, sidesteps to relocate behind the arc, and does a great job on one and two dribble pullups off a shot or pass fake. His range extends well beyond the arc and he can hit NBA range three-pointers at a good rate. Jaxon is an elite level shooter but also demonstrates solid scoring instincts. He has a knack for getting into the lane and using his strong frame and shot-making creativity to score. He also demonstrates the ability to initiate the offense showing a very good handle, doesn’t waste dribbles, and can make a play off the bounce demonstrating very good passing skills and the ability to find the open man. He makes quick reads and decisions within the flow of the offense thanks to his vision and a very high basketball IQ.
A very good playmaker in addition to his elite-level shot-making skills, Jaxon can drive hard in either direction and is equally effective making plays for himself and for teammates going left or right. He demonstrates great body control, a strong frame, and the ability to play through contact. He changes speeds instinctively, can break defenders down with crossovers, behind the back and between the legs dribble moves and shows a good burst off a hesitation or change of direction move. He has a great touch and uses the glass so effectively and finishes over length nicely. Also able to finish with either hand at the rim! Jaxon’s sound execution of fundamentals and solid footwork serves him well on the defensive end and he is often tasked with guarding the other team’s best player! He has very good lateral mobility and upper body strength which helps him contain the dribble nicely and he competes on every possession. Great anticipation skills and good quickness allows him to be a factor off the ball.
Jaxon had a strong sophomore season and in fact, was the only sophomore to earn all-district honors in the Shenandoah District; he also earned honorable mention at the 2019 Pangos All-East Frosh/Sophomore Camp. College coaches are beginning to take note and he has already caught the attention of coaches in the Ivy League and the Atlantic 10. He has the DNA! Jaxon’s Dad Jeremy Hartman played his college basketball at Shenandoah University and his Mom played at Liberty University in the mid 1990s! Jaxon appears well on his way to following in their footsteps. A high academic student-athlete boasting a 3.9 GPA, Jaxon has recently been accepted into the National Honor Society and was also chosen to attend the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School for STEM this coming fall. He has an incredible work ethic and attention to detail often summoning his father, who is also a coach to critique his game film. Look for Jaxon to soon establish himself among the most highly regarded in a strong sophomore class in Virginia.